Today's topic is on the sampling of another artists material. There are many different types of samples and when you would like to sample something you must be sure you are prepared and knowledgeable when inquiring about using a sample. First you need to learn whether your planning on sampling the master composition or a re-sample. For example you have an idea and want to use a re-sample to a track that was released by Sony Music. Would you contact Sony Music, NO, you would contact the law firm or publisher who owns the rights to the musical composition. In the case you wanted to use the exact sample you would then be using the master composition and you would be required to go through Sony Music. If you used the sample knowingly, you would be willfully infringing on a copyright which would lead to a serious issue/ lawsuit.
The legendary bands of Queen and The Rolling Stones both fell victim to new groups who used their music without their permission. Vanilla Ice used a sample of Queen and The Verve used a sample of The Rolling Stones which lead to both of the groups earning themselves lawsuits and being sued by the Stones and Queen.
In the case with the Stones and The Verve. The Verve used the Stones track in their own track call Bitter Sweet Symphony and as a result of this the court ordered that all revenues generated from this track go directly to the Rolling Stones.
That was the only hit for the Verve, it's sad to see such a popular track go to someone else because they didn't follow the guidelines and laws pertaining to copyrights and ownership of music.
Before you want to use a sample from a major artist learn the laws, and consult a reputable entertainment attorney, because the couple thousand dollars you pay him will be a whole let less than having to pay damages and fork over all your revenues to the artist you stole the sample from.
Till next time.
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