Sub Pop act Band of Horses is the latest band on the label to be offered a lucrative licensing deal from a mega–retailer, and the latest to turn it down. Labelmates The Thermals passed on a licensing deal with Hummer last year.

According to a In–Forum.com piece, the band had originally allowed their single, "The Funeral" to be used in a web ad but when the greater exposure (and revenue) of a potential TV spot came up, Ben Bridwell decided to listen to his fans:

Some fans, they don't even give a crap. They're like, 'Whatever, bands got to get paid.' But at the same time, I was reluctant to do it in the back of my mind, and some fans reminded me there is a reason to feel that way about it. So once I saw our fans were let down by it, I nixed the TV commercial, and said, 'You know what, this isn't for me. Keep your money.'

On the other hand, he hasn't ruled out future licensing, but notes that the real problem is when bands start writing songs in the hopes of licensing.

With music sales down over the past few years, bands have been experimenting with a variety of ways to allow them to play music full–time. From 360 Deals to donation–only album sales, it's a strange time to play music or be a music fan.

So here is our question of the day. With many bands struggling to make ends meet, is licensing music OK?