Sample

In the context of music, a sample refers to a portion of sound that has been extracted from a recording and can be reused in a different musical composition. Sampling is a fundamental technique in music production and is widely used across various genres, particularly in hip-hop, electronic, and pop music.

History of Sampling

The practice of sampling began in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the advent of tape loops and synthesizers. Early pioneers included:

• Herbie Hancock - Utilized sampling techniques in his 1973 album "Head Hunters."
• George Martin - The Beatles' producer, who experimented with tape manipulation.
• Kraftwerk - Incorporated electronic sampling in their music, influencing various genres.

Types of Samples

Samples can be categorized into several types, including:

Legal Aspects of Sampling

Sampling raises various legal issues, primarily related to copyright. To legally use a sample, producers must either obtain permission from the copyright holder or ensure that the sample is in the public domain. Key points include:

• Copyright Law - Protects original works, including music recordings.
• Fair Use - A legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission under certain conditions.
• Sample Clearance - The process of obtaining rights to use a sample legally.

Techniques in Sampling

Producers employ various techniques to manipulate samples, including:

• Chopping - Cutting a sample into smaller pieces to rearrange and create new patterns.
• Looping - Repeating a section of a sample to create a continuous sound.
• Pitch Shifting - Altering the pitch of a sample to fit the musical key of a track.
• Time Stretching - Changing the duration of a sample without affecting its pitch.
• Layering - Combining multiple samples to create a richer sound.

Sampling in Different Genres

Sampling is prevalent across various music genres, each utilizing it in unique ways:

Hip-Hop

Hip-hop is perhaps the genre most associated with sampling. Producers often sample beats, basslines, and vocals from older records to create new tracks. Notable examples include:

• The Notorious B.I.G. - "Juicy" samples "Juicy Fruit" by Mtume.
• A Tribe Called Quest - Frequently sampled jazz and soul records.

Electronic Music

In electronic music, sampling is used to create entire compositions. Artists often manipulate samples to create unique sounds. Examples include:

• Daft Punk - Known for their extensive use of sampling in tracks like "One More Time."
• Deadmau5 - Utilizes samples to build atmospheric soundscapes.

Pop Music

Pop music has increasingly embraced sampling, often incorporating elements from various genres. Notable instances include:

• Katy Perry - "Teenage Dream" samples "You Make Me Feel" by Cobra Starship.
• Rihanna - "Only Girl (In The World)" features samples from various dance tracks.

Tools for Sampling

Several tools and software programs are commonly used for sampling in music production:

Conclusion

Sampling is a vital aspect of modern music production, allowing artists and producers to innovate and create new sounds by recontextualizing existing recordings. As technology advances, the methods and tools for sampling continue to evolve, shaping the future of music in exciting ways.

For more information on music production techniques, visit Music Production.