Icelandic act Sigur Ros have blogged about ads who have supposedly ripped off their sound.
In two extended, annotated blog posts on their website titled “Homage Or Fromage?”, Sigur Ros have a withering look at commercials from around the world that have appropriated their ethereal, orchestral sound.
Sigur Ros have supplied their music to films (like Vanilla Sky) but claimed to never have offered their music to be used in ads, despite numerous requests.
Oddly enough, it was the Absolute Punk website that noted their song ‘Saeglopur’ was used to advertise the Prince Of Persia video game.
This is true, but was described by the band as “mission creep” since they authorized their song to be used in the game, then the trailer, only because two members of the band were avid players of the game.
Otherwise, they claim Sigur Ros soundalike music has appeared in scores of ads by companies like Coca-Cola Mexico, HSBC Hong Kong, Telmex Chile, Orange, Buick and Sony Bravia.
A Brazilian HSBC ad even emulated their video clip for an ad and the word for insurance in Portugese that appeared at the end is “Seguros”.
A music production company even boasted on its website that they would supply soundtracks “in the style of Sigur Rós, positive, uplifting soft piano, strings, great for corporate video, for more tracks similar to this checkout corporate packages Vol 1-2"
Have a look at the blogs here and here.
And compare the ad and track below...
Sigur Rós - Hoppípolla from Sigur Rós on Vimeo.
