NYMMEP Explore the Beat Wrap-up: Creative Approaches to Sampling
Explore the Beat is part of New York Music Month Extended Play, an initiative of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.
We had Kristen Glennon, aka Pozibelle, show us some creative approaches to sampling. Here’s our recap, as well as some resources!
A Recap and Resources:
Below is a recap of our latest Creative Approaches to Sampling workshop, as well as some resources provided by Pozibelle.
What is Sampling?
Warmup video: A Brief History of Sampling
From Wikipedia: In music, sampling is the reuse of a portion (or sample) of a sound recording in another recording. Samples may comprise elements such as rhythm, melody, speech, sounds, or entire bars of music, and may be layered, equalized, sped up or slowed down, repitched, looped, or otherwise manipulated. They are usually integrated using hardware (samplers) or software such as digital audio workstations.
Like recycling, but with audio
Why Sample?
Unexpected Surprises & Happy Accidents
DJing and the moment that the two songs blend to create an entirely new idea
Hardware Samplers like the MPC or DAWs like Ableton allow for capturing of audio and creating multiple layers or sample that interact to create a new idea - like DJing in a smaller form
Random sampling practice -- Rhythm Roulette
Restrictions
Sampling limits your options, creating restrictions which force creativity
It’s like a puzzle - you have to figure out how these sounds can work together
Work with no expectations
Options can be overwhelming
How do you do it?
Audio Sources
Old records, tapes, VHS, radio
Field recordings
Digital Audio like Mp3, wav or record audio streaming from your computer
Anything! Record Everything!
Recording audio & building your library
Your phone - subway musician, singer, sound of the train
Audio interface - iRig, Scarlett Focusrite - record into DAW
Hardware Sampler
Recording audio internally from computer into DAW
Loopback - $99 - https://rogueamoeba.com/loopback/
Choosing your Hardware or Software:
Serato Studio - free DL, simple UI, easy transition from Serato DJ
Ableton - in depth, playful, full package, free trial & even the $99 version is super powerful for audio manipulation/sampling
Maschine - sketchpad, easy sampling, thinking in blocks
PO-33 - affordable, portable
Koala - app, any device, quick record of voices
Octatrack
MPC
Audacity
Samples often go through many layers and morphs - sometimes they even get taken out once other instruments are placed around them
-Pozibelle’s practice: random sampling to spark creativity - how many different combos can I make from the recording? Sometimes it works to create a complete song, sometimes I get one dope stem from the practice, which I can use in other creations.
-Save samples to a central location for quick recall
Edit samples and store in a folder - the benefits are big for workflow and creates a “sound” - don’t have to start from scratch all the time.
Separate sampling time from production time
****Disclaimer - be sure the research copyright laws before releasing music, document your sources, clear samples where necessary, these are techniques for creative practice.