Sample Clearance Checklist for Indie Producers

Releasing music that contains samples can mean dealing with copyright. This checklist helps indie producers figure out when clearance is needed and what steps to take before putting a record out.

Before you release

List every sample in the track. For each: Is it from a royalty-free or cleared source? If yes, keep the license and attribution if required. If no—you used a commercial recording or a recognisable composition—you need to clear both the master (recording) and the composition, or not use it. For covers or replays, you may only need a mechanical license for the composition.

When in doubt

Don't assume "no one will find out." Labels and distributors use content ID; uncleared samples can get your track blocked or trigger claims. Use royalty-free and cleared sources when possible; read our guides on understanding copyright and sample clearance and how to flip a sample without getting sued for the full picture.

Clearance is part of releasing sample-based music. For sources, see where to find free royalty-free samples and understanding copyright and sample clearance.