Multi Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter, Beyonce’s ‘Freedom’ song has officially been featured in the campaign advertisement of the United States Vice President and Presidential candidate, Kamala Harris.
Soundtracked by Beyonce’s 2016 record, the first-ever campaign promo of Mrs Harris touches on gun violence, healthcare, and abortion among others. This comes across as topics the US presidential candidate wishes to tackle when given the mandate in the forthcoming elections. “We choose freedom,” Harris says in the clip, as Beyoncé’s powerful chorus kicks in: “Freedom! Freedom! I can’t move / Freedom, cut me loose! Yeah.”
The use of the record which featured Kendrick Lamar, off Beyonce’s ‘Lemonade’ full-length studio album testifies to the candidate’s quest to offer Americans freedom when voted for in the elections she will be battling former President Donald Trump.
The campaign video shared on X has sparked debates amongst music fans regarding the rights politicians must have to use a song in their ads. Co-founder of Audiomack, Brain Zisook has given a step-by-step breakdown of how a politician can legally place a song in his/her political advertisement.
Kamala Harris’ new campaign ad features Beyoncé’s song “Freedom.”
— Z (@BrianZisook) July 25, 2024
Let’s talk music licensing!
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how a song is placed in a political advertisement.
Thread. https://t.co/F7i3xCxDSb
“Identify all the rights holders. This includes the songwriters, publisher(s), and record label. For a superstar act like Beyoncé, seek explicit permission from the artist first, often via their management team or another representative (lawyer)” He tweeted.
Brian added ” With permission in hand, obtain a synchronization license from the music publisher(s) and a master use license from the record label. Get a public performance license to broadcast the ad on TV/radio—this can be done through ASCAP, BMI, SESAC.”
“Negotiate the specific terms of use, which include but are not limited to the duration of use and the specific territories the campaign ad will run
(Given the breakneck speed of Harris’ campaign launch, it’s likely the paperwork isn’t even done on this sync.)” He further shared.
