Remixing & Mashups Remixing & Mashups MCQ 2

Question 1

Under US copyright law, which legal doctrine most often protects mashup creators when they use short samples without a license?

Accepted Answer

Fair use

Answer

Fair use is the primary defense mashup artists invoke, evaluated on four factors including purpose, nature, amount used, and market effect.

Question 2

What is the term for a remix that strips a song down to its individual component audio tracks?

Accepted Answer

Stem remix

Answer

A stem remix uses isolated stems (drums, bass, vocals, etc.) provided by the original producer or extracted via software.

Question 3

Which famous 2004 mashup album by Danger Mouse blended The Beatles' 'White Album' with Jay-Z's 'The Black Album'?

Accepted Answer

The Grey Album

Answer

Danger Mouse's 'The Grey Album' became a landmark mashup release and sparked major copyright debate after EMI issued cease-and-desist letters.

Question 4

When two songs are combined by playing them simultaneously in different keys, what must be adjusted to make them sound harmonic?

Accepted Answer

Pitch

Answer

Pitch-shifting one or both tracks to a compatible key prevents clashing harmonics and tonal dissonance in the mashup.

Question 5

A DJ creates a mashup and sells it commercially without permission from any rights holder. Which right is most directly infringed?

Accepted Answer

Reproduction rights

Answer

Copying and distributing the original recordings without authorization infringes the copyright owner's exclusive reproduction rights.

Remixing & Mashups Practice Test