Here is my feeling about licensing one’s music to TV commercials:

Some people refuse to do let their music be used for commercials. Maybe they are environmentally aware and don’t want to support a car company. Maybe they don’t want to support a fast-food chain. Maybe they feel TV debases their art…

I find that such a stance against a car company means nothing if nobody finds out about your brave stance. In other words, it is fairly meaningless, except for stroking your own pride and ego. Would not more positive change be created by accepting the money, which can be in the 8 figures, and then giving 50% to a good cause? Hell, licence your music to GM for the hated Hummer H2 and give 10 million dollars to the Integral Institute and you will create a lot more change than by telling your agent “over my dead body!”

We are all cynical enough to know that somebody licensing music to a car company or fast-food chain is not necessarily a devil, yes? No, I have no offer on the table, but I was discussing other people’s stances with a friend in the biz a week ago….
Blogged from my cell phone….