Lisa Rein has some interesting ideas on resolving the Beastie Boys vs. James Newton debacle I mentioned recently.
- What happens when you can't track down an artist you'd like to sample?
- What happens when the artist you'd like to sample says no?
- Do artists need to be notified before you sample their work? (The court is leaning towards no, Lisa and most other sensible folk are leaning towards yes.)
Lisa is proposing some kind of "fair use" for sampling: compulsory licensing to make sure the original artists are paid fairly. Details TBD. (Personally, I'd like to see James Newton get a percentage of the royalties for the Beastie Boys song; his flute playing is one of the most recognizable aspects of that CD. A flat fee just wouldn't be fair.)
