Contents
The SVP wanted to show off with a “We Are Family” cover. Now it has been blocked. But what is the point of music in an election campaign?
This shot backfired. With the music video “Das isch d’SVP”, the SVP wanted to set the mood for their election campaign: the YouTube video was viewed more than 10,000 times within a very short time at the beginning of the week. Shortly thereafter, however, the party was over again, as the “Tagesanzeiger” reported.
The video was blocked by Youtube. Sony Music had filed a complaint alleging alleged copyright infringement. The reason: The chorus of the SVP song bears a strong resemblance to the melody of the 1979 hit “We Are Family” by the band Sister Sledge.
When asked about the allegations of plagiarism, SVP National Councilor Thomas Matter told the “Aargauer Zeitung” that the song had nothing to do with “We Are Family”. He wrote and composed the song himself.
“We Are Family” author is not amused
The composer of the song, hit producer Nile Rodgers, sees it differently. The musician writes on the short message service “X” (formerly Twitter) that he wrote “We Are Family” as the ultimate song about integration and diversity at all levels.
Therefore he condemns the use of the song by SVP or anyone else who does not adhere to the values of the song and all decent people. The necessary steps have been taken so that the SVP refrains from using the song.
Popular with right and left
Campaign songs have been a popular way for many parties to win votes for years. In 2011, for example, the Bernese left SP politician Roland Näf with an election campaign song to catch votes. In 2015 they courted Green liberals with a song for votes.
In the same election year was also the SVP with the campaign song «Welcome to SVP» very successful. The song even ended up in the Swiss hit parade.
Pop hit or boy scout group?
The quality of such campaign songs, however, varies greatly. Political analyst Mark Balsiger shares this opinion. He is the author of several books on political communication.
“There are a few songs that are professionally produced,” explains Balsiger, “and then there are many that were recorded with modest resources. They sound more like a boy scout round around the campfire.” In case of doubt, instead of votes at the ballot box, one reaps ridicule and scorn.
Success cannot be proven
Parties and politicians each take a certain risk when they publish an election campaign song. And this despite the fact that it cannot be proven whether campaign songs have a positive effect on the election result, according to Balsiger: “When deciding who to vote for, socialization is particularly important. It is much more important than the fleeting impressions of advertising that you encounter during the election campaign.”
Even if a positive effect of election campaign songs on the election results cannot be proven, one thing is undisputed: Some parties and politicians could go over the books again when it comes to the quality of these songs.