“I love you, brother”
The talents of others can radiate through the utilization of another’s work. Discussions on creativity, sometimes, can be dampened by serious considerations on legal matters involving copyright, enforcement of such, and appropriate licensing. Coming from a legal background, I would, even in the temptation to advocate strongly on issues on licensing, rather pause to share certain developments involving a proprietary work of a Filipino circulated as part of pop culture.
Renaldo Lapuz auditioned during the 7th season of the US talent show “American Idol,” at Dallas, Texas, by singing his composition “We’re Brothers Forever.” He also sang during the show’s Finale on 21 May 2008.
Renaldo Lapuz’ website reports of a “We’re Brothers Forever Remix contest,” determining therein the “Best Renaldo Remix in the Entire WORLD.”
Remixes of the song “We’re Brothers Forever” can be found liberally over the Internet, including those by JustinB, and the one determined by the Lapuz site as the best one, that of The Brotherhood. My personal favorites, however, include those by Eliot Bronson and Alina.
It would have been implied that some form of licensing has been involved in the said contest. At present though, I am unsure what the terms of such would have been.1
Congratulations, Mr. Lapuz! Kudos also to those who made brilliant remixes of the catchy, albeit raw, composition. I am immensely entertained.
- The lack of specific stipulations sometimes prevents me from participating in certain endeavors — not music but graphic arts for example — so as to avoid [re]experiencing the depreciation of an initial genial collaboration in case un-altruistic interests would develop into primordial concerns. [↩]
