The Weekend may have run into some trouble with their new music video “Belong to the World.” The eight-minute video is causing quite a commotion with Portishead accusing the artist of possibly using a sample of their single “Machine Gun” percussion without permission.
Photo credit: Raymond Flotat
The R&B artist Abel Tesfaye aka The Weekend has been known to include characteristics from music by several bands including the Smiths, Beach House, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Aaliyah, and now possibly Portishead.
The Weekend’s video “Belong to the World” premiered on MTV and because of its intricate and pretentious quality, it’s only natural many fans and critics would be skeptical.
Portishead’s Geoff Barrow took to the social media platform Twitter to voice his opinion on The Weekend’s illegal usage.
@pitchforkmedia @theweeknd I think it's a load of bollox
— Geoff Barrow (@jetfury) July 15, 2013
@pitchforkmedia @theweeknd when someone asks to sample you and you refuse they should have the respect as a fellow artist to not use it.
— Geoff Barrow (@jetfury) July 15, 2013
We usually give sample clearance to tunes we like. its got fuk all to do with money! As most of them are hiphop artist that are skint.
— Geoff Barrow (@jetfury) July 15, 2013
Feels like I'm being used to promote the track now… I'll shut up now.
— Geoff Barrow (@jetfury) July 15, 2013
The Weekend has yet to make a statement in response to this accusation.
Portishead’s “Machine Gun” is featured on their 2008 album Third. The Weekend will be releasing their first debut album Kiss Land since the Trilogybox set from 2012.
The Weekend will be touring the UK later on this year playing three arena shows including London’s O2 Arena.
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