A practical guide to securing permissions before release
Why Clearance Matters
Uncleared samples can disrupt an entire launch. First, digital service providers—such as Spotify and Apple Music—remove tracks immediately when a rights holder files a claim. Second, platforms with automated systems, including YouTube and TikTok, redirect advertising revenue to the claimant. Finally, music-supervisors rarely consider songs whose legal status is uncertain. Clearing every sample protects both income and reputation.
Two Rights You Must Secure
| Right to Clear | Likely Rights Holder | Scope of the Right |
|---|---|---|
| Master (sound recording) | Record label or independent artist | The actual recording you have sampled |
| Publishing (composition) | Songwriters and their publishers | The underlying melody, harmony, and lyrics |
Note: If you re-record (interpolate) the melody, you still need publishing approval, although a new master negates the original master fee.
Five Early Warning Signs
- Multiple labels listed for one recording
Rights may have changed hands. Consult Discogs and review Spotify credits. - Unidentified writers
Additional writers can appear later and request compensation. Search ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, or PRS databases. - Viral meme audio
Popular clips often include undisclosed samples. Check the source with WhoSampled or similar tools. - Free sample packs without explicit licences
Packs might contain copyrighted material. Select libraries that provide clear master and publishing terms. - Recent reissues or remasters
New ownership can introduce new fees. Confirm the current master owner before proceeding.
A Four-Step Clearance Plan
Step 1 – Identify the source
Use Shazam, Musixmatch, WhoSampled, or keyword searches to verify the original recording.
Step 2 – Locate every rights holder
Contact the label’s licensing department for master rights. Additionally, locate each songwriter in a PRO database and reach out to the publisher regarding publishing rights.
Step 3 – Present a detailed request
State the precise audio segment you intend to use, outline your release strategy, and propose either a flat fee or a royalty split—for example, 10 percent master and 15 percent publishing.
Step 4 – Obtain written confirmation
Secure a signed agreement or, at minimum, an email that includes legal names and exact terms. Save the documents in cloud storage until TrackBloom introduces file-upload functionality.
Alternatives When Clearance Is Denied
- Interpolation – Re-play the sampled melody with session musicians; only publishing clearance is required.
- Sample-replay services – Providers such as Tracklib Replay can reproduce the sample legally.
- Royalty-free libraries – Licensed packs (e.g., Splice Originals or Kingsway) allow safe usage, provided you read the licence in full.
Using TrackBloom for Documentation
Create a private TrackBloom link for your work-in-progress mix. Team members can add time-stamped notes like:
@00:18 — Master cleared by UMG
@01:02 — Publishing split 60/40 signedConsequently, all collaborators see the clearance status in real time, even though contracts remain in external storage for now.
Pre-Release Checklist
- Master and publishing licences signed
- Licence PDFs stored in two secure cloud locations
- Time-stamped clearance notes recorded in TrackBloom
- Final mix exported with correct metadata and split details
Key Takeaways
Securing every sample is not a formality; it is a safeguard for your creative investment. By confirming ownership, negotiating clear terms, and preserving a documented trail, you protect future revenue, maintain industry credibility, and keep doors open for playlists, sync requests, and live opportunities. Treat clearance as an essential production step, and log each milestone—mix updates, rights-holder approvals, final splits—in one transparent timeline. A collaboration hub such as TrackBloom makes it easy to share drafts, collect notes, and track those clearance checkpoints in real time. When your legal groundwork is solid and your workflow organised, listeners can focus on what matters most: the music itself.