What is a music sample?

A music sample is essentially a snippet of a pre-existing song that’s reused in a new track. This can be a small sound, a melody, or even a vocal line, which is then repurposed and reimagined by the artist. The key to sampling is creativity – turning something familiar into something fresh.

Sampling can add layers, change the genre, or completely reshape the mood of your new track. It’s widely used across genres, from hip-hop and electronic to pop and R&B.

However, it’s important to remember that sampling isn’t just a creative process; it also comes with legal considerations. This means you must clear the rights to use the original recording and composition. But when it’s done right, you can use the sample to introduce a new audience to the original song and bring new listeners to your music, essentially building your fanbase.

The history of sampling

The origins of music sampling trace back to the 1960s, when experimental musicians began manipulating tape recordings to create new sounds. However, it wasn’t until the rise of hip-hop in the late 1970s that sampling truly took off. Early DJs, like Kool Herc, used turntables to loop drum breaks from funk and soul records, laying the foundation for the genre.

By the 1980s, samplers like the Akai MPC revolutionised the process, allowing producers to chop up and reassemble parts of existing tracks with precision. Some producers have built their entire careers off the back of sampling.

Influential producers like J Dilla, DJ Premier, and Nujabes became masters of this craft. J Dilla’s complex rhythms, DJ Premier’s gritty beats, and Nujabes’ smooth, jazz-infused productions all pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved with sampling.

Outside of hip-hop, acts like The Prodigy blended samples with electronic music. Sampling transformed music creation, and it’s also become a great way to pay homage to earlier pieces of music while creating something entirely new. Plus, it allows musicians to cross generations of music listeners and genres of music.

Iconic examples of music sampling

 “Runnin'” by The Pharcyde (Prod. J Dilla) (1995)

One of the most iconic hip-hop beats ever made, “Runnin'” was produced by the legendary J Dilla. Known for its hypnotic drums and melancholy guitar sample, the beat is considered by most as one of the best.

The track uses samples from multiple songs, but the main melodic line is sampled from “Saudade Vem Correndo” by Stan Getz & Luiz Bonfá (1963). The main guitar riff drives the song, whilst percussive elements borrowed from James Moody’s “You Follow Me” and Woody Herman’s “Flying Easy” act as the main drive behind the rhythm section.

“Voodoo People” by The Prodigy (Prod. Liam Howlett) (1995)

Instantly recognisable and regarded as one of the most iconic dance tracks ever created, “Voodoo People” uses elements from multiple samples.

Liam Howlett is known for his unique sampling capabilities, finding samples and sound sources that others wouldn’t ever think of using. “Voodoo People” is a testament to his incredible sampling techniques, transforming instrument samples into something unrecognisable compared to the original.

Howlett originally sampled Nirvana’s “Very Ape” for the main guitar riff, but due to clearance issues, he had to replay it on guitar from scratch. Replaying part of a song is known as “interpolation”, incorporating melodies from a different song but not using the original recording.

The huge drum section utilises the drum break from Johnny Pate’s “You’re Starting Too Fast”. Drum breaks have been the staple for hip-hop and drum and bass music, so sampling these will give you a solid starting point for your production.

Other elements in the track use samples from Johnny Pate’s “Shaft In America (Addis)” and the guitar lick from Renegade Soundwave’s “Biting My Nails (Instrumental Club Mix)”. The track is entirely made from samples apart from the lead synth which was played in live.

“Nas Is Like” by Nas (Prod. DJ Premier) (1999)

DJ Premier has built his career around sampling, and he’s regarded as one of the most legendary hip-hop producers out there. He has produced countless classics including with his group Gangstarr alongside MC Guru. “Nas Is Like” showcases DJ Premier’s unique sampling technique in which he takes tiny snippets of songs, chops them up, re-arranges them, and creates a hypnotic four- or eight-bar loop.

“Nas Is Like” is the perfect example of this, utilising less than six seconds of the original song, chopping it up, and re-arranging the samples to create a completely new, catchy riff. One of the most unique samples in the song is the sound of bird noise taken from Jac Holzman’s “Tropical Birds”, which is used as a percussive element alongside DJ Premier’s custom drums.

Samples from original hip-hop songs are also used in countless golden-era rap tracks, usually in the form of scratched acapella snippets. In “Nas Is Like”, DJ Premier has used Nas’ own voice from earlier songs “It Ain’t Hard To Tell” and “Street Dreams” as well as an additional vocal sample from Biz Markie’s “Nobody Beats the Biz”.

How to sample a song

1. Choose your sample

To start, you’ll need to decide on the perfect sample for your track. Samples can come from a variety of sources, including old vinyl records, YouTube, sound libraries, or even streaming platforms. Think about the vibe you’re aiming for – anything from a nostalgic melody to an obscure drum break can work.

Remember, the more unique or unexpected the sample, the more it will stand out in your track. Just ensure that you’re aware of the legal side of things and have clearance if needed.

2. Import music files into your DAW

Once you’ve found the sample you want to use, the next step is to import it into your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Most DAWs – such as Ableton, FL Studio, or Logic Pro – support easy file imports, whether you’re working with an MP3, WAV, or other audio formats. Simply drag and drop the music file into a new track. This gives you full control to start editing and moulding the sample to fit your vision.

