All About Music Samples

by Anders Johanson January 16, 2021 8 min read

Music Samples

What exactly do we mean by "Samples" in the realm of music? How do they contribute to the overall composition?

A music sample refers to a small portion of a recorded sound. It is possible to generate these samples by extracting brief segments of audio from various sources, such as songs, movies, TV ads, videos, speeches, and more. A music sample refers to a small portion of a recorded sound. It is possible to generate these samples by extracting brief segments of audio from various sources, such as songs, movies, TV ads, videos, speeches, and more. Music samplesdon't have to possess musical talent if you plan on incorporating them into your musical compositions. While it is a common practice to sample melodies, you can also sample drum breaks, movie quotes, and even random sounds from your surroundings, such as a creaking door or a car's chime. As an illustration, XXXTENTACION successfully incorporated these elements into his own music. The seatbelt alarm rings out from his sleek BMW i8. breaking the record for the most-streamed song in a single day on Spotify. One billion views on YouTube In short, any audio file that can be recorded or already exists can be easily sampled.

The utilization of samples is highly prevalent in the contemporary musical environment, with certain genres gaining a notorious reputation in this regard. Notably, rap music immediately springs to mind as numerous hip-hop producers heavily rely on samples for their beats. This longstanding tradition dates back to when DJs would extract drum breaks from other songs and seamlessly loop them for the MCs to rap over. For the uninitiated, the act of sampling may appear as though the artists are taking a creative shortcut. However, it should be recognized that generating an original melody is undoubtedly more arduous compared to sampling it from a record. This, however, does not imply that the producers fail to contribute any value. Discovering the precise blend of melodic and percussive elements, and skillfully stitching together multiple samples to create something novel and refreshing, presents a whole new level of challenge in itself.

Simultaneously, it comes as no shock that the art of sampling is thriving. It presents an accessible avenue for individuals without instrumental prowess or music theory knowledge. Through the use of samples, anyone equipped with a digital audio workstation (DAW) and a discerning ear can create music, resulting in a distinctive outcome. Furthermore, even renowned musicians with boundless resources at their disposal persist in incorporating samples into their compositions, effectively validating the entire process. It is undoubtedly accurate to assert that sampling holds a significant position within our cultural milieu, serving as an widely accepted production technique to ignite one's creative inspiration.

Is it permissible to use sampled music? Is it legal to sample music?

Modern DAWs like FL Studio and Ableton Live, two popular digital audio workstations, are widely used by musicians and producers for music production and live performances. These software programs offer a wide range of features and tools that enable users to create, edit, and manipulate audio recordings, MIDI data, and virtual instruments. Despite having similar purposes, FL Studio and Ableton Live have their own unique features and workflows. FL Studio, known for its intuitive and user-friendly interface, offers a pattern-based sequencer and a powerful mixer. It also has a wide range of built-in effects and virtual instruments, making it a versatile tool for music production. On the other hand, Ableton Live is renowned for its session view, which allows for non-linear and improvisational performances. It also offers a range of creative features, like Live's unique audio warping capabilities, which allow for real-time tempo and pitch manipulation. While both programs have their merits, they also have their own loyal fan bases. Some musicians prefer FL Studio for its ease of use and extensive library of sounds, while others prefer Ableton Live for its flexibility and live performance capabilities. Nevertheless, both FL Studio and Ableton Live are powerful tools that cater to different musical needs and preferences. In conclusion, FL Studio and Ableton Live are two distinct digital audio workstations that offer a variety of features and tools for music production and live performances. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, these software programs provide an array of options to unleash your creativity and bring your musical ideas to life. So, whether you choose FL Studio or Ableton Live, you'll definitely be in good hands. Simplifying audio editing has greatly facilitated the process of sampling songs, as demonstrated by the abundance of track options found on platforms like YouTube. Moreover, distributors providing their services have made it remarkably convenient to have your tracks available on popular streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music. However, with these advancements comes a profound surge in the release of songs containing unlicensed samples. The sheer volume of such tracks being added to streaming platforms on a daily basis has surpassed the capacity of record labels and publishers to thoroughly monitor them for potential copyright violations.

Given the prevalence of sampling in the music industry and the lack of attention paid to the legal implications, it is tempting to believe that sampling music without permission will go unpunished. However, this notion couldn't be further from reality. Engaging in unauthorized sampling is both illegal and can result in serious repercussions.

Being an artist or producer, your intention is for your music to reach and be appreciated by a wider audience. Otherwise, there would be no point in putting it out into the world. Hence, let's consider a scenario where one of your released tracks, which includes samples that haven't been properly cleared, gains massive popularity and garners the recognition it truly deserves. In the best-case scenario, you might receive a mild reprimand, and the song will be taken down from all the platforms where it was previously available. However, more often than not, you will also be liable to pay a substantial penalty, which could reach astronomical figures.

