PinkPantheress: Fancy That is a Fun Mixtape—A Legal Deep Dive into the Sample Game

What is sampling

In terms of sound and music, sampling is the format of reusing a portion of a sound recording in to another recording. They can include elements such as rhythm, melody, speech or sound effects. A sample might include a fraction of sound or a longer portion of music such as melody or drum beat.

How Sampling Works Under UK Copyright Law

1. Identify the Rights Involved
   Sampling usually involves two copyrights: the sound recording (owned by the record label) and the music (owned by the songwriter or publisher).
2. Check Copyright Status
   If the sample is copyrighted, you need permission.
   If it’s in the public domain, no permission is needed, but verify it first.
3. Obtain Permission
   Contact the copyright holders to negotiate a licence for the sound recording and musical composition. This typically involves paying a fee or royalties.
4. Fair Dealing Exceptions
   Fair dealing (for criticism, review, or parody) might apply in some cases, but it’s rarely applicable to commercial sampling.
5. Respect Moral Rights
   The original artist has moral rights, including the right to be credited and to object to derogatory treatment of their work.
6. Use the Sample Legally
   Once permissions are in place, you can legally use the sample in your music without infringing copyright.
7. Avoid Legal Issues
   Failure to clear a sample can lead to legal action, including lawsuits, injunctions, and financial penalties.

Key Takeaway:

Sampling is a powerful creative tool, but under UK copyright law, it’s crucial to obtain the appropriate licences and clearances before using someone else’s work. If you don’t, you risk significant legal repercussions.

Notable Samples on Fancy that

• “Tonight” –This track flips Panic! at the Disco’s 2008 hit “Do You Know What I’m Seeing?” into a swooning house number, showcasing PinkPantheress’s ability to transform emo-pop into dancefloor-ready beats. Apple Music – Web Player+1Wikipedia+1
• “Girl Like Me” – Incorporates a sample from Basement Jaxx’s “Romeo,” adding a fresh twist to the classic track. Wikipedia+3Financial Times+3Reddit+3
• “Nice to Know You” – Features a sample from William Orbit’s collaboration with Sugababes on “Spiral,” from Orbit’s album Hello Waveforms. Wikipedia
• Stars – Samples Just Jack’s “Starz in Their Eyes,” a track PinkPantheress had previously used in her 2021 song “Attracted to You.” Apple Music – Web Player
• “Stateside” – samples freak like me by Adina Howard

---

Pinkpantheress is known to sample and interpolate tracks in to her music. That’s what makes her so refreshing yet nostalgic at the same time.

What do you think of the mixtape? Comment down Below!