Is Using Samples in Music Cheating?
Should I use Samples in my Music?
As a music producer, you may find yourself wondering whether or not to use samples in your music. Some people might view using samples as a form of “cheating,” but is that really the case? We’ll explore the debate surrounding the use of samples in music production and offer our take on the issue, along with some pro’s and con’s so you can make up your own mind!
The Pros of Using Samples
Using samples can be a great way to save time and money when making music. With samples, you don’t have to worry about hiring expensive session musicians or spending hours recording, editing, and mixing. Plus, you can quickly find samples from established and up-and-coming artists to add unique elements to your music.
Samples are a great way to kickstart the music making process, as by using a sample as a source of inspiration, you can start building your own elements around it. They can also be used to kickstart the inspiration again when you’re running out of ideas, and need to grab something instantly that will keep your production session moving in a positive direction.
You can make them your own! Chop them up. Pitch them up & down. Timestretch them. Reverse them. Apply effects. The possibilities really are endless when it comes to total customisation of your sample library. Use them in ways that other producers would have never thought to use them… this is where the real magic and artistry of sampling lies.
The Cons of Using Samples
While there are many benefits to using samples, there are also some drawbacks. For one, using samples can limit your creative freedom. If you are working with pre-made samples, you may find it difficult to express yourself in an original way without making changes to the sample. Additionally, using samples can make it difficult to create a unique sound, as there are likely many other producers using similar samples.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide whether or not to use samples in your music. There are pros and cons to both sides of the debate, so it’s important to weigh all the options before making a decision. While using samples can be a great way to save time and money, without making them your own, they may also limit your creative freedom and make it difficult to create a unique sound. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if using samples is right for you and your music.
We may be slightly biased, but we certainly think that samples open up whole new doorways and possibilities for making something unique, if you’re open to putting in the time to make edits and changes to give the samples your own signature sound.