Looks like France's current ruling political party, French President Nicolas Sarkozy's Union For A Popular Movement (UPM), used an MGMT song ("Kids") without their consent to promote anti-piracy legislation.
Hmm, that's weird. I's *almost* the kind of NONcommunication technique US government might use when flying a plane mega low over Manhattan for a photo shoot and not warning anyone ahead of time. People, email it's an easy tool to use.
Here's the full scoop from the MGMT website (via NME):Â
About two months ago it was brought to our attention (through the MGMT message board) that the UMP French political party was using our song 'Kids' at rallies and posting videos of these rallies on their official website. Normally MGMT steers clear of mixing music and politics, but the fact that the UMP used our song without permission while simultaneously pushing anti-piracy legislation seemed a little wack.
We believe that access to music benefits both the musicians and the fans, and has undoubtedly helped spread our music around the globe, while also expanding our personal musical collections. We didn't want to be "typical Americans" and sue, despite the amazing monetary benefit and chinchilla coats and Navigators it would bring. Instead we're using the settlement fee the UMP presented and donating it to artists rights organizations. Thank you France for the wonderful food. C'est bon. MGMT