CALGARY — Alberta country music star Paul Brandt says he wants to see more of Tory leadership candidate Jason Kenney’s policies after the politician used his well-known song "Alberta Bound" without asking the singer first.
The song was played as Kenney was introduced last week for his leadership announcement.
Brandt says no one from the Kenney campaign reached out to him asking if they could use the song.
Politicians don’t have to get artists permission to use their music at campaign events, as long as the venue has a licence from the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada, or SOCAN.
An official from the Kenney camp said they have every reason to believe the song use was handled appropriately, as the venue has a licence.
Brandt said he also looks at someone using his music for a cause as a compliment.
“I didn’t receive a call and I’m really looking forward to knowing more about what he has to say in the future,” he stated.
Some artists have gotten upset in the past when politicians with whom their politics don't jive use their music.
This year, Canadian rock legend Neil Young requested Donald Trump stop playing his music at events, as did R.E.M.
Fellow Canadian artist K’naan asked Mitt Romney to not use his song "Wavin’ Flag" in 2012.
In 2008 when John McCain and Sarah Palin were running on the Republican ticket, the Foo Fighters, Van Halen, John Mellencamp, ABBA, Heart, Gretchen Peters and Bon Jovi all spoke out against them using their music.
