Sampling

Definition

Sampling refers to the technique of capturing and reusing portions of sound recordings or live audio sources to create new music or sound art. This process allows artists to manipulate existing sounds, combining them in innovative ways to generate fresh compositions. Sampling can be a powerful tool in experimental music, enabling creators to explore new textures and narratives by layering, altering, and reshaping found audio material.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sampling gained popularity in the late 20th century with the rise of hip-hop and electronic music, allowing artists to incorporate diverse sounds and styles into their work.
2. The process of sampling can include editing, pitch shifting, time stretching, and layering sounds to create new compositions.
3. Legal issues surrounding sampling often arise due to copyright laws, requiring artists to obtain permission or licenses to use certain recordings.
4. Technological advancements in software and hardware have made sampling more accessible, allowing musicians to experiment with complex techniques without needing expensive equipment.
5. Sampling can be seen as a form of collage in music, where pieces of existing works are re-contextualized to create something entirely new.

Review Questions

• How does sampling influence the creative process in live electronic music performance?
  • Sampling greatly enhances live electronic music by allowing performers to incorporate pre-recorded sounds into their sets. This technique enables artists to layer samples with live instrumentation or digital effects, creating dynamic and evolving soundscapes. The spontaneity of sampling during a performance can lead to unique interpretations of the music, making each show distinct and engaging for audiences.
• Discuss the impact of digital technologies on the practice of sampling in experimental music.
  • Digital technologies have transformed the practice of sampling by providing artists with advanced tools for sound manipulation. Software like digital audio workstations (DAWs) offers extensive capabilities for editing, layering, and altering samples in real-time. This evolution has expanded the possibilities for experimentation, allowing musicians to blend genres, create complex textures, and push the boundaries of traditional composition techniques using sampled sounds.
• Evaluate the ethical considerations surrounding sampling in contemporary experimental music and its implications for artistic expression.
  • The ethics of sampling in contemporary experimental music raise important questions about originality and ownership. As artists utilize pre-existing sounds, they must navigate copyright laws and the potential need for licenses. This dynamic influences how artists approach creativity—balancing respect for original creators while pushing the limits of their own artistic expression. The debate highlights the evolving nature of collaboration and inspiration within music, prompting discussions about cultural appropriation and the rights of sound originators in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Related terms

Looping: A technique where a short segment of sound is played repeatedly, often used in conjunction with sampling to create rhythmic patterns or textures.

Granular Synthesis: An audio synthesis method that involves breaking sounds into small segments (grains) and reorganizing them, often used to manipulate sampled audio.

Found Sound: Audio that is recorded from everyday life and used as a raw material in music composition, often incorporated into sampling practices.