About Marty

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Education Media Design & Technology MS Program, Full Sail University
As a producer/engineer, I have worked with artists like Boyz II Men, Luther Vandross, Johnny Gill, Phyllis Hyman, Keith Sweat, and more. Prior to graduating from Delaware State University, my R and B band, "Final Mixx", won the 1989 National Budwieser Showdown Band Competition, which resulted in a recording contract with Motown Records. During my time at Motown, I was able to build my career in recording, engineering, and the technology of music. I am currently employed at Delaware State University where I serve as the Music Technology Specialist. In addition to working at the university, I also own a private recording studio where I work with DSU student interns seeking additional hands on experience in the production and recording environment.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

WK1 Reading: Copyright Issues


Being involved in the music industry for nearly 34 years and the printing industry for 21 years, copyright issues have always been an important part of everyday conversation for me. The documentary “Good Copy/Bad Copy” is yet another look at the evolving issues and changes regarding copyright laws. The documentary enlightened me as to just how far the concepts of audio sampling has reached. While these individuals have demonstrated creativity with their “Techno Brega” style of manipulating the original works of others, I honestly believe that it is really just form of creative theft. It appears as though the individuals in the documentary clearly recognize that what they are doing is illegal, however, the ways to police this kind of copyright infringement is extremely difficult. Furthermore, I have noticed that the majority of those who practice the art of sampling do not possess any real musical skills and are left with no other alternative but to use other people’s works without permission rather than be original.     


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5 comments:

  1. MichaelMay 5, 2011 at 5:23 PM

    Marty, I agree with you on the "Techo Brega" comment that it is just outright theft. They add injury to insult by then selling their mix CDs on the street which is clearly copyright violation.

    However, it just underscores how arcane and archaic copyright system. Even if the "Techno Brega" guys wanted to go legit and try to get the rights to the song samples, it would be impossible. I wish iTunes would lead the way and start selling songs as tracks then allowing remix uploads. This would create more works for sale and likely benefit all involved from a revenue standpoint.

    As for remixers and DJs while they may or may not possess any classical musical skill, some of them have a true gift for remixing.

    For example, check this one out:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YakUXXpw3Sg

    ACDC - Shook Me All Night Long (Remix feat. Bon Jovi, Metallica, Nirvana, Def Leppard, Van Halen, and Guns N' Roses) all in one remixed techno song.

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  2. tkbachMay 5, 2011 at 7:37 PM

    Hi Marty,

    I completely hear you about individuals involved in the "art" of sampling probably do not possess adequate musical skills and thus revert to thievery.

    Consider this however, during many classical music eras, especially the Baroque period, the practice of "borrowing" material from other composers was widely accepted and actually considered to be a sign of respect and admiration for the composer from which you "stole" from. Granted I understand that at this level it is quite different when you compare it to today's run of the mill "music producer" creating "mixes" in their parents basement. I think though there is something to be said about music creation today being more accessible to a greater amount of individuals because of technology. With it you bring some not so good art but you every once in a while you do get inspiring masterpieces.

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  3. tkbachMay 5, 2011 at 7:42 PM

    Oh great logo by the way!

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  4. Anna DooleyMay 7, 2011 at 2:45 PM

    Marty, have to disagree with you. It takes a lot of insight and skill to mix different styles of much together and make it work. I don't understand how you can say that requires no music skill. To be honest, all music is a sample of something. There has been so many centuries of music original ideas are rare anymore. Hip Hop today samples quite a bit. Just because it may not be legal (yet) doesn't mean it doesn't require special artistic skills. How do you think rock, hip hop, country, any music came about...through the merging of many different forms of music and music evolution. Anyone can "remix" a song, but only a musical artist can create new, valuable work with a message to share. Also, Techno Brega is mainly in other countries where our American laws have no authority, if it is not illegal in their country, how are they breaking the law?

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  5. Marty DensonMay 8, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    Anna,
    It kind of sounds as though you do agree with me. Your statement of "special artistic skills" is exactly what I mean. Techno Brega is very creative work. When I say real musical skill, I mean just that. Note value, key signatures, time signatures, scales, harmonics, accidentals, etc. Artistic skills and real musical skills are in no shape and form the same thing.

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