Steven Tyler Writes Copyright Essay After Donald Trump Song Drama

"My intent was not to make a political statement, but to make one about the rights of my fellow music creators," the Aerosmith frontman writes.

Steven Tyler went head-to-head with Donald Trump last week over the presidential candidate playing Aerosmith's "Dream On" at his campaign events, and now the frontman has put his concerns into writing -- and his issues with Trump might not be exactly what you're expecting.

On Wednesday, Trump tweeted that he wouldn't be playing the Aerosmith song anymore since he found a "better one to take its place," and Tyler followed up the incident with an op-ed Thursday (Oct. 15) on The Huffington Post. Tyler says his concerns with Trump using his song are not about politics, but fair compensation.

Donald Trump Receives Legal Threat Over Use of Aerosmith's 'Dream On'

"This week, I sent a letter to Donald Trump's campaign asking to not use my music at political rallies," he begins the essay. "My intent was not to make a political statement, but to make one about the rights of my fellow music creators. But I've been singing this song for a while now.

"Just as my record label sister, Taylor Swift, wrote her letter to Apple in June, this is my open letter to everyone," Tyler continues. "We need change. Songwriters, producers and artists can't survive on what they are being paid."

Tyler discusses his grassroots campaign to get Congress involved in updating the copyright laws for musicians. "On Wednesday, our voice will ring out again," the Aerosmith frontman wrote. "Three-hundred-and-fifty members of Congress will get a knock on their door from their music making constituents. They will be there to deliver a very clear message of themselves and creators all over America. It's time for change."

Read the full piece here.