You find a sample, build a beat, and finish a song you’re excited to release. Then comes the question. Can I actually put this out? Sample clearance can become expensive before your song earns anything. I don’t have an unlimited budget for that. Most independent artists don’t.
That’s why I’ve used Tracklib for years. It lets me sample recordings with licensing terms I can review before releasing my work.
Disclosure: Tracklib did not pay me to make this video. Using the referral link in the video description can earn me credits toward samples.
1. Find your sample and check the terms
Tracklib has two different libraries to understand.
Songs contain original recordings available for sampling through its clearance process.
Sounds contains royalty-free loops, one-shots, and effects with no revenue share or separate clearance step.[1]
For Songs, check the licensing terms before getting too attached to your beat. Your revenue share depends on the sample category and how much of the original you use.[2]
Also, Tracklib’s clearance applies to its catalog and the files you get through the service. It doesn’t clear a sample you pulled from another website or your vinyl collection.[3]
The video shows the subscription details available when I recorded it. Check the current pricing page before choosing a plan.
2. Get creative, but keep track of what you use
This is the fun part. Chop the sample, change the pitch, and build something that sounds like you. Keep a record of which sections you use. You’ll need that information during clearance. For my walkthrough, I worked through the recording process until I had a finished master. Having the song ready helped me complete the registration without guessing what the final version would contain.
3. Prepare your release information
Before finishing the license, gather:
Your song title and artist name.
Your finished recording.
Writer and publisher information.
Ownership percentages.
Your distributor and recording’s ISRC.
IPI numbers for affiliated writers and publishers, where applicable.
The ISRC identifies your recording. An IPI identifies a songwriter or publisher. They serve different purposes.
Tracklib requires an ISRC to complete clearance. If your distributor needs proof of clearance before issuing one, Tracklib lets you download a draft license after completing the other required steps. Add the distribution details and activate the license before release.[4]
I recommend leaving a month or more before your release date to handle the paperwork. That’s planning time I give myself, not a required Tracklib waiting period.
4. Complete the license and handle the splits
Enter your song, sample, and ownership information. Review the required shares, complete any payment step, and activate the license. A plan that covers the upfront clearance fee can still require ongoing revenue sharing. For sampled Songs, that can include both master and publishing revenue.[2] In my example, the required share was 20%. Your sample may have different terms.
Include the original rightsholders and their licensed shares in your publishing registration. For master revenue, Tracklib supports automatic payment splits through specific distributors. Follow your distributor's instructions instead of assuming every split system works the same way.[5]
5. Keep reporting, then keep promoting
Clearance comes with ongoing responsibilities.
Tracklib requires revenue reporting at least every six months, including reporting zero income when applicable. Supported automatic splits can handle certain digital revenue, but you may still need to report other income manually.[6]
Keep your records organized and put the reporting dates on your calendar.
Then promote the song. Show people how you built it. A behind-the-scenes video can let listeners hear the work that went into turning a sample into something new. For me, Tracklib makes that process more accessible. I can spend more time creating while knowing what I need to do before releasing the result.
Sources and credits
[1] Tracklib, “Frequently Asked Questions.” Differences between Songs and Sounds. Current plans: Pricing & Plans.
[2] Tracklib, “Will I Need to Share My Song’s Revenue With the Original Sample Rightsholders?” Master and publishing revenue obligations.
[3] Tracklib, “Sample Usage and Clearance FAQ.” Catalog and source-file restrictions.
[4] Tracklib, “How Do I Clear a Sample?” Registration information, identifiers, draft licenses, and activation.
[5] Tracklib, “Can I Set Up Automatic Payments / Splits?” Supported distributors and payment instructions.
[6] Tracklib, “Revenue Reporting: Guide and FAQ.” Reporting schedules, zero-income reports, and automatic-payment exceptions.