There exists a legitimate method for sampling music, although it requires some effort. If your intention is to abide by copyright laws and avoid concerns over penalties or the removal of your music, it is essential to obtain clearance for your samples. This typically entails seeking permission from two separate entities. Firstly, you will need to contact the record label that possesses the copyrights to the master recording. Additionally, reaching out to the music publisher responsible for administering the copyright of the original song is also necessary. Only when you receive approval to use both the master recording and the musical composition can your sample be considered officially cleared.

Is it Possible to be Legally Prosecuted for Sampling? Is it Possible to be Legally Sued for Sampling?

Biz Markie All Samples Cleared

It is a common occurrence to face legal consequences for sampling in the music industry. One of the early and notable legal disputes involving unauthorized sampling occurred between singer-songwriter Gilbert O'Sullivan and rapper Biz Markie in the early 1990s. Biz Markie included the piano chords from O'Sullivan's song "Alone Again (Naturally)" in his own track. While the chord progression itself was not particularly unique, the judge sided with O'Sullivan, considering it sufficient reason to rule against Biz Markie. At the time, it was customary for rappers to incorporate samples without seeking permission, but the judge did not sympathize with this practice within the hip-hop culture, equating it to theft. This ruling served as a wake-up call for many artists, highlighting the importance of respecting sound recording and composition copyrights.

Despite the prevalence of sampling without proper authorization, even renowned figures in the music realm are not exempt from this practice. The rap genre, in particular, appears to be a breeding ground for copyright violations, resulting in annual legal actions taken against rappers and their affiliated labels. A recent example involves Lil Nas X and Sony Music, who were confronted with a substantial 25-million-dollar lawsuit due to their unauthorized sampling of Bobby Caldwell's track "Carry On." It is essential for artists to seek approval from the copyright holders before including samples in their work to avoid legal repercussions.

The title remains unchanged for Lil Nas X's rendition, with a notable inclusion of the uplifted chorus from the initial composition "Carry On." Despite the proliferation of uploads across numerous online platforms, Lil Nas X's official release has been permanently delisted from YouTube, Soundcloud, and Spotify. The perplexing aspect regarding this entire scenario arises from the fact that Lil Nas X unveiled his track prior to entering into an agreement with Sony Music. It is commonly expected that a prestigious record label would thoroughly inspect an artist's discography for any potential copyright infringements prior to obtaining the necessary rights. Surprisingly, such scrutiny did not transpire in this particular incidence.

Looking for Music Samples? Look no further, we've got you covered!

hip-hop and electronic music that heavily rely on samples, and the success of these genres often depends on the quality of the samples used. A high-quality sample can make a track sound professional and polished, while a poor-quality sample can make it sound amateurish and unprofessional. When it comes to audio processing, there's only so much you can do to improve the sound if the original recording is of low quality. No amount of fancy effects or plugins can fix a bad recording. That's why it's crucial to invest in high-quality samples from reputable sources. Using well-recorded and well-produced samples will give your tracks a solid foundation to build upon. It will save you time and frustration in the mixing and mastering process because you won't have to spend hours trying to fix and salvage poorly recorded samples. In addition to the quality of the samples themselves, it's also important to consider the legal aspect of using samples. Copyright infringement is a serious issue, and using copyrighted samples without proper permission can lead to legal consequences. So, if you want your tracks to sound professional and stand out from the crowd, prioritize the quality of your samples. Invest in reputable sample packs and make sure you have the necessary legal rights to use them. Quality samples will elevate your music production and help you achieve the sound you desire. LoFi Hip-HopThere are some music producers who intentionally aim for a low-quality audio aesthetic, but in most cases, it is actually more beneficial to use the highest quality sounding samples available.

Currently, there exists a multitude of companies specializing in supplying music producers with top-notch, copyright-free audio samples. Among the most highly regarded sources is Currently, there exists a multitude of companies specializing in supplying music producers with top-notch, copyright-free audio samples. Among the most highly regarded sources is. SpliceSplice is a unique website that originally focused on serving the EDM community. However, it has evolved into a renowned platform offering sample packs for a wide range of popular genres. In order to access Splice's extensive sample library, users are required to pay a monthly subscription fee, which can vary from $8 to $30 depending on the chosen plan. Interestingly, the more expensive the monthly plan is, the more credits users receive to spend on downloading their preferred samples. One of the remarkable aspects of Splice is that users have the freedom to select and download specific samples, creating their very own customized sample collection. This eliminates the frustration of purchasing a sample pack and only utilizing a small portion of the sounds due to personal preferences. By subscribing to Splice, this issue is effectively resolved.

