Music 101
Sampling, covering or interpolating – what exactly is the difference?
Anyone who takes a closer interest in music will, sooner or later, come across the terms ‘sampling’, ‘cover version’ and ‘interpolation’. These are often confused or even thought to be one and the same. In fact, they are three very different ways of transforming existing music into something new.
Things get particularly interesting when you take a look behind the scenes. This is because there are significant differences not only in musical terms, but also in legal terms. And it is precisely these differences that often determine whether artists opt for a sample, an interpolation or a cover version.
The cover: A well-known song with a fresh new twist
Let’s start with what is probably the best-known example: the cover.
A cover version involves re-recording and reinterpreting an existing song. The melody and lyrics generally remain the same, but the recording is entirely the work of the new artist.
A classic example is Whitney Houston’s version of ‘I Will Always Love You’, which was originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton. The song remained the same, but her interpretation made it famous among a new generation.
From a legal perspective, cover versions are relatively straightforward. As long as the lyrics and melody are not significantly altered, the necessary licences can be obtained relatively easily in many countries. The original songwriters continue to receive their royalties.
Sampling: When a part of the original lives on
In sampling, the whole song isn’t re-recorded. Instead, a section of the original recording is taken directly and incorporated into a new song.
It could be a drum beat, a guitar riff, a line of lyrics, or even just a short sound.
A famous example is MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This”, which uses the distinctive groove from Rick James’ “Super Freak”. Equally well-known is Kanye West’s “Stronger”, which is based on a sample from Daft Punk’s “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger”.
However, this is precisely where the legal challenge begins. Anyone wishing to use a sample generally needs the consent of the rights holders for both the recording and the underlying composition. This means that several parties often need to be contacted.
And unlike with a cover version, a rights holder can refuse permission to use a sample or demand high fees.
That is why sampling is often regarded as the most creative, but also the most complicated and expensive option.
Interpolation: The middle ground
There is a third option between a cover version and a sample: interpolation.
Here, a section of an existing song is used, though not from the original recording. Instead, the passage is re-recorded or re-sung.
So you take the idea, the melody or a line of lyrics, but you don’t use the original audio.
A well-known example is Drake’s “Nice For What”, which draws on elements from Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor”. The musical ideas are reinterpreted without directly referencing the original recording.
For many artists, this is an attractive compromise. As the original recording is not used, there is no need to acquire the rights to that recording. However, the rights to the underlying composition must still be taken into account.
Interpolation is therefore often cheaper and easier to implement than a traditional sample.
Why do artists choose one over the other?
The decision is not based solely on creative considerations.
A cover version is often a good choice when an artist wants to put their own spin on a well-known song. At the same time, it helps to create a sense of familiarity with the audience.
Sampling is often used to incorporate a specific sound, mood or historical reference directly into a new song. Sampling has a long tradition, particularly in hip-hop, R&B and electronic music.
Interpolation, on the other hand, is often chosen when an artist wants to use a well-known melody or hook without having to go through the often time-consuming process of clearing the rights to a sample.
Budget is often a factor here too. Whilst a sample may involve multiple rights holders, negotiations and additional costs, interpolation is often easier to implement. For many producers, this can be a decisive factor.
Creativity often builds on creativity
Whether it’s a cover version, a sample or an interpolation – all three methods show that music rarely emerges in a vacuum. Artists draw inspiration from existing works, take up ideas and give them a new form.
The boundaries between homage, reinterpretation and innovation are often blurred. That is precisely what makes the subject so fascinating.
If, in future, you hear a familiar song and suddenly feel as though you recognise something, you might well be right. The only question then is: is it a cover, a sample or an interpolation?
If you'd like a more detailed explanation of this topic, do pop over to my Instagram profile. Here you'll find a reel about it. Have fun watching!
Sources:
– https://www.loopcloud.com/cloud/blog/5288-Interpolation-in-Music-What-Does-it-Mean-Hint-It-s-not-Sampling
– https://medium.com/@sierramason202/understanding-interpretation-interpolation-and-sampling-in-music-e26eef12cffe
– https://www.copyright.gov/music-modernization/educational-materials/Sampling-Interpolations-Beat-Stores-and-More-An-Introduction-for-Musicians-Using-Preexisting.pdf
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