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LISten to the examples below and
identify the parts where samples are used
EXAMPLE 5
Focus on the vocals and guitars
Similar to Examples 1-4 in Part 1, the vocals are samples.
What about the guitars?
In Example 5, the guitars are recorded live. They are not samples. But these guitars are recorded in an acoustically untreated bedroom. We didn't need to go to a professional studio to record professional quality sounding guitar parts.
Listen to the the original guitar recording below
Now listen to the same recording after using processing.
What did you learn?
You don’t need a fancy studio to achieve great results or to record live instruments.
And contrary to what this article is suppose to convey, you don't always use samples! You have to know how to record live instruments as well and be creative, not just copy.
EXAMPLE 6
Focus on the vocals and build up
Like the previous examples, the vocals are again samples from different packs combined together to form vocal chops. Listen to the samples individually.
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What about the build up?
Again, we don't need to create all the FX from scratch. We like to combine various samples to make it sound different
What did you learn?
Combine various samples packs to make a unique sounding sample of your own. Use multiple FX to build tension forming buildups.
EXAMPLE 7
Focus on the funk drums
Example 7 is a short clip from the second build up of the same song.
Providing variety within a song while also maintaining consistency is very important to not make the song sound monotonous. Many producers struggle here. They either completely make a new section or are just lazy. They copy paste the first build up without making any changes or modifications. You need to be smarter and creative.
In Example 7, I simply dropped a single funk drum sample by muting many of the other build up components from the first build up. This gives a beautiful variation while also repeating the main vocal line. Note that this drum sample is just one short clip in repeat with a low pass EQ automation. Again fancy jargon but trust me, when you learn the concept, it is much simpler than it sounds.
Listen to the funk drum sample below.
What did you learn?
Using variation is important within a song. But it should contain components of the same track and not sound like a different track has started. Again, use of good samples is not limited to just putting a kick or a snare sample, but a full drum beat/roll sample can be slammed on your existing track.
In the 5D Music Program, we'll go over many different creative ways to producing different sections in a song. You'll learn about the types of variations one can use to avoid monotony. This will encourage your listeners to listen to your tracks from beginning till the end. You will set up high expectation for fans. They will stick around till the end of yours songs hoping to discover unique elements/sections.
P.S. your royalty checks are also higher when your listeners listen to your full track on streaming platforms
EXAMPLE 8
Focus on the overall feel
Example 8 should summarize all the above concepts that you have learnt so far.
Listen to how the vocal chops in the drop has a slight variation to avoid monotony. Notice how the horns only come in during the second part of the Drop. Listen closely how the Hi-Hat is absent in the first part while it is introduced in the second part to give a subtle boost. Notice how the wobbles replace horns in the first part. You can also barely notice the tambourine but if you do, try to feel how it adds rhythm. Finally notice how drum rolls play a huge part to separate sections or while ending songs. In this example, the beginning and ending drum rolls are all samples!
Listen to the samples below.
What did you learn?
In case you want to make your own drum samples, that’s fine. But honestly ask yourself, can you make a riser, hi-hat, kick, snare, white noise etc. better than the professional sound designers? More importantly, do you want to be a sound designer or a music producer?
It is no secret that you can get samples from Splice. But there are so many samples out there. How do you select what to use? And the internet is filled with many people providing free samples. Where would you find the best samples for free?
In the 5D Music Producer Program, we will go through my process of auditioning samples and using them. As part of the program, you will also get 50 free samples from Splice through our partnership program.
EXAMPLE 9
Focus on the vocals
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Are the vocals composed of voice samples directly slammed to the DAW?
Actually No.
This is an exception. We’ve discussed how it is important to look for great samples and directly use them in your project with some plugin manipulation.
But this doesn’t mean you should never create your own sounds. I often try to produce my own sounds but for me, this process is separate from the mindset of producing a track in the shortest time possible. I sit separately to tweak my DAW with a sound design mindset of creating samples and learning how to create them. I generally don’t try making my own samples while being creatively involved with the holistic view of producing a track.
In Example 9, the vocal parts are my own voice recordings using a dynamic microphone Shure SM 58. (the microphone you find attached to almost every microphone cable outside studios). But I designed the metallic and robotic sounds using plugin manipulation. I am very embraced to share my original singing samples but for the sake of your learning, I will do so. This will encourage you to record your own voice and manipulate it to create your own samples.
In example 9, Please also note that there are only a very few pre-recorded samples like the basic kick drum, hi-hit etc. I designed everything else myself from scratch. Sometimes it feels great to get your hands dirty. For me, it is reassuring that I am not just at the mercy of good samples and sound designers, but if necessary, I can also create every sample needed to make a song out of a sine or a saw wave signal.
Listen to the original vocal clip (I hate to share this with you but for the sake of your learning, I will go through the embarrassment.:/ )
Now listen to the processed vocal
What did you learn?
You would agree that creative bursts come in phases or sometimes, just for a few hours every day/week. Use that time to get the best out of yourself. If you are stuck at creating a riser or kick drum from scratch, while you are flooded with creative juice which you know won’t last for too long, you are wasting the powerful gift of the creative burst.
Find yourself a separate time to make these samples with a sound designing mindset. It can also be during the process of producing a track. Just select a day or two where you would focus on making new samples. Learning sound design will only help you. But to get their, you need to first be satisfied and confident with the tracks you already have.
When you have a few tracks ready and are comfortable producing tracks with ease, dive deep inside your DAWs and VSTs to learn like a nerd. It will never harm you. Instead you will end up developing a unique sound that only you can create.
In the 5D Music Producer Program, we will talk about how to create your own sound while discussing various topics throughout the course. We will try to encourage you to find the right balance between using samples and creating your own sounds.