Key Sentence:
- Indie group Friendly Fires criticized Prime Minister Boris Johnson after appearing on one of their songs ahead of his keynote at a Conservative Party conference.
- Johnson took to the stage in Manchester on Wednesday, helped by the sound of their song Blue Cassette.
The group later tweeted that they did not grant permission. The Conservative Party has not yet commented on the group’s statement. The group posted their story on Instagram and Twitter accounts and said, “We do not support the Conservative Party’s use of our song Blue Cassette.
“Our permission has not been requested, and we have asked our management to ensure that it is not being used again.” What rules apply to politicians’ musical choices? The Friendly Fires are certainly not the first group to speak out against politicians co-opting their Music.
During Donald Trump’s 2020 election campaign, artists such as Indie Band The Rolling Stones, Phil Collins and Tom Petty. And the Prince estate protested when their songs were performed at rallies.
Neil Young even filed a lawsuit to stop the campaign with his song Rocking In The Free World.
However, by law, American politicians don’t always need the artist’s direct permission. Instead, campaigns can purchase license packages from music protection organizations such as BMI and ASCAP. Which gives them legal access to millions of songs. Some, including the Rolling Stones, have abandoned this deal – but many artists are surprise when their Music turns into a politician. Themed song and uses public protests to distance themselves from politicians or individuals who disapprove of it.
In England, the situation is more precise. The PPL – the authority that Indie Band permits the use of sound recordings – requires political events. As party conferences to “obtain permission from respective rights holders” before using a song.
In the case of friendly fire, the Conservatives don’t seem to be doing this Because most musicians are left-leaning and politically liberal. It is easier for the Labor Party to attract musicians to their cause. However, Keir Starmer had a straightforward job arranging his Music at last week’s Labor conference. First, he chose the dance song Right Here, Right Now, composed by a childhood friend whom he shared violin lessons: Fatboy Slim.
Remarks, warnings: Third-party content may contain advertisements. PRS For Music, which manages the music rights on behalf of its members. Said the venue does not have permission to use Music that would associate the word with a political message. Adding that permission for direct use with all relevant rights-holders must be obtained.