On today’s episode, my guest Lorna Freeman and I discuss the strategic role music can play in public affairs. Lorna is an Account Director at Environics Communications in Toronto, working in branding strategy and has incorporated music in her campaigns for years. Music and song has been used strategically in US presidential elections since the campaign of John Adams in 1800. Using music effectively can be a great PR tactic, but using it incorrectly can backfire and even cause legal issues. Join us as we discuss the relationship between music and PR, both historically and today.  

Topics:  

• Lorna’s background and love of music 
• Music as a marketing tool 
• Pros and cons of original compositions vs. popular music  
• Best practices of political campaigns using music 
• Music as political protest 
• Wrong Notes: Poor song choices in politics 
• Licensing in US and Canada 
• Artist endorsement and PR  

Resources:   

Lorna Freeman  

Environics Communications 

Pitching PR Mainpage   

Pitch Graphic Design on Instagram  

 Pitching PR on iTunes   

Quotes:    

“Using a song intentionally, and NOT using a song intentionally, has meaning.” - Lesley Luce  

“The way people are reacting to you and the music, becomes part of the news cycle.” - Lorna Freeman  

“Artists deserve to be compensated” - Lesley Luce