Music Term
What is an interpolation?
Definition
An interpolation is a re-recording of a melodic or rhythmic element from an existing song -- capturing the spirit of the original without using the original recording.
Interpolation in music -- explained
Interpolation differs from sampling in a legally crucial way: a sample uses the actual recorded audio from the original; an interpolation re-records the element with new players and instrumentation. This means interpolations typically require clearance only from the composition's copyright owner (publisher/songwriter), not the sound recording owner (label) -- often significantly cheaper and faster. Interpolations can be exact replicas of the original melody or loosely inspired variations. They are common in hip-hop and pop when producers want to reference a classic without paying full sample clearance costs. When an interpolation captures a 'substantial similarity' to the original melody, it still requires licensing. Famous interpolations: Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars's Uptown Funk interpolates Oops Upside Your Head; Nelly's Hot in Herre interpolates Funkadelic's Aqua Boogie; Notorious B.I.G.'s Big Poppa interpolates Between the Sheets by the Isley Brothers.
Notable examples of an interpolation
Uptown Funk -- Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Interpolates several funk records including Oops Upside Your Head and Dazz by Brick -- the settlement credits numerous writers.
Ice Ice Baby -- Vanilla Ice
Interpolated the bass line from Under Pressure by Queen and David Bowie, notoriously claiming it was different.
Blurred Lines -- Robin Thicke
Found liable for interpolating the feel and groove of Marvin Gaye's Got to Give It Up -- a landmark copyright ruling.
Related music terms
Frequently asked questions
- What is an interpolation in music?
- An interpolation is a re-recording of a melodic or rhythmic element from an existing song -- capturing the spirit of the original without using the original recording.
- What is an example of an interpolation?
- A well-known example is Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars: Interpolates several funk records including Oops Upside Your Head and Dazz by Brick -- the settlement credits numerous writers.
- How is an interpolation used in music?
- Interpolation differs from sampling in a legally crucial way: a sample uses the actual recorded audio from the original; an interpolation re-records the element with new players and instrumentation. This means interpolations typically require clearance only from the composition's copyright owner (publisher/songwriter), not the sound recording owner (label) -- often significantly cheaper and faster.
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