What is a sample?
A sample in music refers to a sound or series of sounds that have been recorded, edited, and then repurposed within a new musical context. This can range from a single drum hit, a vocal phrase, a melody, or even an entire section of a song. The use of sampling has been a fundamental aspect of many genres of music, particularly in electronic music and hip-hop, but its influence can be heard across the musical spectrum.
History of sampling
The practice of sampling in music can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the advent of musique concrète, a form of experimental music that used recorded sounds as raw material. However, it was not until the late 1970s and early 1980s, with the development of digital sampling technology, that sampling became a widespread practice in popular music.
Early samplers such as the Fairlight CMI and the E-mu Emulator brought sampling to the mainstream, allowing musicians to capture and manipulate real-world sounds with unprecedented ease and flexibility. This led to the birth of new musical genres such as hip-hop and house music, which heavily relied on sampling as a core production technique. As an example, you can listen to a short beat based off a sampled erhu melody:
Sampling in hip-hop
Hip-hop, in particular, has a deep-rooted tradition of sampling. Early hip-hop artists would sample breaks from funk and soul records, looping them to create the rhythmic backbone for their tracks. This practice, known as breakbeating, was pioneered by DJs such as Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash, and it remains a staple of hip-hop production to this day.
Over time, hip-hop producers have expanded their sampling palette to include a wide range of sources, from jazz and rock to classical music and movie soundtracks. This has resulted in a rich tapestry of sounds and styles that continues to evolve and push the boundaries of what is possible with sampling.
Sampling in electronic music
Similarly, electronic music has also embraced sampling as a production technique. Genres such as house, techno, and drum and bass have used sampling to create complex rhythmic patterns and textures, often manipulating samples beyond recognition to create entirely new sounds.
The advent of software samplers and digital audio workstations (DAWs) has further democratized the process of sampling, making it accessible to anyone with a computer and an internet connection. This has led to a proliferation of bedroom producers and DIY musicians who are constantly pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with sampling.
Types of sampling
Several types of sampling are commonly used in music production, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. These include loop sampling, chop sampling, and multi-sampling, among others.
- Loop sampling involves taking a section of a song, such as a drum break or a melodic phrase, and repeating it to form a loop. This is a common technique in hip-hop and electronic music, where loops form the rhythmic and harmonic foundation of a track.
- Chop sampling, on the other hand, involves slicing a sample into smaller pieces, or chops, which can then be rearranged and manipulated to create new rhythms and melodies. This technique is often used in conjunction with MIDI controllers, allowing producers to play the chops like a musical instrument.
- Multi-sampling is a more complex form of sampling that involves recording a musical instrument at multiple pitches and dynamics, and then mapping these recordings to a MIDI keyboard or other controller. This allows the producer to play the sampled instrument with a high degree of realism and expressivity.
Legal and ethical considerations
While sampling has opened up new avenues for creativity in music, it has also raised a number of legal and ethical issues. The use of copyrighted material without permission is considered copyright infringement and can result in legal action from the copyright owner.
Over the years, there have been numerous high-profile lawsuits involving sampling, such as the case between The Verve and The Rolling Stones over the use of a sample in The Verve's hit song ”Bitter Sweet Symphony.” These cases have highlighted the need for clear guidelines and regulations around the use of samples, particularly in the digital age where the line between inspiration and plagiarism can be blurred.
Clearing samples
One way to avoid legal issues is to clear samples, which involves obtaining permission from the copyright owner and potentially paying a licensing fee. This process can be complex and costly, particularly for independent artists and producers who may lack the resources to navigate the legal system.
However, clearing samples is not just a legal requirement but also an ethical one. It ensures that the original artists are properly credited and compensated for their work, and it fosters a culture of respect and fairness within the music industry.
Using royalty-free samples
Another option is to use royalty-free samples, which are samples that have been pre-cleared for use in commercial projects. These can be found on various online platforms and libraries, offering a hassle-free alternative to clearing samples.
While royalty-free samples can be a valuable resource for producers, they also come with their own set of challenges. For instance, because they are widely available, they can lack the uniqueness and originality of cleared samples. The quality of royalty-free samples can also vary greatly, so it's important to choose carefully and critically evaluate the samples before using them in a project.
