Can I submit a work that contains a sample, or interpolation, of a copyrighted composition?

Yes, you can use copyrighted works in your music, but only if you obtain the proper license for it. There are different types of licenses you might need, such as mechanical, sample, or beat licenses.

Mechanical License: You need this when you cover or re-record someone else’s copyright and distribute it. You can get this license from easysonglicensing.com. To find out who controls the original composition rights, you can check public repertories like songfile.com, songdex.com, or ASCAP/BMI’s public repertory.

Sample License: Depending on how you use the original recording of another composition (by interpolating, re-recording, or sampling), you may need a sample license from both the master owner and the owner/publisher of the composition. You can research the original composition’s rights ownership using public repositories like HFA, SongDex, or ASCAP/BMI.

Beat Licenses: If you get beats from platforms like BeatStars, Airbit, or Soundee, they may be eligible for publishing administration. Check if the license is exclusive or non-exclusive, and be aware of any usage restrictions on terms, plays, views, and streams. Copyright ownership should be credited to the original publisher.

Remember, obtaining the proper licenses is crucial to avoid copyright infringement issues.