Copyright has always been something to fight for, making sure your property is yours, and yours alone. Since piracy is so abundant, songwriters are holding on for dear life, and right now, musicians have the right to refuse any of their music ending up in a mash-up, remixes or samples, but the Commerce Department is looking at taking away that right.
According to Rolling Stone a number of musicians, including The Eagles’ Don Henley, Sting, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, and even EDM artist Deadmau5 are standing up in the fight. "I already have to allow other artists to record my songs without permission," they wrote in individual letters to the Patent and Trademark Office earlier this month. "Allowing them to materially change my songs or recordings without my permission is taking it a step too far."
Contact Music noted there is consideration in changing the law due to digital innovations in the music industry, which could lead to individuals using the artist's music without permission as long as they pay a licensing fee.
Longtime friend and fellow Eagle bandmate Joe Walsh added,"It denies my rights under the Copyright Act to engage in fair market negotiation with respect to the exploitation of my work. It strips me of my right to say, 'No,'.”
Undoubtedly, this will be a heavy debate, and possibly all-out fight in the music industry. Still, nothing is up to a vote yet, or even passed by anyone in power to be considered.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
