Sigur Ros have published a new list explaining the different ways in which advertisers have ‘paid homage’ to their music.
Known for their anti-ad stance, Sigur Ros have staunchly refused to allow their music to be licensed. As a result, some advertisers have taken huge liberties in crafting soundalikes to get around copyright rules.
Collecting together some of the finest examples, Sigur Ros have published a highly entertaining blog in which they list some of the more notable offenders.
The results are fascinating – Sigur Ros have been simulated for some high profile ads across the world. Introducing the list, the Icelandic group said:
“As some of you may know Sigur rós have spent the decade since they were thrust into the spotlight saying ‘no’ to their music being used in advertising. Yes, they’ve done movies, TV and given music to charity “synchs” (as it is called when you “synchronise” music to picture), but despite rumours to the contrary they have never allowed their music to be used to sell anything. And they get asked A Lot. Sometimes they get asked, say ‘no’ and then a few months later an ad will suddenly appear that sounds strangely familiar.”
The list makes for fascinating reading. Click HERE for full details.
Meanwhile, a follow up post takes issue with our own BBC. It seems that Auntie only need to pay a flat fee for 30 second chunks, meaning that they are able to take elements of any song they fancy.
As a result Sigur Ros – and latterly Elbow – have been splattered all over terrestrial television for the past three years. “As many of you know ‘Hoppípolla’ was used almost daily on the BBC three years back to promote their flagship nature show ‘Planet Earth’. The BBC (and the other UK terrestrial channels) do not have to ask for permission from artists to make this kind of use, they just pay a flat fee under the so-called “blanket agreement” deal. This allows them to soundtrack fast-moving events (football matches, for instance, or in fact anything at all) without having to go to the lengthy process of requesting clearance.”
“Contrary to popular understanding these payments do not mean your ship is about to come in. In fact, as far as I can remember the blanket rate is something like £85 for 30 seconds. Although the exposure offered Sigur Rós for the estimable ‘Planet Earth’ synch certainly helped a lot people find out about ‘Takk…’. So, to anyone who thinks the band have sold out every time you hear them on ‘X-factor’ (tell us about it!), there is nothing they can do about it, right? So just back off.”
Click HERE to read the entire blog.
