Want to sample a track or use someone else’s music or lyrics in your song?
You need to know the legal side first!
1. You need permission to sample a recording.
2. You may also need permission for the underlying composition.
The melody, lyrics, or music – depending on how you use it.
Even a few seconds can be protected by copyright if it’s a recognisable part of the song.
It’s not about how much you use – it’s about how important it is to the original.
Sampling Myths & facts
Myth
It's only a few seconds.. don't need permission
Fact
Even a tiny sample can need permission if it’s a recognisable part of the song.
Myth
If I got it from YouTube, I can sample it
Fact
It doesn’t matter where you found it, it can still be protected by copyright.
Myth
If I change the pitch or speed, I don’t need permission
Fact
Changing it doesn’t make it free to use. It’s still protected by copyright.
Online Samples: Free, Paid, or Subscription
You can find samples online that are free, one-time payment, or subscription-based.
But this does not mean you can do whatever you want. They often have rules.
Rules might say: give credit, no changes, or not for money.
Always check the rules.
If you’re not sure, ask for permission.
When you might not need permission?
1. Is the song in the PUBLIC DOMAIN?
2. Does your use fall under FAIR DEALING?
THE VERVE vs THE ROLLING STONES
The Verve’s Bitter Sweet Symphony (1997) is one of the most famous cases of sampling gone wrong.
The Verve got permission to use a short section of The Last Time – an orchestral version of a Rolling Stones song.
But then! The Rolling Stones said The Verve used more of the song than they agreed to.
The fallout
- Mick Jagger and Keith Richards (from the Rolling Stones) sued The Verve for copyright infringement – The Verve lost.
- In 1999, Andrew Oldham (who arranged the orchestra part) also sued – The Verve lost again!
- As a result, Mick Jagger & Keith Richards (from The Rolling Stones), and Andrew Oldham collected 100% of the royalties for Bitter Sweet Symphony for over 20 years—even though The Verve wrote the lyrics and most of the song.
A Happy Ending (Sort Of)
In 2018, after 20 years collecting royalties, Jagger and Richards gave the rights back to The Verve’s frontman, Richard Ashcroft.
He finally got credit —but only after years of legal battles and lost earnings.
Understanding Copyright Clearance & Sampling
The Bitter Sweet Breakdown
In small groups Discuss
- What mistake did The Verve make?
- Do you think The Rolling Stones were fair in their actions? Why or why not?
- What would you have done differently if you were The Verve?
Lesson? Get Your Sampling Cleared!
Before using someone else’s music, you need permission to use their work.
This means:
- Finding out who owns the rights (it might be more than one person!)
- Agreeing on exactly what you can use.
- Getting your agreement in writing!
