For interpolation, which clearance is required?

For interpolation, which clearance is required?

• A. Clearance of the composition only for interpolation; sound recording clearance is not needed.
• B. Clearance of both the sound recording and the composition for interpolation.
• C. Clearance of the composition only for interpolation; sound recording clearance is not needed.
• D. Clearance of the sound recording only for interpolation; composition clearance is not needed.

Answer: (C)

Interpolation means you’re re-recording a portion of a song and incorporating it into a new track. Because you’re using the musical work itself—the composition (melody, harmony, lyrics)—you must obtain clearance from the publisher/rights holder for the composition. You’re not using the original sound recording, so the master (sound recording) rights aren’t required in this case. That’s why clearance of the composition only is the correct approach. If you were using the actual original recording (a sample), you’d need clearance for the master as well. The other options either insist on needing the master rights or omit the need for the composition rights, which doesn’t align with how interpolation works.

Interpolation means you’re re-recording a portion of a song and incorporating it into a new track. Because you’re using the musical work itself—the composition (melody, harmony, lyrics)—you must obtain clearance from the publisher/rights holder for the composition. You’re not using the original sound recording, so the master (sound recording) rights aren’t required in this case. That’s why clearance of the composition only is the correct approach.

If you were using the actual original recording (a sample), you’d need clearance for the master as well. The other options either insist on needing the master rights or omit the need for the composition rights, which doesn’t align with how interpolation works.