Menu
For Business Write a review File a complaint

What's the difference between sampling and interpolating in music? 7

It appears to me that many might not understand the differences between these two concepts. So can someone clarify the difference between sampling and interpolating in music production?

7 answers
Suggest an answer
RickBeato
RickBeato
US
Send a message
Dec 10, 2024 1:53 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Musical sampling refers to using a fraction of a sound recording and incorporating it into a new piece of music. Such a usage is however subject to you asking for authorization from the owner of the copyright of the original recording. Interpolation, on the contrary, includes recreating part(s) of a melody or even the song by way of changing the words to the song. It does not make use of any actual sound recording of the original track, which means that sometimes one may not need to seek direct permission from the original copyright holders.

mayorofthenonsense
mayorofthenonsense
Send a message
Dec 10, 2024 7:47 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Replying to comment of RickBeato

This didn’t start yesterday. Since about 2018, many of the top 40 type pop artists have been either sampling older pop songs directly, or covertly copying their riffs and phrasing etc.

We are in the age of music as a consumer product. Quick and easy wins the day.

CarterWilliamHumphre
CarterWilliamHumphre
Send a message
Dec 10, 2024 10:18 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Replying to comment of RickBeato

Vaguely on subject, I'd love you to differentiate illegal sampling vs. plagiarism. With increasing frequency, journalists are using these interchangeably. Love what you do!

StephenTaylor
StephenTaylor
Send a message
Dec 11, 2024 7:01 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Replying to comment of RickBeato

Rick, I love your stuff. I know almost nothing about music. So most of the time I don't know what you are talking about. You remind me of my friend Matthew. RIP We would stand around in his "band room" and listen to music and he would talk about it the way you do. It's like spending time with my friend. So thank you for that.

SunsetJunior
SunsetJunior
Send a message
Dec 11, 2024 7:56 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Replying to comment of RickBeato

you nailed it -interpolating is a not-so-fancy way to say stealing. i dont know whats worse -the blatant thievery or a absolute lack of originality and creativity from these marginally talented "artists" (aka image/fashion peddlers)

trshryjdjdrjdtrjdrt
trshryjdjdrjdtrjdrt
Send a message
Dec 11, 2024 8:42 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Replying to comment of RickBeato

I was a music industry major in the late 90's and remember learning the difference between "interpolation" and "sampling', so the concept isn't that new. However, it was never used as an excuse to not give credit where credit is due, rather, was a technical distinction to describe the way a borrowed section was used in a recording/performance. I know things have changed a lot since the 90s but I'm pretty sure songwriters of interpolated sections of significance are still supposed to get credit.

UlkeshKosh
UlkeshKosh
Send a message
Dec 11, 2024 10:28 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Replying to comment of RickBeato

You're 100% accurate here. IMHO it's theft and the artists of the new versions should be sued.

Got a question? Feel free to reach out! It as easy as pie, and we're dedicated to making sure you'll get the answers you're looking for 😉 Ask now