No. The copyright law allows anybody to play, as long as they pay the standard fee; which is usually "per performance." The term is "compulsory license."
-- What rights does a song writer or recording "artist" have to restrict the use of music that he/she has sold recording of to the public? --
In musical works, the artist is entitled to be compensated by those who cover or play the composition.
Thanks. That’s how I thought it worked, but with all these lefty “musicians” filing lawsuits against Republicans, I wondered if they really had some legal right to stop their songs from being played.
I could understand if the politician gives the impression that the “artist” endorses her or uses the copyrighted music in a campaign or fundraising video (especially if they sell said videos), but I would think if you publish and record music for public consumption, you have to deal with people you might not like playing your music.
No! Using a song in a political campaign falls under the same use as using a song in an ad campaign. Artists typically reserve these rights for themselves, and aren’t sold to BMI, ASCAP etc. It can cost a fortune to secure the rights to a song for an ad campaign.