Singer Calogero scandalized by the use of one of his songs by the RN

The artist declared that he was “firmly” opposed to the exploitation of his music, “by any party whatsoever”.

France Télévisions – Culture Editorial

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French musician Calogero attends a press conference for the film "The best years of a life"  during the 72nd edition of the Cannes Film Festival, in the south of France, May 19, 2019. (SEBASTIEN BERDA / AFP)

Calogero, star of French song, said Monday June 3 “scandalized” by the broadcast of his song 1987 during the National Rally meeting at the Dôme de Paris on Sunday.

“At no time have I given any authorization to broadcast my music there. I affirm that I would never have given it”writes the artist on his social networks. “My songs are not made for the political framework, they belong to the public and only to the public”continues the interpreter of In front of the sea.

The singer objects “firmly” to what his music “be recovered by any party whatsoever”. Jordan Bardella, RN candidate in the European elections on June 9, spoke in front of more than 5,000 supporters at the Paris Dôme on Sunday.

“Paul Ecole, author of the text 1987 and I deplore a serious violation of our moral rights since my work is associated with a political discourse”concludes the musician who “reserves the right to take any legal action in this matter”.

Political parties do “often worth” that it is enough to be in good standing with Sacem (Society of Authors, Composers and Music Publishers), Pierre Lautier, lawyer specializing in copyright, explains to AFP. But Sacem, “who manages the exploitation rights” of music, “has in no way prerogatives over moral rights”he continues.

Clearly, in parallel with declaring the use of a piece to Sacem, you must request permission from an artist or his rights holders for the use of a work. “In French law, an artist can argue that he did not intend to be associated with a political ideology”develops Me Lautier. “Or that a political group, with a registered logo and acronym, is like a brand, which must request authorization to associate music with a chocolate bar or a dishwasher”.

In the case where “the damage is done” in the eyes of the artist, his lawyers can choose “an action for monetary compensation before a court, but the deadlines are very long”the lawyer further specifies. “There is also the possibility of an amicable settlement, often with a confidentiality criterion, which explains why there are few known decisions on the subject”, adds Pierre Lautier. Finally there is the option “a formal notice not to reuse this piece”concludes this specialist.


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