Sample vs. Interpolation: What is the difference?

If you're a music producer or artist, you've probably heard the terms "sample" and "interpolation" thrown around when it comes to creating new music. But what do these terms actually mean, and how do they differ from one another? First it is important to understand the difference between a sound recording and a musical composition.

A sample is a portion of an existing sound recording that's used in a new piece of music. This might involve taking a drumbeat from a classic old melody and using it as the foundation for a new track, or sampling a guitar riff from a rock song and incorporating it into a rap song. Samples are often manipulated, chopped up, and rearranged in creative ways to create new sounds and textures and eventually are incorporated into a new recording.

On the other hand, an interpolation is a new performance or recording that's created to mimic the sound of an existing musical work. This might involve replaying a section of a classic song using new instruments or creating a new vocal melody that's inspired by an existing chorus. Interpolations can be a way to pay tribute to classic works or to create a sense of familiarity in new music.

So, what's the difference between a sample and an interpolation? While both involve incorporating existing music into new works, the key difference is in how the music is used. A sample involves directly using a portion of an existing recording, while an interpolation involves creating a new performance that's inspired by an existing work.

It's important to note that both sampling and interpolation can raise legal issues related to copyright and intellectual property. If you're using a sample or interpolation in your music, it's important to understand the legal implications and to obtain the proper permissions or licenses if necessary.

By understanding the difference between a sample and an interpolation, and obtaining the proper licenses, you can create music that's both innovative and respectful of the works that came before.

Before using a sample or an interpolation in a new recording it is important to consult with an experience music attorney for the clearance of these rights. The legal consequences of an unauthorized use of a sample or an interpolation can lead to a song be taken down pursuant to applicable law and result in loss of earnings for authors.