Semisonic objects to White House using their song ‘Closing Time’

Semisonic, a popular band known for their hit song “Closing Time,” is expressing their disapproval towards the White House for using their music in a social media post. The controversial post depicted a man being detained, with his wrists handcuffed to his waist, while the lyrics of the song played in the background, saying, “You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here.”

In response to this unauthorized use of their song, the band released a statement to the Associated Press, asserting that they did not authorize or condone the White House’s use of their music. They emphasized that the song “Closing Time” is meant to convey feelings of joy, possibilities, and hope, which they believe the White House failed to capture in their post.

When questioned about the post, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s message, stating that it aligns with the president’s agenda. This controversial use of music by the White House has sparked criticism from Semisonic and other artists who have faced similar issues in the past.

“Closing Time” is a track from Semisonic’s 1998 album, “Feeling Strangely Fine,” which achieved moderate success on the Billboard charts. The song reached No. 4 on Billboard’s Adult Alternative Airplay chart and earned a Grammy nomination for best rock song, solidifying its place as a fan favorite.

Semisonic is not alone in their objection to political figures using their music without permission. A long list of renowned artists, including ABBA, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, and Beyoncé, have spoken out against politicians, such as Trump, for using their music in campaigns and public appearances without consent.

The issue of unauthorized use of music by political entities raises important questions about the intersection of art, politics, and intellectual property rights. Artists like Semisonic are fighting to protect their creative works and ensure that their music is not misappropriated for political purposes without their permission.

In conclusion, the dispute between Semisonic and the White House highlights the ongoing challenges artists face when their music is used without authorization. It serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting artists’ rights and creative control over their work, regardless of the context in which it is used.