Sampling has become a huge part of modern music — from hip-hop to EDM to pop. But before you release a track that includes a sample, it’s important to understand the rules, permissions, and rights involved.
What Is Music Sampling?
Music sampling means taking a portion of an existing recording and using it inside a brand-new track.
A sample can be:
- A melody
- A drum loop
- Vocals or spoken words
- Sound effects
- A full instrumental section
Producers often manipulate samples by looping, stretching, speeding up, slowing down, equalizing, or pitch-shifting them to create a fresh, original vibe.
How can I get permission to use a sample?
If you are distributing a track with Identity Music, you must ensure that you have the correct permissions to be distributing. There are two parts of copyright that you need to clear, a mechanical licence and a master licence, in many cases, neither of these will be owned by the artist who performed the track. The first is the copyright in the actual recording, which will usually be owned by the record company who originally released the track. The second is the copyright in the song.
- Obtain permission from the owner(s) of the copyright in the recording you are sampling.
- Make sure that you obtain permission from the owner(s) of the work’s publishing copyright, to avoid allegations of copyright infringement.
- You may have to negotiate an upfront fee or a cut of any royalties to sample a work.
Do I Need Permission to Use a Sample?
Yes — if you want to distribute your track through P Tune Studio, you must clear all the required rights.
When sampling a song, you must clear two copyrights:
1. Master Recording Licence
This allows you to use the original recording.
This is usually owned by:
- The original record label
- The company that released the track
2. Mechanical Licence (Publishing Rights)
This gives permission to use the composition — the melody, lyrics, and musical structure.
Publishing rights are usually owned by:
- Songwriters
- Composers
- Music publishers
Without both permissions, your sample is not legal.
✔ To clear a sample, you must:
- Contact the owner of the master recording
- Contact the owner of the publishing copyright
- Negotiate fees or royalty splits if required
- Get written proof of permission
If you’re clearing the sample yourself, you can also reach out to:
- MCPS (Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society)
- The relevant PRO (Performing Rights Organisation)
Major PROs Around the World
- ASCAP – USA
- BMI – USA
- SESAC – USA
- AMRA – Global / USA
- MSCS – China
- JASRAC – Japan
- GEMA – Germany
- IPRS – India
- BLCPS- Bangladesh
- PRS for Music – UK
- SACEM – France
- IMRO – Ireland
- SGAE – Spain
- APRA – Australia
- KODA – Denmark
- STIM – Sweden
These organisations can help identify the copyright owners of a track you want to sample.
What Happens if You Use a Sample Without Permission?
Using an uncleared sample can have serious consequences:
- Rights holders may claim 100% of your royalties
- They may force the track to be taken down from all platforms
- You could face legal claims or copyright strikes
- It may harm your artist reputation and DSP standing
It’s never worth the risk.
How to Avoid Illegal Samples
If clearing samples feels complicated or expensive, here are safe alternatives:
1. Use Royalty-Free Sample Libraries
Trusted sources include:
- BBC Sound Effects
- SampleFocus
- SampleRadar
- FreeSound.org
These offer high-quality samples that you can legally use.
2. Re-Record the Part Yourself
If you re-record the instrumental/vocal section:
- You avoid paying for the original master recording
- You still need permission for the composition (via MCPS or publisher)
But if you change or rearrange the original music, you may need additional approval from the publisher.
What Does P Tune Studio Require?
To distribute a song with samples, P Tune Studio requires:
- Proof of purchase for the sample
- Legal agreements showing you have the rights to use it
No proof → No distribution.
This protects you and ensures your track is legally compliant on all DSPs.
Can Sampled Music Be Sent to YouTube Content ID?
Yes — only if you provide:
- Valid proof of purchase
- Exclusive or licensed rights to use the sample
If everything checks out, your track can be delivered to Rights Management platforms like YouTube Content ID.
Need Help Clearing a Sample?
Our Client Management Team can guide you through the entire process.
Just reach out through the support chat on our website — we’re always here to help you release your music safely and professionally.