In popular music, interpolation (also called a replayed sample) refers to using a melody— or portions of a melody (often with modified lyrics)— from a previously recorded song but re-recording the melody instead of directly sampling it.
[1][2] Interpolation is often cited as a legal defence to mask unlicenced sampling when the artist or label who owns the recording of the music declines to license the sample, or if licensing the piece of music is considered too costly.
[5] In pop music, notable examples include Anne-Marie's "2002" which interpolates lyrics from six songs, Portugal.
The Man's "Feel It Still" which interpolates the Marvelettes' 1961 hit "Please Mr. Postman",[4][5] "Bad Liar" by Selena Gomez which interpolates the bassline of "Psycho Killer" by new wave band Talking Heads,[6][5] and Ariana Grande's 2019 hit "7 Rings" which interpolates "My Favorite Things" written by Rodgers & Hammerstein and made famous by Julie Andrews.
[7] The 1992 song "Murder She Wrote" by reggae duo Chaka Demus & Pliers has been interpolated in Omarion and Chris Brown's "Post to Be",[5] in Pitbull's "El Taxi",[8] in Jason Derulo's "Too Hot" and in the remix version of Black Eyed Peas' "Ritmo" featuring Jaden Smith,[5] among many other songs.