3. Chop up your sample

Now that your sample is in the DAW, it’s time to get creative. Use the DAW’s editing tools to isolate the specific part of the song you want to use. This could be a drum loop, a vocal snippet, or a unique sound. Trim any excess audio to focus on the part you want to highlight. This step can take some experimentation, so play around with different sections before finalising your choice.

4. Loop your sample

After cutting your sample, you might want to loop it to fit the rhythm or structure of your new track. Most DAWs make looping simple – just copy the sample and repeat it over your timeline, adjusting it to match the tempo or groove. Ensure the loop is smooth and seamless to avoid any awkward gaps or breaks in the track. You could layer other sounds or effects over it to add depth.

5. Repeat!

Sampling is all about experimenting, so don’t stop at one sample! Try adding more from other tracks or different parts of the same song. You can layer different samples together to create a more complex sound or keep things minimal with just one well-chosen loop. The beauty of sampling is that the possibilities are endless – each new sample offers a fresh opportunity to craft something original.

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Ways to manipulate a sample

Chopping

Chopping a sample involves breaking it down into smaller pieces. Instead of using a long, continuous loop, you can cut the sample into individual notes, beats, or sections and rearrange them in a different order. This allows for complete control over how the sample fits into your track.

For example, you can take a vocal line and chop it into syllables, creating a rhythmic, almost percussive effect. Chopping is especially popular in hip-hop and electronic music as it gives a fresh twist to familiar sounds.

Time-stretching

Time-stretching allows you to change the tempo of a sample without affecting its pitch. It’s a great technique to use when a sample doesn’t naturally fit the tempo of your project. By slowing it down or speeding it up, you can seamlessly integrate it into your track’s rhythm.

Most DAWs make this process straightforward, allowing you to experiment with different speeds while maintaining the sample’s quality.

Reversing

Reversing a sample flips it backwards, often creating a unique, otherworldly sound. This technique works well with a wide range of samples, from vocals to drums and melodic loops.

For example, a reversed cymbal hit can work as a build-up effect or a reversed vocal can provide a haunting, ethereal vibe. It’s a simple trick that can instantly add intrigue to your production.

Pitch-shifting

Pitch-shifting alters the pitch of a sample without affecting its tempo. This is a versatile tool for adding variety to a sound. You can raise the pitch to create a chipmunk-like effect (often used in older hip-hop beats) or lower it for a deeper, more bass-heavy sound. You can also pitch-shift a sample up or down in smaller increments to fine-tune it to match your track’s key.

One of the greatest examples of pitch-shifting a sample is Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones Pt. II”. For years, music lovers and music producers were searching for the original sample to no avail. But within the past five years, someone finally found the original sample – and now it’s clear to see why it was so hard to find.

For this beat, Havoc severely pitched down a couple of notes from Herbie Hancock’s “Jessica” as the main melody, then on the fourth bar, pitched it down even further to create a cohesive yet very dark melody.

Filtering

Filtering is another popular technique that can completely change the character of a sample. By using high-pass, low-pass, or band-pass filters, you can remove certain frequencies from a sample.

A low-pass filter can strip away high frequencies, leaving only the bass, while a high-pass filter does the opposite. This is a great way to isolate certain parts of a sample or create space in your mix by cutting out unnecessary elements.

Jargon buster

Sample

A sample is a direct snippet of an existing track used in a new song. It could be a beat, melody, or vocal that is repurposed, often with some manipulation, to fit the new production. However, when using a sample, you must clear the rights to both the original recording and its composition.

Remix

A remix involves taking the original stems (individual parts) of a track and reworking them into a new version. The core elements of the original song remain, but a remix usually alters the arrangement, tempo, or genre, offering a fresh take on the track while keeping its recognisable identity.

Interpolation

Interpolation is a recreation of a specific part of an existing song, such as a melody or a hook, without using the actual original recording. Instead of sampling the original, musicians re-perform or replay the section, often to avoid dealing with the complexities of sample clearance.

Cover

A cover is a full re-recording of an existing song, performed by a new artist. Unlike sampling or interpolation, a cover stays faithful to the original in terms of lyrics and melody, though it may feature stylistic differences, like changes in genre or instrumentation.

FAQs

How can I legally sample a song?

Legally sampling a song requires obtaining proper licenses from the copyright holders. You’ll need both a master recording license and a composition license. Negotiating these rights is essential to avoid copyright infringement and ensure your sample use is legal.

How do I turn a song into a sample?

Turning a song into a sample involves isolating a specific part and editing it for reuse. You can do this by using digital audio software to trim, manipulate, and adapt the portion.

How do you sample a specific song?

To sample a specific song, you should identify the section you want to use and then edit it with audio software. After creating the sample, you must seek permission from the copyright holders. Both the master recording and the underlying composition require legal clearance.

Final thoughts

We hope this article has taught you how to sample a song and has broken down some of the mystique behind sampling. It’s a creative process that can transform your music, blend genres, and combine old and new.

Remember to obtain the legal rights to the sample you want to use, and after that, anything goes! Chop, reverse, time-stretch – there are so many things you can do to one sample to make it unique and give it a new lease of life.

If you’re looking to further expand your knowledge, check out some more articles below:

Hip-Hop Production – Our Tips for Making Hip-Hop Beats

How to DJ – A Comprehensive Guide

9 Tips for Mixing Rap and Hip-Hop Vocals