I just finished up reading this great post from techno artist Morgan Geist, regarding the usage of a song from his Metro Area project in a toothpaste advert in the UK. It’s an excellent read, and got me thinking about my own views on the subject.
Now, I’m far from a working musician (and have little ambition or intent to be so) but I am a working graphic designer, so I do come from the POV of someone who makes his living from creative endeavors, if not music specifically. So, I guess I’m not from a completely different planet as Morgan. :)
Personally, I don’t find it to be a black-and-white issue. Some things I wouldn’t mind my music being used for, others I’d be greatly opposed to. If it’s being used in an advert for a product or service I personally use or believe in, or in conjunction with another artistic endeavor of some sort, I’m in.
Rockstar Games wants to put one of my songs in the next GTA and/or use it in one of the adverts? Have at it, guys. Apple wants to use one to sell some iPods? Sure, why not. Darren Aronofsky wants to use one for the soundtrack in his next film? Hell yeah. On the flip side, Cadillac want one to sell Escalades? No way. Mattel would like to use one for it’s next Barbie game? Not a chance. Roland Emmerich wants a song for the soundtrack of his next big-budget crapfest? Nope.
Music is one of the few purely artistic pursuits I engage in, untainted by material compensation. Part of me would like to keep it that way, and never bring money into the equation. The part of me that pays the bills each month, however, has a hard time turning away income. :)