Sampling in Music

This section explains Sampling and the Use of Samples in Music. Sampling is a crucial element in modern music production, particularly in genres such as hip-hop, electronic, pop, and dance music. It involves taking a portion of a pre-existing sound or piece of music (a "sample") and incorporating it into a new composition. The use of samples has become an essential tool for producers and musicians, providing a way to innovate and create new sounds by repurposing existing material. This section covers the basics of sampling, how samples are used, and how they can influence song structure.

What is Sampling?

• Definition: Sampling is the act of taking a short segment of an existing sound recording and reusing it in a new composition. This sample can be anything from a drum beat, a melody, a vocal line, or a section of a song.
• Source of Samples: Samples can come from various sources, including:
  • Records/Vinyl (popular in hip-hop and electronic music)
  • CDs or Digital Files (such as WAV or MP3 files)
  • Field recordings (sounds from nature, urban environments, etc.)
  • Old songs (used creatively in remixes or mashups)

Sampling allows artists to manipulate and reshape existing music, transforming it into something new and original.

How Samples Are Used

Looping

• Definition: Looping is the technique of repeating a sample multiple times to create a consistent rhythmic or melodic foundation. Loops are often used in dance music, hip-hop, and electronic genres.
• Example: A four-bar drum loop can be repeated throughout a track, providing the rhythmic backbone. Similarly, a melodic sample might be repeated to create a catchy, repetitive hook.

Manipulating the Sample

• Pitch Shifting: Changing the pitch of a sample to match the key of the track or to create a different mood. Pitch shifting can also be used creatively to alter the character of the sample.
  • Example: A vocal sample might be pitched down to create a deeper, more atmospheric sound or pitched up for a more energetic feel.
• Time Stretching: Time stretching changes the length of the sample without affecting its pitch. This technique is used to fit samples into the tempo of the track.
  • Example: A sampled vocal or instrumental section can be lengthened or shortened to align with the rest of the song.
• Chopping and Rearranging: This involves cutting the sample into smaller sections (often called "chops") and rearranging them in a different order. This can add creativity and variation to the sample.
  • Example: A sampled drum break can be chopped up and rearranged to create a new rhythm pattern.
• Effects Processing: Producers can add various effects to a sample to alter its sound. Common effects include:
  • Reverb (to create a sense of space)
  • Delay (to add echoes)
  • Distortion (to add warmth or harshness)
  • EQ (to change the tonal balance of the sample)

Sampling in Different Genres

• Hip-Hop: Sampling is the foundation of hip-hop music, with producers using breakbeats and vocal snippets from classic soul, funk, and jazz tracks to create new compositions.
• Electronic/Dance Music: In genres like house, techno, and dubstep, sampling is often used to create loops, vocal hooks, or to add interesting textures.
• Pop and Rock: In pop, some artists sample older songs to pay homage or create nostalgia. Rock artists may also use samples to create specific effects or textures within their music.

Legal and Ethical Issues with Sampling

• Copyright: Sampling involves legal considerations. The original creator of the sample usually holds the copyright, and using a sample without permission can lead to legal disputes.
• Clearing Samples: To legally use a sample in a track, the producer must obtain permission or "clear" the sample with the original artist or record label. If the sample is not cleared, the artist may face lawsuits or financial penalties.
• Creative Sampling: Some artists creatively sample from obscure or public domain sources to avoid legal issues. They may also manipulate samples to the point where they become "unrecognisable," thus avoiding copyright issues.

Song Structure and Sampling

Sampling can play a significant role in shaping the structure of a song. The way samples are used can influence how a song is arranged and how it progresses. Below are some common song structures in which sampling is involved:

Verse-Chorus Structure

• Verses and Choruses: A common song structure in pop, rock, and hip-hop involves alternating between verses and choruses. Samples might be used as hooks in the chorus, with the producer repeating a catchy vocal or instrumental phrase throughout.
• Example: A vocal sample could be introduced in the chorus to add an emotional or thematic layer to the song, while the verses might feature original material or instrumental loops.

Intro, Build-Up, Drop (Common in Electronic Dance Music)

• Intro: The intro sets the mood for the track and often features an instrumental sample or a short loop that gradually builds up to the main part of the song.
• Build-Up: The build-up section in electronic music often uses filtered and looped samples, increasing in intensity before the drop.
• Drop: The drop is a key feature in genres like dubstep, drum and bass, or house music. It marks the peak of energy in the track, often using sampled drum breaks, basslines, and other elements to create a powerful impact.

Bridge/Breakdown

• Bridge: A bridge section is often used to provide contrast in a song. Producers may introduce a new sample, such as a melody or vocal clip, to break up the repetition of verses and choruses and provide a new direction.
• Breakdown: In many electronic and dance tracks, a breakdown features a stripped-down arrangement, often highlighting a single sample or sound. This allows for dramatic tension before the music intensifies again.

Loop-Based Composition

• Looping for Structure: In genres like hip-hop and electronic music, many songs are constructed entirely around loops of sampled material. The structure of the track is built by layering different loops, such as drums, basslines, and melodies, to create a continuous, evolving composition.
• Dynamic Structure: Even though the track might be based on loops, dynamic changes can be introduced through effects (e.g., filter sweeps), adding variety and keeping the listener engaged.

Creating a Song Using Samples

Selecting Samples

• Choosing the Right Sample: The first step in creating a song using samples is selecting material that fits the mood, genre, and style of the track. Producers often dig through records (vinyl or digital) to find sounds that inspire them, whether it's a drum beat, a vocal snippet, or a melodic phrase.
• Creative Reinterpretation: Good use of samples often involves reinterpreting the original source material. For example, you might take a sample of an old jazz song and transform it into a modern electronic beat or rearrange it to fit a new genre.

Arranging the Samples

• Building the Track: After selecting the samples, arrange them in a way that creates a cohesive flow. This may involve repeating and altering the sample, adding breaks or fills, and structuring the track into sections like the intro, verses, and chorus.
• Transitioning Between Samples: Transitions between different sections can be enhanced using effects like risers, sweeps, or reverse cymbals. These help the samples flow together smoothly and maintain listener interest.

Mixing and Mastering

• Balancing Samples: Mixing is important when working with samples, as it’s essential to balance them correctly within the overall track. Adjusting levels, panning, and EQ is crucial to ensure that each sample sits well in the mix.
• Layering Sounds: Layers of different samples can be used to create a rich texture. Careful consideration of how these layers interact is essential to avoid clutter and maintain clarity.
• Final Mastering: After the track is mixed, mastering involves making adjustments to the overall sound, ensuring the track has the right levels, clarity, and is ready for distribution.

Conclusion

Sampling is a powerful and creative tool in music production that allows producers to bring new life to old sounds. Whether you are using a single loop or creatively chopping and manipulating samples, they can play a significant role in shaping the structure and mood of a song. Sampling also influences the overall arrangement of tracks, providing the foundation for many modern genres, including hip-hop, electronic music, and pop. However, understanding how to use samples ethically and legally is vital for any music producer to avoid copyright infringement.