It’s Hired Gun Lisa Christiansen hunkering down on the range for Grant Lawrence today. Let’s beat those Monday blues together for some music and chat…
A new video from Beyonce greeted my day… and then of course the requisite hand-wring “who did she rip off this time?” discussion after analyzing the dance moves. Lots of people have noted the similarities in her video for “Love on Top” and New Editions “If It Isn’t Love.” Beyonce’s defense: “I always wanted to make a video and be part of a boy group myself. It was so much fun."
And therein lies the rub when it comes to musical influences… and brings me to today’s question:
WHAT IS THE DIFFERNCE BETWEEN AN HOMAGE AND A RIP-OFF?
FOR THAT MATTER: CAN YOU COPYRIGHT A DANCE MOVE OR SINGING STYLE?
Many an artist starts their career based on hearing some sound from a much-loved predecessor. Is there a way to reference that past without sounding like you are just doing it 2.0?
Let me know your thoughts… and make sure they’re your own… or be so kind as add a footnote to your comment.