Here’s why Plini isn’t surprised Doja Cat’s rock reimagining lifted his song
Over the weekend, Doja Cat surprised many rock and metal fans with her rendition of “Say So” at the 2020 MTV European Music Awards.
Now, it looks like Doja Cat is in some hot water following the viral performance. Australian progressive rock guitarist Plini has pointed out that one of his songs was lifted for the performance without permission.
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Doja Cat has performed various reimaginations of her viral hit “Say So” over the past year. For her 2020 EMAs appearance, however, she channeled the rock gods and transformed the single into a mega rock-hit. The performance even included a nod to a horror movie classic.
During the performance, however, Plini heard something very familiar in the “Say So” rendition. The guitarist revealed on Twitter that part of Doja Cat’s arrangement included his song “Handmade Cities.” Plini released the song on his debut full-length album back in 2016.
“Someone tell @DojaCat that if she digs the arrangement of this at 2:50 onwards, then she would love my song ‘handmade cities.'”
someone tell @DojaCat that if she digs the arrangement of this at 2:50 onwards, then she would love my song “handmade cities” ?https://t.co/jkAKCFSVf7
— Plini (@plinirh) November 9, 2020
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Plini further elaborated on the situation on Instagram. In a post, he says that MTV “borrowed a few elements” from his song. Given the nature of the industry, however, he isn’t surprised about not receiving credit for his song.
“In case you missed it,” he said. “@dojacat‘s recent performance of ‘say so’ for MTV borrowed a few elements from my song ‘handmade cities’ for its new live arrangement. I think it’s an awesome performance (shout out to the homie @laribasilio – sick playing!). and more than anything, find it absolutely hilarious that something i wrote 4 years ago in my bedroom would find its way here.”
Plini says the situation has now been sorted out. However, it was done so after Doja Cat’s video received over one million views.
“The lack of prior communication about it or proper credit upon release is disappointing. But not particularly surprising in a sector of the industry that is usually more interested in clout than creativity. (it’s being sorted now, but would have been cooler a million views ago).
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If you read this far, and are new to my music, you can preorder my upcoming album from the link in my bio. in the words of @iamdarionjavon – you’ve never heard me produce/arrange ANYthing like this before.”
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At this time, reps for Doja Cat and MTV have no made public statements regarding the situation. Both Doja Cat’s “Say So” performance and Plini’s “Handmade Cities” can be streamed below. The sample in Doja Cat’s performance begins at around 2:50.
What are your reactions to Plini’s response to his song being used in Doja Cat’s performance? Let us know in the comments below.
