I came across this educational video about one of the most sampled tracks of all time … and I wanted to share it and talk a bit about sampling. Sampling in music is the act of taking a portion, or sample, of one sound recording and reusing it as an instrument or as a different sound recording of a song. With the coffers of music overflowing with gems to plunder, I urge you as artists while you are standing on the shoulders of giants not to do anything that will cause you to fall. Do not just use it and say a prayer no one will notice. Especially, if you plan to exploit the material commercially, identify the rightsholders and clear any sample you use even if its only 2 seconds to ensure that you have a legally viable product unless … (a) it is already in the public domain or (b) if the defense of fair use can be applied. When in doubt consult an attorney.
“This fascinating, brilliant 20-minute video narrates the history of the “Amen Break,” a six-second drum sample from the b-side of a chart-topping single from 1969. This sample was used extensively in early hiphop and sample-based music, and became the basis for drum-and-bass and jungle music — a six-second clip that spawned several entire subcultures. Nate Harrison’s 2004 video is a meditation on the ownership of culture, the nature of art and creativity, and the history of a remarkable music clip.”
- via youtube: mobius32
Contact me directly at silveram@colemansilvera.com if you have specific questions about sample clearance.
