Music and politics have long intersected, with campaign anthems, rally songs, and playlisted soundtracks energizing audiences and setting the tone at rallies. From rock ballads to pop anthems, campaign teams carefully select songs that convey the right message—one of unity, strength, optimism, or resilience. But music in politics isn’t just about inspiring the crowd; it’s also a delicate dance of copyright, artist preferences, and legal permissions. With high-profile campaigns, particularly in recent elections, navigating music clearances has become more visible and contentious.
This article will explore how campaigns leverage music, some of the memorable stories from recent elections, and the complex process of clearing music for campaign use.
1. Why Music Matters in Political Campaigns
Music is more than just background noise at rallies—it’s a powerful tool that can capture emotions, stir patriotism, and even subtly communicate a candidate’s values or policy goals. An upbeat, hopeful song can make a candidate seem approachable and forward-looking, while a classic rock anthem might convey strength and determination. In the 2008 Obama campaign, for instance, “Yes We Can” by will.i.am became an anthem that resonated with supporters, underscoring the campaign’s message of hope and change.
During the 2024 campaign, playlists also took on new importance in reaching younger demographics. Campaigns crafted playlists on platforms like Spotify, appealing to younger voters and connecting them to the campaign in a more personal way.
2. The Process of Clearing Music: A Delicate Legal Matter
To use a song in a campaign, permissions are essential. Without proper licensing, campaigns run the risk of lawsuits, public backlash, or cease-and-desist orders. Typically, campaigns need two types of clearances:
- Master Recording License: Granted by the record label, this allows for the use of a specific recording.
- Synchronization License: Issued by the music publisher, this covers the use of the song itself, regardless of the artist’s recording.
Notably, some high-profile artists have openly criticized or legally challenged campaigns that used their music without permission. For example, in previous elections, artists like The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, and Rihanna issued statements disapproving of their music being used by certain candidates. For musicians, it’s often a matter of aligning their values with those of the campaign or ensuring their art isn’t politicized in ways they don’t support.
3. Memorable Stories from Recent Elections
The 2024 election season brought its own stories and controversies regarding campaign music. Here are a few examples that stood out:
- The Springsteen Effect: Known for his blue-collar anthems and patriotic undertones, Bruce Springsteen’s music has often been a campaign favorite, with “Born to Run” and “Born in the U.S.A.” frequently appearing in political playlists. However, Springsteen has been vocal about which campaigns he supports, preferring to endorse candidates personally rather than allowing free use of his music. In 2024, he allowed use of his songs for a specific campaign event with explicit permission, marking a notable exception in a career that typically sees tightly controlled music licensing.
- Using AI to Curate Campaign Playlists: Campaigns used AI in 2024 to tailor playlists based on demographic preferences, customizing music choices for regional rallies and targeting different voter groups. This AI-driven approach allowed campaigns to use data analytics to decide which songs resonated most with particular audiences, creating a “playlist of the people” in a uniquely digital way.
- New Restrictions on Political Music Use: In 2024, new discussions emerged around implementing stricter guidelines for music use in campaigns, with several artists lobbying for legislation to prevent unauthorized use of their work. Inspired by past legal challenges, these discussions highlighted the growing movement among musicians to control how their work is used politically.
4. How Music Reflects Political Identity
Every election cycle, music choices make headlines, as they reveal something about the candidate’s image and personality. Choosing John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” could appeal to rural voters, while Lizzo’s “Good as Hell” might attract a younger, more diverse audience. Campaign teams often walk a fine line, choosing music that is recognizable and impactful while still being acceptable to the artist.
In today’s political climate, where branding is as important as policy, music has become a key part of a campaign’s identity. For many voters, these musical cues can even influence perceptions of a candidate’s personality, relatability, and values.
5. How Fans and Voters Can Impact Campaign Music Choices
As consumers become more aware of music clearance issues, they have a role to play. Fans and voters who value artist autonomy can influence campaigns by supporting musicians who take a stand for the use of their work. Social media has become a platform for voicing opinions on campaign music, and public feedback has led some campaigns to change or adjust their playlists in response to backlash.
In a world where music and politics intersect more visibly than ever, respecting artists’ rights while choosing the right campaign soundtrack is a balancing act. Music will likely remain an enduring part of political branding, and as campaigns evolve, so too will the ways they approach the powerful role of music in shaping messages, values, and connections with voters.
