Using commercial music for advertising is nothing new, but advertisers need to be very careful with their choices, as sometimes things can g o wrong unexpectedly. In 2013, General Motors was forced to pull an advertisement for one of its Chevrolet models in China amid accusations of racism. The company had chosen the 2012 song “Booty Swing” by Parov Stelar, which sampled heavily from “Oriental Swing” by Lil Hardin Armstrong and Her Swing Orchestra. In the lyrics, there were lines that suggested that the Chinese were “ching-chong, chop-suey” and that the Japanese could not pronounce the letter “r.”

Although many musicians embrace the opportunity to earn royalties from the use of their music in advertising, some are adamant that their music should never be used. One such example is Adam Yauch aka MCA, an original member of the Beastie Boys who died in 2012. His will left his entire estate to his widow with the caveat that in no event could his music or any of his creations be used in advertising. It was clear he did not approve.

Some musicians are only too happy to accept an additional revenue stream from the use of their music in advertisements. Not only do they receive royalties for its use, but it might also stimulate sales. What is your view on use of popular music in advertisements?