Looks like The Weeknd pissed off the band he admires.
During his first interview with Complex, The Weeknd was asked about his latest release “Belong To The World.” As he was explaining the inspiration behind the song, he mentioned the band Portishead’s 2008 track “Machine Gun.”
The Weeknd then reveals that he wrote a letter to the producers of “Machine Gun” to receive their blessing to make a track sonically similar.
It’s unclear if The Weeknd received the green light from “Machine Gun” producers, but apparently, everything isn’t peaches and cream.
Portishead member Geoff Barrow isn’t happy about The Weeknd’s disregard for giving them proper credit for the sample, despite the fact that “Belong To The World” doesn’t officially sample “Machine Gun.”
Geoff Barrow took to Twitter writing:
@pitchforkmedia @theweeknd I think it’s a load of bollox
— Geoff Barrow (@jetfury) July 15, 2013
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@pitchforkmedia @theweeknd when someone asks to sample you and you refuse they should have the respect as a fellow artist to not use it.
— Geoff Barrow (@jetfury) July 15, 2013
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We usually give sample clearance to tunes we like. its got fuk all to do with money! As most of them are hiphop artist that are skint.
— Geoff Barrow (@jetfury) July 15, 2013
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Feels like I’m being used to promote the track now… I’ll shut up now.
— Geoff Barrow (@jetfury) July 15, 2013
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Seems @theweeknd have said there is no sample used or enough likeness to Machine Gun to warrant any infringement….or credit.
— Geoff Barrow (@jetfury) July 17, 2013
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Just so you know – I am laughing at this.. Also I learned very early on that there are very few people with any morals in this industry.
— Geoff Barrow (@jetfury) July 17, 2013
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The Weeknd hasn’t responded to Geoff Barrow. Instead, he’s been heavily promoting “Belong To World” and his interview with Complex over the past 24 hours.
What are your thoughts on The Weeknd’s sampling scandal?
