Releasing STEMS ... Loopmasters samples can't be used ....

Interesting response from Loopmasters regarding using sample packs to make songs and release them in Stems format ...

Basically my question to them was "Can I use samples from Loopmasters packs to produce songs in Stems format". I wasn't sure how they'd see being able to access the various parts (vocal, drums etc) independently of the rest of the song. Their response was

"Sorry our licence doesnt cover the use with the new Native Instruments stems format as our licence is for sole use only"

I'm guessing this might also apply to other providers of samples?

Mike

 

Just had confirmation that this also applies to VIPZone, so I'm guessing it's a general rule

Mike

 

Actually what they're saying does make sense. With a normal mastered track you can sample the drum parts but you'll have the rest of the track as well unless you're only sampling an isolated hit. With a stems release you can get the complete drum part without any of the other instruments. Same with vocals - if you've taken a clean acapella from a stems release you you can do pretty much anything with it and you don't have to bother trying to filter out the rest of the instruments. Effectively with a stems release you're releasing a track which includes access to the samples which is generally against the licencing.

As you say though, would be interesting to see it contested in court if it ever happens

Mike

 

Stems is meant to be a playback format though. I don't see how a producer can be held responsible what the average joe does with his release. Any audio format can be sampled.

 

Really a site that sells samples "royalty free" and then says don't use them how you want?
I guess if you did as imnodj says and released a stem that left the parts completely open? But really that would be maybe 1-2 samples as loops not a pack and definitely not purposely made for free redistribution.
And as for drums? Anyone can grab a shot of a hat, hell I could go over to loopmasters site right now and grab some shots just by recording from demo tracks.

Loopmasters might as well shut down if they have a policy that keeps every sample or sound from being isolated at anytime?
They sell templates for Ableton too, I wonder if selling or redistributing a track based on a purchased template is against policy.

I really hope the future is not sounds made for personal listening only, people base and make "steal" from other music and art, that is how it works, most my favorite music samples or uses known styles and sounds. Or popular samples from movies and music.

Not only that but most the content uses the same drums and is barely changed in many cases, then sold as a pack, yet when bought can't be used as I want?

Simple answer put a reverb on hats or sounds or add a couple blips in the mix and it's now your creation, believe me the person who made it most likely used some resampling as well. Just don't leave the samples that are "royalty free" out in the mix to be used as sold, make it your own so that anyone who wants the "raw" sample you bought will need to purchase it.

Not only that what stem site even gives access to make a sample selling site nervous? If ownership and copyrights get much more strict people won't be able to listen to music in public or even sing karaoke.

 

Aside from the samples being royalty-free, the last time I checked, which admittedly was close to 20 years ago, it was legal to sample any track and use it in your own track as long as the sample was within four bars long (I think it was four bars). This info came from a local producer so I think it was accurate at the time. I don't know what the law is these days though, would be interested to know if that still applies or has it changed?

 

i'm not sure about the 4 bars thing but unless you're making boatloads of $$$ then nobody will come after you. worst case scenario is you make a lot of money and have to share some of it.

 

keep in mind that's somewhat of a rare case.

before someone uses a sample they should know a little bit about the person(s) they are "working" with. don't let it be a douche! more often than not a deal can be struck out of court. at the end of the day it's all about the music. let the people decide!!

anyways that's just my opinion. to each their own. whenever possible, follow the rules.

 

I use alot of Loopmaster samples in my own productions, and I have released them with 0 problems so far.

 

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but i'm looking for clarity on this, have my first release coming out this year and thinking about including Stems but i also use a lot of LM samples. I'd rather get it clear from the outset, definitely a avenue i'd like to explore.