Semisonic Criticises Trump for Using Their Song in a Controversial New Video
Semisonic, the 90s rock band known for their hit classic Closing Time, have criticised President Trump for using their song in a deportation video
The official White House X account shared a video showing shackled prisoners boarding a plane, accompanied by the song’s lyrics in the caption.
Semisonic quickly responded, condemning the use of Closing Time, emphasising that the song’s message of joy and hope was grossly misunderstood and warped.
The band’s response has gone viral on the social media platform X, with both fans and critics sharing their thoughts.
Many have told the band they should sue, but that’s unlikely to happen–in 2021 the lead singer and songwriter, Dan Wilson, sold his entire music catalog, which included the rights to Closing Time to Primary Wave Music Publishing.
This means he no longer holds control over how the song is used publicly.
For those that are curious, Wilson’s catalog sale also included rights to songs like Adele’s Someone Like You and the Dixie Chicks’ Not Ready to Make Nice, making it a significant deal in the music industry.
This occasion follows a long line of artists who have told Donald Trump on social media to stop using their songs for his political purposes.
Last year, Celine Dion prevented the use of My Heart Will Go On, with her team and Sony Music stating on social media that they did not endorse its use.
Brendon Urie, frontman of Panic! At The Disco, told Trump to “stop playing my song,” in a post shared to X in 2020.
Rihanna is also included, strongly rejecting the use of Don’t Stop the Music at Trump’s campaign rallies in 2018.
Semisonic clearly won’t be the last to push back against Trump’s music choices.
