TED: Why all melodies should be free for musicians to use | Damien Riehl

The video discusses the finite nature of melodies and the challenges of copyright infringement in music. It highlights a project by Damien and Noah Rubin to catalog all possible melodies and place them in the public domain to protect songwriters. The video explores legal implications, challenges in proving infringement, and the need for reform in copyright law to preserve creative freedom.

What was the main issue in George Harrison's copyright case?

• He used the same lyrics as another song.

• He used the same recording as another song.

• He subconsciously copied another song.

• He consciously copied another song.

What is the main challenge musicians face according to the narrator?

• Writing lyrics that are unique.

• Recording songs in different languages.

• Avoiding melodies that have already been used.

• Creating new instruments.

What does the narrator suggest about the number of melodies?

• Melodies are not important in music.

• Melodies are constantly being created.

• There are only a finite number of melodies.

• There are infinite melodies.

How did the narrator and Noah Rubin attempt to address the issue of finite melodies?

• By teaching music theory.

• By writing new songs.

• By cataloging all possible melodies.

• By creating new musical instruments.

Why might melodies be considered non-copyrightable according to the narrator?

• They are always unique.

• They are considered mathematical facts.

• They are too complex.

• They are not fixed in a tangible medium.

What is a significant legal challenge in copyright cases?

• Proving the popularity of the song.

• Proving the quality of the recording.

• Proving access to the original song.

• Proving the originality of lyrics.

What is a common outcome for songwriters accused of infringement?

• They are banned from writing music.

• They often settle by sharing royalties.

• They always win the case.

• They never face any consequences.

What is the narrator's goal with their project?

• To make all melodies private.

• To create a new music genre.

• To put all melodies in the public domain.

• To sell melodies to songwriters.

What is the potential impact of the project on future songwriters?

• It will limit their creative freedom.

• It will increase the risk of lawsuits.

• It will make songwriting more difficult.

• It will provide more freedom to create music.

What does the narrator believe about the current state of copyright law?

• It is perfectly adequate.

• It needs updating to reflect the finite nature of melodies.

• It should focus more on lyrics.

• It should be abolished.