Interpolation (popular music)
In popular music, interpolation (also called a replayed sample) is the process of recreating an element or recording in another work. Unlike sampling, which is the reuse of a recording, interpolation requires only the permission of the owners of the musical content, rather than the owners of the recording. It also creates more freedom to alter constituent components such as separate guitar and drum tracks.[1][2]
Examples
[edit]Interpolation is prevalent in many genres of popular music; early examples are the Beatles interpolating "La Marseillaise" and "She Loves You", among three other interpolations in the 1967 song "All You Need Is Love",[3] and Lyn Collins interpolating lyrics from the 5 Royales' "Think" in her 1972 song "Think (About It)".
One genre where interpolating (as well as sampling) is prevalent is hip hop music; prominent examples include Stevie Wonder's "Pastime Paradise" interpolated in Coolio's hit song "Gangsta's Paradise",[4] and Sting's "Shape of My Heart" interpolated in Juice WRLD's 2018 hit "Lucid Dreams".[5]
In pop music, notable examples include Anne-Marie's "2002" which interpolates lyrics from six songs; Portugal. The Man's "Feel It Still" which interpolates the Marvelettes' 1961 hit "Please Mr. Postman";[4][5] "Bad Liar" by Selena Gomez which interpolates the bassline of "Psycho Killer" by new wave band Talking Heads;[6][5] and Ariana Grande's 2019 single "7 Rings" which interpolates "My Favorite Things" written by Rodgers & Hammerstein and made famous by Julie Andrews.[7]
The 2004 Eric Prydz song "Call on Me" is based on a replayed sample of the 1982 Steve Winwood song "Valerie".[8][9] Winwood rerecorded his "Valerie" vocals, and the instrumental was recreated by the company Replay Heaven, which recreates samples to simplify licensing.[9][10]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Inglis, Sam (September 2003). "Steve Gibson & Dave Walters: Recreating Samples |". Sound on Sound. Archived from the original on 14 October 2018. Retrieved 2018-10-14.
- ^ Jones, Rhian (2022-08-05). "'Common decency': Beyoncé's Renaissance sparks debate about the politics of music sampling". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 6 August 2022. Retrieved 2022-08-06.
- ^ Robinson, Douglas (December 6, 2019). Becoming a Translator: An Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Translation. Routledge. ISBN 9781000763539 – via Google Books.
- ^ a b Leight, Elias (July 5, 2018). "Why You're Hearing More Borrowed Lyrics and Melodies on Pop Radio". Rolling Stone.
- ^ a b c Billboard, Staff (October 28, 2021). "The 50 Best Song Interpolations of the 21st Century: Staff Picks". Billboard.
- ^ "10 Times New Pop Interpolated Old Pop". Cool Accidents.
- ^ Blais-Billie, Braudie (19 March 2019). "90% of Ariana Grande's "7 Rings" Royalties Go to Rodgers & Hammerstein". Pitchfork. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
- ^ Bein, Kat (2025-03-28). "The 100 best dance songs of all time: staff list". Billboard. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- ^ a b Salmon, Richard (March 2008). "Sample clearance". Sound on Sound. Archived from the original on 14 October 2018. Retrieved 2018-10-14.
- ^ "Prydz hits UK. No. 1 with Winwood sample". Billboard. 20 September 2004. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
External links
[edit]- WhoSampled.com – WhoSampled is a user-generated database of interpolations and samples in all types of music, as well as covers and remixes
- Delineation made by U.S. Copyright Office between interpolation and sampling, namely that the former requires a license from the copyright holder while the latter requires a license from both the copyright holder and the recording artist
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