The use of music in political campaigns often leads to disputes between artists and politicians. Political campaigns need licenses to use music at rallies and in advertisements. Performing rights organizations (PROs) offer licenses for public performances, which may be automatic if you pay their fees. Using music in videos or adverts requires synchronization or master use licenses; these mechanical licenses are not always publicly available easily through a licensing organisation. Political use of music rarely qualifies as fair use, especially when entire songs or recognizable portions are used.

In the Philippines two artists saw their songs used in political campaigns for the upcoming 2025 elections without their consent. Omar Baliw filed a complaint against one senate candidate, Apollo Quiboloy, alleging that his team used the song “K&B” without consent. Baliw’s lawyers stated that: “Without my consent or the procurement of any license, Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, a senatorial aspirant, and Dr. Marlon Rosete, the convenor of the Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy for Senator Movement, used the Song — albeit with modifications to the lyrics and melody to fit their political campaign slogans — during the kick-off campaign of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy on 11 February 2025 in Pasig City. The Song was publicly reproduced and performed without my authorization during a campaign broadcast.”

In another instance, the band Lola Amour, have complained about campaigns that have been using their hit song “Raining In Manila” as a jingle without consent.

The problem is that artist objections due todiffering political views sometimes clash with this copyright law and practice. Artists may object to unauthorized use. But while campaigns might have or be entitled to general venue licenses, those licenses do not always cover political use. This depends on the performance license granted to the venue, and each country may take a different approach as to what their PROs can license. And not every artists joins the PRO.

Further issues can arise such asright of publicity laws and unfair competition in countries where these rights exist. They may be invoked when a campaign’s use of music implies an artist endorses the candidate; or it may be unfair competition if a campaign creates confusion about an artist’s association with a campaign.

There is more certainty in the use of music in campaign ads where artist consent is required when using copyrighted music and usually no blanket license can be obtained from a licensing organization.

Politicians will need to take more care to avoid clashes with popular artists.