sample pack from splice

sample packs that are curated to help producers find high-quality sounds without the need for a monthly commitment. With our diverse collection of sample packs, you can explore different genres and styles without feeling overwhelmed by excess options. Our team takes the time to search for the best samples, ensuring that each pack is filled with unique and inspiring sounds. By using smaller, focused sample packs, you can save time and energy when searching for the perfect sound. With fewer options to sift through, you can quickly find the right sample to bring your vision to life. At Samplified, we understand that every producer has their own unique style and sound. That's why our sample packs cover a wide range of genres, from hip-hop and electronic to pop and R&B. No matter what type of music you create, we have a pack that will suit your needs. In addition to our extensive library of sample packs, we also offer individual samples, loops, and preset packs for those who prefer a more tailored approach. Whether you're looking for a specific drum pattern, a catchy melody, or unique synth sound, we have the tools to elevate your production. Stop wasting time scrolling through endless libraries and start crafting your music with precision and efficiency. Choose Samplified and unlock a world of high-quality sounds that will take your productions to the next level. sample packs and bundlesexclusive offer with prices starting at just $2. Inside our carefully curated kits, you will discover an impressive array of music production essentials, ranging from individual sound snippets to complete melody arrangements and individual tracks. We take great pride in crafting top-notch sample packs that consistently resonate with our growing community of followers on Soundcloud. If you are new to our brand and wish to experience the exceptional quality of our samples without any financial commitment, be sure to seize the opportunity presented by our incredible exclusive offer with prices starting at just $2. Inside our carefully curated kits, you will discover an impressive array of music production essentials, ranging from individual sound snippets to complete melody arrangements and individual tracks. We take great pride in crafting top-notch sample packs that consistently resonate with our growing community of followers on Soundcloud. If you are new to our brand and wish to experience the exceptional quality of our samples without any financial commitment, be sure to seize the opportunity presented by our incredible free sample pack offers.

Where can I Discover Complimentary Music Samples?

Before we dive into discussing sources for free music samples, it's important to provide a quick disclaimer. It is highly likely that the samples available online for free will come with one of the following problems:

  • The authenticity of the samples may be questionable. It's one matter if a producer generates a sample collection from scratch and freely distributes it. However, appropriating samples from another artist's work, manipulating them, and providing them for free falls into an entirely separate realm of "free" and isn't too far off from piracy. Be cautious of the sample packs you acquire as you can stumble upon numerous such collections on Reddit. Always exercise awareness about what you're obtaining.
  • There exist amazing websites such as There exist splendid websites like LoopermanDespite offering a vast collection of nearly 200,000 free samples and loops, an abundance is not always advantageous. While the quality is undeniably present, the considerable amount of time required to sift through these sounds to unearth inspiration cannot be overlooked. Furthermore, the legal viability of using a sample from Looperman in a commercial endeavor is uncertain, as explicitly stated in the website's terms and conditions.

The most effective way to discover legal free music samples is to make use of the promotional deals offered by reputable sample providers. As an illustration, at present, we are offering a special giveaway. Bedroom Producer Starter Pack; an Electronic Sounds PackGet access to Free Drum Loops and enhance your music production skills with two tutorial packs that come with stems and Ableton project files.

free sample packs and loops

If your intention is not to release your music for commercial purposes but rather to explore new avenues for finding samples for personal use, we have compiled a list of websites that can provide assistance. Take a look below: 1. Website 1 2. Website 2 3. Website 3 4. Website 4 5. Website 5 These platforms can serve as valuable resources for discovering unique samples and enhancing your musical repertoire. Remember, these opportunities are specifically geared towards non-commercial use, ensuring that your creative endeavor remains private.

  • YouTube provides an excellent starting point for discovering new sampling material. One can delve into a vast array of content such as cartoon intros, vintage game shows, or independent film scores. For those seeking a virtual crate digging adventure, exploring the Vinyl Frontier channel and its accompanying playlists is highly recommended.
  • Archive.org is a strong rival to YouTube for satisfying your sampling requirements. On this website, you can locate a vast array of diverse content to suit your needs. archives of movieslibraries, explore rare audio archives, or even record your own environmental sounds. The possibilities are endless when it comes to finding captivating sound recordings. For instance, you can extract audio snippets from NASA's vast collection or delve into captivating TV and radio broadcasts. Let your imagination roam free and unveil exclusive auditory experiences. With HTML markup intact, you can easily navigate through various sources and create a truly unique audio collection. audio collectionThe options are nearly limitless. There are countless opportunities. There are virtually infinite possibilities. The potential is practically boundless. The choices are nearly boundless.
  • If you're on the hunt for incredibly rare tunes, give a listen to If you're on the hunt for exceptionally elusive melodies, give a try to ForgotifyThe website offers a selection of songs from Spotify that have gone unheard. Although many of the suggested tracks may be cover versions of well-known songs, if you remain determined and continue to press the "Next" button, you will eventually come across some hidden treasures.
  • During our discussion, we briefly mentioned Reddit, a popular online platform with various communities. Among these communities, there are a few subreddits that may be of interest to music producers who are searching for unique samples. One particular subreddit, called r/Drumkits, is specifically dedicated to providing a collection of drum samples. It is important to note that the subreddit's guidelines emphasize the submission of non-copyrighted samples, although the enforcement of this rule by the moderators remains somewhat uncertain. Another notable subreddit called r/VintageObscura serves as a treasure trove for music enthusiasts. This community curates playlists featuring the most highly voted songs that are at least 25 years old and have accumulated fewer than 30k views on YouTube. These playlists offer a diverse range of musical styles and originate from various countries and genres. They are a great resource for discovering rare and obscure gems from the past.
Anders Johanson
Anders Johanson



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