Case Study
How an artist navigated complex music licensing to legally release remixes of classic tracks
Temple Haze
Storm (Rare Silk Remix)
Navigating the Licensing Maze
Temple Haze is known for his mesmerizing live sets where he reimagines old classics by breathing new life with his groove-infused guitar riffs. Frustrated and confused about where to get the proper licenses for his remixes, he turned to Bushido who cleared both the publishing and master rights for his work.
The Licensing Challenge
Master Rights
Rights to the original recording owned by the record label or artist
Publishing Rights
Rights to the composition owned by songwriters and publishers
Legal Complexity
Navigating multiple rights holders, contracts, and legal requirements
The Remix
Temple Haze transformed Rare Silk's iconic '80s jazz hit, "Storm," with a groove-infused remix that breathes new life and vibrancy into this classic tune. Drawing from the original's rich, eclectic production, Temple infuses the track with his unique blend of smooth guitar licks, deep Motown basslines, distinctive vocal flair, and vibrant organic electronic production.
Global Fusion - Features an authentic live tabla performance, recorded by Temple himself in a beachside bungalow in Goa, India
Unique Sound - The rhythmic pulse of the tabla intertwines seamlessly with the original track's jungle-esque feeling
The Licensing Solution
Frustrated with the complex licensing landscape, Temple Haze turned to Bushido for help. The platform was able to navigate the intricate web of rights holders to secure both the publishing and master rights for his remix of "Storm."
Rights Clearance - Bushido handled the complex process of clearing both publishing and master rights
Fair Compensation - Ensured original rights holders receive appropriate royalties from the remix
Legal Distribution - Enabled Temple Haze to legally distribute his remix worldwide
Key Insights
"Licensing is one of the most complex aspects of music production, especially for remixes. Many talented artists abandon projects due to the difficulty of navigating these waters, resulting in lost creative opportunities."
"Platforms that can handle the complex licensing process create value for both remix artists and original rights holders, unlocking creative potential while ensuring fair compensation for all parties involved."
"Temple self-released his remix exclusively on his Bushido channel before distributing to DSPs, giving his direct supporters early access while building anticipation for the wider release."
The Licensing Process
Identifying Rights Holders
The first challenge was identifying who owned the publishing and master rights to Rare Silk's "Storm" from the 1980s
Negotiating Terms
Bushido negotiated fair terms with the rights holders, ensuring proper compensation while making the project financially viable
Securing Contracts
Legal agreements were established with all parties, clearly outlining usage rights, royalty splits, and distribution terms
Release & Distribution
With all rights properly cleared, Temple Haze was able to officially release his remix on his Bushido channel