Music & Political Campaigns

Are political campaign strategists music supervisors? Do political campaigns follow the same artist permission/licensing standards of music supervisors?

Music and political campaigns have worked hand in hand for decades. Who could forget Bill Clinton's 1992 anthem "Don't Stop" by Fleetwood Mac? However, over the years there have been many artists who have NOT been happy with political figures using their material on the campaign trail. Just this week the Silversun Pickups sent a cease-and-desist order to the Romney camp for the use of their song "Panic Switch."

Per my research and not surprisingly so, it seems that more musicians have issues with Republican candidates using their music than Democrats. However, some artists like Brooks & Dunn are happy to share their music with the world no matter if it's being used by a donkey or an elephant (both Obama 2008 and Bush 2004 used "Only In America" during their campaigns).

I've posted a couple interesting articles on the subject, including CNN's article about the Silversun Pickups.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/16/politics/music-in-campaigns/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

http://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2012/02/29/147592568/music-in-political-campaigns-101

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/tom-petty-tells-michele-bachmann-to-stop-playing-american-girl-20110628

 And if you want to check out some famous campaign/music pairings check out Spotify's playlist titled Campaign Songs Past & Present.

As we approach election day I'll be interested to hear not only what comes out of the candidates mouth, but what plays over venue speakers and runs in TV ads.

Jamie Cullum's Radio Show

As you may know from previous posts I'm a big fan of BBC Radio 1. I love The Chart with Reggie Yates and hearing great DJs and new dance music on Annie Mac's show. However, I have to say I never knew there were BBC stations beyond Radio 1 because I always used my bookmark link. Today for whatever reason I clicked on BBC Music at the top of the Radio 1 page and found there are several other music stations out there including Radio 1xtra, Radio 2, 3, and 6. Of course I had to explore a bit and I found some really cool stuff, including the fact that one of my favorite jazz artists, Jamie Cullum, has his own show.

Every Tuesday at 7 PM, 11 AM PT, Cullum brings a cool mix of classic jazz favorites  (Duke Ellington) and new pieces, which this week included a cover of "Dancing In The Dark" by the Part-Time Heroes. The cool thing about all the BBC Radio shows is that you can listen to the last program for up to a week, which is great for us friends across the pond. Enjoy!

Here's a link to Cullum's show and you can access all BBC Music via the Radio link at the top.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01lsv1z

Story Of Famous Club To Hit Big Screen

For 33 years, the letters above 315 Bowery in NYC represented a special place for musicians and music fans alike and next year the story of CBGB will hit the big screen.

Starring Ashley Greene, Bradley Whitford and Castle's Stana Katic, CBGB the movie will capture the club's famous energy and atmosphere. Known mostly as the place that broke the Ramones, CBGB's also played a critical role in the careers of Patti Smith, Blondie, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Talking Heads, and The B-52's.

If you visit 315 Bowery today, you'll find the store of fashion designer John Varvatos, but if you make it to Cleveland, the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame has the famous CBGB awning on display (see my photo above). And come next year you can relive your CBGB days or see a glimpse of what you've heard about from your elders when CBGB hits theaters.