The Lost Art of Sampling

Sampling is more than just copying a song. Most of the time, it involves processing through effects, chopping of rhythm, or modulation of pitch and tempo. Sampling, as an art form, has been stomped out by copyright. It's a valid form of art that has a significant place in the world of music. It still exists today, but has been mutilated.

In the past, a song might include a multitude of samples. There could be a sample for the intro, two samples for melody and drums on the verse, a line from another song during the verse, another melody sample for the hook, and then a sample for the ending. Today, songs include samples but usually only one, a loop that the song is built around. I understand why, clearing samples is an incredibly tiring process. Drums today are also programmed more than they are sampled. Still, the intricacy of layering melodic samples, and the fun around vocal samples has been eliminated.

Sampling gives music a new life. It allows a person to use something that inspired them to create their own art. It brings sounds to life that can't be replicated. There is always a distinct rhythm and melody to a chopped sample. Sampled drums loops can also bring swing, which provide a lot of unique rhythms. Layering multiple samples to create a new melody can be so impressive, and I love watching breakdowns of how songs use samples.

There are so many classic songs, beyond just rap, that sample other music. It's unfortunate that it has been so pushed out of modern music, especially in scratching. When did it become so difficult to sample? It's so cool hearing movies or TV shows incorporated into songs. Researching samples is one of my favorite aspects to music.

Thank you for reading.