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Originally Posted by atma  How does this shit work as far as sample clearance is concerned? Is it just the responsibility of the buyer? |
This may not be a helpful answer, but I do alot of sample clearance through my sample clearance company, and it's sometimes the producer of the track or album who does this on behalf of the artist and label, sometimes its the artist, and other times its the label.
When getting sample licenses from labels and music publishers, they will want to know who's using it (their stature as an artist), how they're going to use it (how many physical copies artist will press)...etc. Expect the majors to require that you clear minimum of 5,000 copies. So its virtually impossible for someone who just makes a beat to get a license that will apply to the artist who ultimately uses it.
I used to work at a record label and publishing company that owned both the publishing and the sound recording to a song used by one of Kanye's producers on a track that was on Graduation. His label cleared it and obtained a license from us, not the particular producer of the track.
I might suggest making your beats subject to clearance by the licensee....possibly make two versions, one with the sample, and another just in case the rights holders don't wish to license the sample use.
Short answer....hire an entertainment attorney to work out a customized standard deal that fits your needs, and use it over and over again.
Cheers,
Trey Rick