cut and paste

Cut and Paste: A Brief History of Sampling and the Music It Birthed

The Roots of Remixing:

Before the dawn of digital audio workstations, “sampling” involved literal cutting and pasting of tape. DJs like Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash were pioneers, manipulating breaks from funk and soul records to create the rhythmic foundation of hip hop. Imagine, a whole genre born from the creative splicing of vinyl!

From Turntables to Technology:

The 1980s saw the rise of samplers like the Fairlight CMI and the E-mu Emulator. These machines allowed musicians to manipulate and layer sound in ways never before possible. It wasn’t just hip hop anymore, artists like the 808 State and Coldcut used sampling to push boundaries in electronic music.

The Golden Age of Sampling:

The 1990s saw the art of sampling reach its peak. Producers like DJ Premier and Pete Rock created intricate, layered beats using snippets of soul, jazz, and funk records. Think of the iconic “Amen Break” – a drum loop sampled endlessly across genres, even becoming the “most sampled” piece of music in history!

The Legal Battles and Beyond:

As sampling gained popularity, so did the legal challenges. The fight over copyright, particularly when using copyrighted material, became a major issue. One particularly funny anecdote is of the band De La Soul, who famously used a sample from “The Turtles’ “You Showed Me” on their song “Eye Know.” They faced a lawsuit, which they ultimately settled by giving the Turtles a co-writing credit and paying royalties.

Modern Sampling:

Today, sampling is still a cornerstone of many genres, from hip hop to EDM, and beyond. With software like Ableton Live, producers can easily manipulate, chop, and layer sounds to create a unique sonic landscape.

Fun Facts About Sampled Music:

• Did you know that the “Amen Break” was originally a 6-second loop from a 1969 funk song by The Winstons called “Amen, Brother”? It’s been used in countless tracks by artists like The Prodigy, Oasis, and even Led Zeppelin.
• The famous “Funky Drummer” break, sampled in tracks by Public Enemy, Dr. Dre, and countless others, was actually played by Clyde Stubblefield, James Brown’s drummer!
• The “Think” riff, sampled heavily in hip-hop, is from a 1972 song by James Brown’s band, The J.B.’s. This is just one example of James Brown’s enduring legacy in the world of sampling.

From its humble beginnings on turntables to its place in modern music production, sampling has evolved into a powerful tool for creative expression. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of musicians and the enduring power of sonic inspiration, forever reminding us that music is a constant journey of discovery and reinvention.