An **interpolation** occurs when an artist re-records and incorporates a portion of a melody, vocal line, chord structure, or lyric from an existing musical composition into a new recording.

Unlike traditional sampling which takes a piece of an existing audio master file directly interpolation involves creating completely new audio that recreates, replays, or references elements of the original composition.

*(Note: Faithfully re-recording an entire composition from start to finish without fundamental alterations is considered a standard **cover song**, rather than an interpolation).*

### How Interpolation Differs from Sampling

* **Sampling:** Involves extracting and utilizing a portion of the **original master sound recording**. This requires clearance from both the master owner (usually the record label/artist) and the composition owner (the songwriter/publisher).

* **Interpolation:** Involves **re-performing or re-recording** the underlying melody, notes, or lyrics with your own instruments and voice. No original audio from the prior master recording is present.

### Licensing Requirements for Interpolations

Because an interpolation does not use the original sound recording:

* **No Master Use License Needed:** You do not need clearance from the original artist’s record label or the owner of the prior sound recording.

* **Publishing Clearance Required:** You **must** still obtain permission and licensing from the copyright owner(s) of the underlying musical composition (the original songwriters, composers, or publishing administrators).

### Distributing Interpolations on DistroVibe

1. **Secure Publishing Clearance:** Ensure you have negotiated and secured the necessary publishing and mechanical rights from the original publishers/songwriters before distributing.

2. **Proper Songwriting Attribution:** When uploading your release to DistroVibe, list the original composers and lyricists in the **Songwriters & Composers** metadata section to guarantee mechanical and performance royalties flow to the rightful rights holders.

3. **Attach Documentation:** Upload your executed licensing agreements or publisher clearances in the DistroVibe Uploader or submit them via a **Needs Documentation** ticket to our compliance team.

4. **Content ID Restriction:** If an interpolation closely mirrors the recognizable melody or hook of a famous recording, exercise caution with **YouTube Content ID** and **Meta Rights Manager** to avoid automated acoustic match conflicts.