Veteran British band Shakatak has taken a significant step in the ongoing debate surrounding plagiarism accusations against NewJeans’ hit song “Bubble Gum.” The band reportedly hired a musicologist to analyze the NewJeans track and compare it to their 1981 song “Easier Said Than Done.”
This move comes after weeks of online speculation and discussion about similarities between the two songs. Fans of Shakatak pointed towards the light, airy melodies, prominent use of synthesizers, and similar chord progressions in both tracks.
Deeper Dive: Musicology’s Role
The involvement of a musicologist in this case elevates the discussion beyond subjective comparisons. Musicologists are trained in the historical and theoretical aspects of music. Their analysis can provide a more objective assessment of potential plagiarism by considering:
- Melodic Similarities: Did the melody of “Bubble Gum” directly copy or substantially borrow from “Easier Said Than Done?” This involves analyzing the note sequence, rhythm, and overall structure of the melody.
- Harmonic Similarities: Do the chord progressions in both songs share a significant amount of similarity?Musicologists can compare the chords used and their progressions to determine originality.
- Musical Style and Genre: Both songs fall under the genre of pop with influences from synth-pop. The musicologist will consider if the similarities lie within the common stylistic elements of the genre or go beyond those conventions.
The Legal Landscape of Music Similarity
It’s important to understand that music copyright protects the original expression of ideas, not the underlying musical concepts themselves. Common chord progressions, basic rhythms, and even certain melodic elements can exist in many songs without constituting copyright infringement.
The musicologist’s report will likely be used to determine if the similarities between “Bubble Gum” and “Easier Said Than Done” cross the legal threshold of plagiarism. This involves analyzing the level of originality in each song’s melody,harmony, and overall arrangement.
What Happens Next?
The findings of the musicologist’s report will be crucial in determining the next steps. Here are some possibilities:
- No Plagiarism: If the report concludes that the similarities fall within acceptable boundaries and do not constitute a substantial copying of protected elements, the issue may likely be dropped.
- Out-of-Court Settlement: Shakatak might seek compensation from NewJeans or their label through a negotiated settlement.
- Legal Action: If the report finds strong evidence of plagiarism, Shakatak could pursue legal action against NewJeans and their label for copyright infringement.
The Wider Impact
This case highlights the ongoing debate about musical similarity and the fine line between inspiration and plagiarism. It raises questions about the role of musicologists in copyright disputes and the potential impact on future music creation,especially within genres that rely on established stylistic elements.
The involvement of a musicologist adds a layer of professionalism to the “Bubble Gum” plagiarism debate. Fans and music enthusiasts alike will be waiting to see the report’s findings and their potential impact on the future of the case. This situation has the potential to set a precedent for how musical similarity is evaluated in the age of pop music heavily influenced by past eras.
