Reuse & Derivatives
Interpolation
An interpolation re-records part of an existing song instead of using the original recording — so you only clear the composition (the publishing), not the master.
An interpolation replays or re-sings a melody, hook, or lyric from another song using your own new recording. Because you never touch the original master, US law (§114(b)) means no master-use license is needed — but you are still reproducing the composition, so you clear it with the publisher.
In practice this is handled as a publishing co-write split: the original songwriters are added as co-writers and assigned a percentage of your new song's publishing royalties, rather than a one-time fee.
Keep the contrast straight — sampling = master + composition; interpolation = composition only. Notes registers the split so every writer is paid correctly, with no percentage taken.
Good to know
Interpolation: common questions
- Why is an interpolation cheaper to clear than a sample?
- Because you re-record the part yourself, you don't need the original recording owner's permission — only the songwriter and publisher's. That removes the master-use license entirely.
- Do the original writers become co-owners of my song?
- Usually they receive a negotiated share of the new song’s publishing and a co-writer credit. The exact split is agreed with the publisher — there is no statutory rate for an interpolation.