You need to pay attention to which sample is being credited. If it says “direct sample”, that’s a sample, a portion of the original recording is being used. If it says “replayed sample”, that’s an interpolation, a portion of the original work is being reproduced in a new work. The good thing about WhoSampled is that you can check it yourself by listening.
I wouldn’t use Genius, they’re very messy about the difference between the two and sometimes credit stuff without sourcing so you can’t really check if it’s true.
I mean you shouldn’t accept most things at face value; WhoSampled is beneficial because it often gives streaming links with timestamps so you can confirm with your ears. I agree Genius isn’t always the best, but it can be a pointer at least
Is “quotes lyrics from” even an interpolation? If an artist sings a lyric in the same way as another track/work, they would be quoting the “music” of that lyric, no?
P.S
Sorry to reply to you specifically, I’ve just run into this problem recently and your comment hit my dilemma the closest.
Yes, the main work that made me ask this was Eminem’s Houdini. I originally entered his interpolation of “Without Me” as both music and lyrics (the “music” of the lyric + the actual words of the lyric), but another editor removed the music quotation while keeping the lyric one. I think my interpretation makes sense, but the guidelines for this relationship are vague, so – what do you think?
I’ve come across a similar situation to the above, actually. $WAGGOT’s song space amiibos & astronaut barbies / i guess you’re gone sorta quotes Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid (added this relationship before we had the quotes relationships). they changed the lyrics slightly (and I think from major to minor or vice versa), but it’s still identifiable, so I don’t know if this counts as a quotes relationship or not
the lyrics in question
original:
Look at this stuff, isn’t it neat?
Wouldn’t you think my collection’s complete?
Wouldn’t you think I’m the girl
the girl who has everything?
interpolation:
Look at this shit, isn’t it neat?
Wouldn’t you think my collection’s on fleek?
Wouldn’t you think I’m the boy
Who has everything and more?
it does use the vocal melody from the original in my example, but I’ve guessed that if they’re also quoting the lyrics, you don’t need to add the quotes music relationship too (tho if they’re only quoting the vocal melody with different lyrics, perhaps just a quotes music relationship?)
as you mention tho, I also have yet to see any guidance on this particular case
I’m not super duper familiar with Eminem’s latest stuff, but a quick listen through I think that yes using the Quotes Lyrics from relationship here is the best option.
When it comes to interpolations/based upon/quotations there’s a lot of area for personal opinion and interpretation; so long as you can state your case then it should be fine - but don’t be surprised if someone ultimately disagrees with your point!
