Group ranges from new artists to established superstars like Mick Jagger & Keith Richards, Elton John, Steven Tyler & Joe Perry, Linkin Park, Sia, Regina Spektor, R.E.M, Lorde, Blondie, Cyndi Lauper, CAKE, Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, Rosanne Cash, Duke Fakir, Amanda Shires, Lionel Richie, Pearl Jam, Green Day and Panic! At the Disco
Washington, D.C. July 28, 2020 – The Artist Rights Alliance (ARA), an artist-run, non-profit fighting for songwriters and musicians in the modern music economy, has joined forces with a broad coalition ranging from established superstars to gig performers and working songwriters demanding the major US national political party committees “establish clear policies requiring campaigns to seek consent of featured recording artists, songwriters, and copyright owners before publicly using their music in a political or campaign setting” and condition party committees' financial support of campaigns on adherence to those policies.
In a letter addressed to the Democratic and Republican National, Congressional, and Senatorial committees, the group highlights the obligation of political campaigns to seek and receive permission to use music as part of campaign ads and rallies, and the fundamental right of music creators to decide who can use their music and on what terms. The letter underscores that failing to meet those obligations and respect those rights is an ethical lapse that compromises artistic integrity, falsely implies support, and risks serious legal consequences.
ARA explained the urgency of the issue: “We’ve seen so many artists and estates dragged into politics against their will and forced to take aggressive action to prohibit the use of their music - usually songs that are broadcast during political rallies or used in campaign ads. It can confuse and disappoint fans and even undermine an artists’ long-term income – and mostly, it's just not right. Politicians that want to represent the public trust must do better – by seeking consent before exploiting an artist’s or songwriter’s image and work.”
ARA continued: “Many of these artists have spent a lifetime making music that we all know and love. At the very least, it should be their choice – especially in these hyper-partisan times. With so many creators raising concerns about this issue, it is time to take action and ensure our voices are heard.”
