Sampling has been an important part of making music for a long time because it lets artists honor past works while making something new and different. But sampling can be tricky when it comes to the law, and not properly clearing a sample can lead to expensive legal problems. In 2024, this is a full guide on how to clear a sample for a song or beat.
Step 1: Pick out the Sample
You need to have a clear sample before you can clear it.
Important Points: – Original Track Details: Find the title, artist, and release date of the original track.
- Duration of the Sample: Write down the exact length and part of the track you want to hear.
- Examples of More Than One Each sample must be cleared on its own if you are using more than one.
Step 2: Find out who owns the copyrights.
There are two main types of copyrights that apply to samples: the writing and the master recording. You need to get approval from both people who own the rights.
Important Points: – Composition Rights belong to the person who wrote the song or the music producer.
- Master Recording Rights are usually owned by the record company that put out the song.
- Get in touch with the people who own the rights.
Once you know who owns the rights to the sample, you need to get in touch with them and ask for permission to use it.
Important Points: – Get in Touch: Find out how to get in touch with the song producer and record label. A lot of the time, performing rights organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC can give you this information.
- Ask for Permission In an official request, you should say how you’re going to use the clip, how long it is, and how it fits into your new track.
Step 4: Talk about fees and terms
Once you’ve talked to the people who own the rights, you’ll need to work out the details of the sample release.
Points to Keep in Mind: – License Fees Be ready to pay a fee to use the sample. It could be a flat fee, a share of the income, or a mix of the two.
- Rights to Use* Figure out how the sample will be used, such as in a single track, on multiple tracks, or in business versions.
- Length of time: Say how long the license will last (for example, forever or a set number of years).
Step 5: Get agreements in writing
Once you both agree on the terms, make sure the people who own the rights give you a written deal.
Important Points: – Legal Contract Make sure that all of the terms are spelled out fully in a legal contract, such as the length, fees, and rights to use.
- Signatures: If you want the deal to be legally valid, get everyone to sign it.
Sixth Step: Keep Careful Records
Keep careful records of all conversations and deals that have to do with the sample clearance.
Take notes on these important points: – Documentation: Make copies of all emails, letters, contracts, and receipts.
- Proof of Clearance: Keep proof of clearance on hand in case there are any problems in the future.
Step 7: Sign up for your new track
After getting permission to use the sample, you should register your new track with the right performing rights groups and digital platforms.
Important Points: – PRO Registration: Make sure you register the new track with PROs so you get paid when it’s played in public.
- Digital Distribution: To make sure your track is heard all over the world and you can make money from it, distribute it through sites like Armus Digital.
Final Thoughts
It may take some time to clear a sample, but it’s important to do so to protect the rights of the original artists and stay out of trouble with the law. If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to get rid of sounds from your songs or beats in 2024 and focus on making new music.
Armus Digital: A Brief History
Armus Digital is a site for distributing music that helps artists get their songs heard all over the world. It lets you quickly distribute your music to more than 150 platforms, get paid every month, protect your work, earn performance fees, and use label services. The site lets artists post their music, choose which shops to distribute it in, give partners, and make UPC and ISRC codes. Armus Digital makes sure that music can be heard all over the world and is properly made money by forming agreements with many digital service providers.