What is a sample in turms of music?

A sample in music refers to a portion of a recorded sound that is isolated and used as a new musical element in a different context. It can be a segment of a song, a beat, or a single instrument note, which is replayed or remixed to create a new sound. Sampling has become a fundamental technique in genres like hip-hop, electronic dance music, and pop, but it can be found in various forms across almost all musical styles.

Here's a breakdown of what a sample typically involves:

1. Source Material: Samples can come from a wide range of sources, including existing music recordings, films, speeches, sound effects, or even natural sounds.

2. Isolation: The source material is carefully selected and isolated. In the past, this was often done through techniques such as physically splicing tape or using early electronic sampling devices. Now, digital audio software makes it easy to extract precise sections of sound.

3. Manipulation: Once isolated, the sample may be further processed, altered, or manipulated to fit the new musical context. This can involve changing its pitch, tempo, rhythmic structure, or adding effects such as distortion or filtering.

4. Reintegration: The processed sample is then reintegrated into a new musical composition, often combined with other elements, instruments, or vocals. It can serve various purposes, such as providing a melodic hook, a percussive element, or a background texture.

5. Crediting: Depending on the nature of the sample, it's important for musicians to properly credit the original creator or owner of the sampled material to avoid copyright issues. This can be done by obtaining permissions, paying licensing fees, or clearly stating the sample's origin.

Sampling has been a significant creative force in music, allowing artists to build upon and reimagine existing works to create new and evolving musical expressions. Notable pioneers of sampling include artists like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, and many more. Today, sampling continues to be an integral part of music production, with advancements in technology making it easier than ever for artists to create unique and innovative soundscapes.