Is it legal to sample copyrighted songs from outside my country even for personal purposes?

Question

I'm an underage person in Indonesia working on a music passion project. I'm making over 45% of the music myself, and I want to sample songs from an artist called DECO*27 who is a music producer from Japan, who is on the label of Nex-Tone inc. if I'm correct on the name. I've sampled many of their songs before without permission, but I've never distributed it much (as in personal purposes) I am not making money off of it.

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

Even if you're not making money from the music and are using it for personal purposes, sampling copyrighted songs can still be a legal issue. Copyright law generally protects the original works of creators, including music, no matter where in the world you are. Even if you're outside of the country where the copyright holder is located, like in Japan, their copyright protection can still apply internationally, especially if their works are distributed globally. 
 
Sampling copyrighted music without permission is considered infringement, regardless of whether it's for personal or commercial use. The fact that you aren't distributing the music widely or earning from it doesn't necessarily protect you. Copyright holders often reserve the right to take action if their work is used without authorization, even in non-commercial or private settings. 
 
To avoid potential legal issues, it's always best to seek permission from the copyright owner or their representative, like the label. If you want to sample specific tracks from DECO*27 or any other artist, consider reaching out to Nex-Tone Inc. or explore options for legally licensing the music. By taking these steps, you ensure that you're respecting the intellectual property rights of others while still pursuing your passion.

Q: Is it legal to sample copyrighted songs from outside my country even for personal purposes?