How to Clear a Sample (Without Losing Sleep or Getting Sued)

Sampling can turn a good track into a great one, but if you're planning to release your song commercially, clearing that sample legally is essential. Whether it’s a few seconds of a guitar riff or a looped vocal line, using someone else’s recording without permission can lead to takedowns, lost royalties, or even lawsuits.

This guide explains, in simple terms, how to clear a sample the right way in 2025. We’ll walk you through the process step by step, offer tips to avoid legal headaches, and help you understand your options.

What Does It Mean to ‘Clear a Sample’?

Clearing a sample means you’ve obtained legal permission to use a portion of someone else’s music in your own track. That permission usually involves licensing agreements and a fee, sometimes even a share of future royalties.

Whenever you use a sample, you’re dealing with two rights:

• The master recording – the actual sound recording (usually owned by a label)

• The composition – the songwriting itself (usually controlled by the publisher or songwriter)

Both must be cleared, even if the sample is short or heavily altered. If you only clear one and not the other, you could still face legal trouble.

Step-by-Step: How to Clear a Sample in 2025

Step 1: Identify What You're Sampling

Before anything else, pinpoint the exact part of the track you’re sampling. Is it a direct audio lift (e.g. a vocal hook), or are you recreating the melody (known as interpolation)? Interpolation is often easier and cheaper to clear or, in some cases, doesn't require a master licence at all.

If you’re using a sample from a modern track that already includes a sample, you’ll need to trace all underlying rights. For example, if you sample ‘Lucid Dreams’ by Juice WRLD, you’ll need clearance not just from Juice WRLD’s estate, but also from Sting, whose song ‘Shape of My Heart’ was sampled in the original.

Step 2: Find the Rightsholders

This is often the most time-consuming part. You need to contact:

• The label or artist who owns the master recording

• The publisher or songwriter who owns the composition rights

• You can use databases such as:

• PPL UK (for master owners)

• PRS for Music or ASCAP/BMI (for publishing details)

• Discogs or WhoSampled (to track sample origins)

Sometimes labels and publishers are part of larger parent companies like Universal, Sony or Warner, so be prepared to dig a little.

Step 3: Contact the Rights Holders and Submit a Request

Once you’ve found the contacts, reach out with a formal sample clearance request. Include:

• Your name and artist name

• The portion of the track you want to use (timecode and description)

• How it’s being used (looped, altered, etc.)

• The context (album release, commercial use, sync, etc.)

• Projected release date and platforms

• Whether it’s a free or monetised release

Be polite, clear, and concise. Some publishers have clearance forms you can fill out. Others will require negotiation.

Step 4: Negotiate Terms

If the rights holder is open to licensing the sample, you’ll negotiate:

• A one-off licensing fee, or

• A percentage of royalties, or

• A co-writing credit, giving them a share of the publishing income

This part can vary massively depending on who you’re dealing with. Some major artists ask for 50% or more of the publishing. For example, Sting famously took 100% of the publishing from Juice WRLD’s ‘Lucid Dreams’ due to the heavy reliance on ‘Shape of My Heart’.

Make sure to have a lawyer or music business professional review the agreement if you're unsure.

Step 5: Get It In Writing

Once terms are agreed, you’ll receive (or provide) a formal contract or licence agreement. This document should outline:

• Which parts of the sample are being used

• How and where it can be used

• Payment terms or royalty splits

• Any limitations or conditions

You’re still at risk without a signed agreement, even if the sample was "approved verbally".

What If You Can't Clear the Sample?

If clearance is denied or the fees are too high, you have a few options:

Use A Royalty-Free Sample Instead

Sites like Splice, Tracklib, and Loopmasters offer legal samples for creative use.

Interpolate/Recreate The Sample Yourself

This only requires clearing the composition, not the master.

Choose A Different Sound

Sometimes it’s better to find an original idea than risk delays or legal issues.

Some artists even make “sampled” versions for demos and swap them out before release with a soundalike to avoid infringement.

Sampling Services in 2025

There are now platforms designed to make sample clearance easier:

Tracklib

Tracklib offers real recordings with pre-set pricing and clearance options (used by J. Cole, Madlib and others).

Easy Song Licensing

A fantastic platform that offers help with publishing rights and sample research.

Sample Clearance Experts

If you're still unsure, you can contact legal firms and consultants who handle it on your behalf.

These services often come with fees, but they save time and ensure you're protected.

Invest The Time

Sampling is a cornerstone of modern music, but it must be done responsibly. Clearing a sample isn’t just a formality; it’s a legal necessity if you plan to distribute your track commercially. While the process can seem daunting, it’s far better than dealing with takedown notices, lost income, or a lawsuit from a legacy artist.

If you’re serious about releasing music that includes samples, invest the time to do it right, and when in doubt, seek professional help.

Need Help Promoting Your Track?

At Music Mogul Marketing, we work with artists to prepare their tracks for release, including marketing and playlist strategy. If you’re planning to release your next track, contact us to ensure your next release is safe, polished and ready to reach a wider audience.