I believe what was not stated was how much of a passion these producers have for their craft (some of them) and that there is a certain amount of respect and tribute paid to the original artist who is sampled.
I don’t believe the future of music should depend on sampling. I believe if done to much it would eventually limit creative expression. Just as the music sampled was created I think musicians can and should find ways to push the music envelope forward. At the end of the day I side with the musician.
In looking at videos on copyright definition and fair use I am relieved that teaching is included in fair use. The “Disney video” produced a valid point about society’s need to stay progressive by referring at times to copyrighted material. I thought for a moment how life would be different if we did not have the ability to tap into great works previously created and reference these things for educational purposes.
I agree that fair use is about reasoning and logic. It takes the wise use of copyrighted materials to be able to use it in a way that respects the copyright owner.
It’s a scary thought to think that some of the most historical events recorded may not be available in the future because of royalties and unreasonable copyright protections. Something has to change about this. Certain materials should have a historical distinction that will allow for their use in order to preserve humanities legacy.
Terrance,
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion Hip Hop producers are creative geniuses’ in their own respective way - specifically the kids in their basements, attics, bedrooms, family rooms etc. I’ve known many gifted artists whose sounds never made it past the walls of their home. Their families have spent money to buy equipment in order for them to hone their skills -- unfortunately, if the artist is satisfied to only go so far, it goes no further. The ones who are exceptionally gifted and have the drive and fortitude to progress further than to the dance floor, or private parties will reach the studio and beyond. At this stage they will be exposed to a world where their creative art will most likely have to abide by rules and regulations. While working on this topic my son brought to my attention the plight of a master sampler -- Jay-Zee and the "Big Pimpin" sample lawsuit. Good Copy/Bad Copy highlights these delicate issues because this is the product of the stringent and complex copyright laws set in place to protect the original creator. I hear remixed music all the time and I enjoy the creativity expressed in the revised sounds. But, the lesson remains -- no matter how good a master sampler is, he is a creator in that he still “creates” a piece of music. On the other hand, if it were not for the original masters, there would be nothing to sample from.
You make a great point about sampling and how a lack of resources led to some teens being very creative. I think that the accessibility of the technology has brought out, as you put it a glut, of marginally talented people who are trying to be the next big thing. The problem is that there are so many people putting out their stuff that it has gotten harder to find the truly talented. I know quite a few musicians and people who have worked in the music industry, so I also have a tendency to support the musician or composer. As you brought up, it is scary and somewhat ridiculous that copyright issues may make it harder to access historical events. What’s even scarier to me is that it may be against the law to update historical works to a new format and that they may be lost forever.
ReplyDelete@Terrance
ReplyDeleteI couldn’t agree with you more. While I have only done limited work with regards to hip hop or rap, I too have a great respect for the work that goes into creating it. I also agree with your stance on sampling. Often times more work and creativity goes into working with and remixing samples, than went into creating the original recordings off of which the samples are based. This is definitely an area of copyright law in which there needs to be greater freedoms in the copyright laws, and the fair use rules that accompany them.
I agree with what you said Terrance about the creativity infused in certain hip hop samples. If done right, a sample can be amazing tribute and memorial to the original artist.
ReplyDeleteYou also touched upon what I think is the most feasible solution to the copyright debacle... BALANCE. Using common sense to respect the work of artists, while respecting the creation process in and of itself.