Mashups

Rayshawn Parrilla

Mashups has evolved into a popular evolution of software and the web. It’s a web application which combines content from multiple sources to create one interface. The characteristics consist of data, music, video and text. Mashups development approach is to create an easier and smoother interface for its users. Though its interface is likely to provide an exciting web experience, its contribution can pose a threat to our culture.

The idea of new bread technology allows web designers, thinkers and artist the opportunity to take obsolete creations and transform them into new ones. There are various forms of mashups including mapping, video, shopping and music mashups. Mashups consist of providing a third party data; its development can be illegal and pose a threat to the copy right laws. Music mashups is an example of this theory. In the article “Grey Album Producer Danger Mouse Explains how he did it,” discusses the fundamentals and development of music mashups. Brian Burton is a producer who blend the cappella version “The Black Album” by Jay-z with the Beatles LP “The White Album” and created “The Grey Album.” Through his creativity and skills, his album was a download success. Burton stirred up huge controversial and posed a threat to copy right laws. Without seeking permission from the artist or label to sample their music, this concept is illegal. Whether its audio, skits or even ideas sampled, it is considered illegal and violates copy right laws. The rules of Sampling are clear. The copy right holder is in charge and they come up with prices for their samples. In today’s modern time, we live in a file sharing world. New technology is providing an easier platform for people to sample music and recordings especially when artists like Jay-z are releasing cappella versions to his albums.