Studio Feed: Starting from Scratch #2 Pt. 8

Hey Everyone, here's part 8 of Track #2. In this one I experiment with sampling some other records to help add a new dimension and depth to the track. Using some freeform string/percussion jazz records, I supplement (and then replace) some of the VST strings in the climax with chopped and warped sampled parts, and then also fill in other sections of the arrangement with other parts so that the sounds feel like part of the track rather than something that's only slapped on at the end. I go so far as to loop a background shaker-y texture from the record over my entire arrangement so that it further glues the samples into the mix.

Some of you may be unfamiliar with this kinda of sampling--that is, taking longer stretches of other songs as background fodder, however this actually is a really common form of sampling within and outside of dance music. A lot of times when you hear an acoustic instrument on someone's album (and they're known for electronic music) it's likely a sample, unless they're famous/have a budget to have it recorded professionally. Artists like Bonobo, Pretty Lights, etc have gone through this transformation of being very sample heavy to being able to use real musicians to essentially write custom "samples" to insert into their work.

On the legality side, if/when I sign this track, I likely will inform the label so that they can clear the sample. It's fairly obscure and also not the main theme of the song so it shouldn't be too much of an issue (I hope!)

Around 25:30, I head to splice for some drumline style fills to further enhance the final climax. The rest of the video I'm trying out various things to enhance the transitions, outro, and breakdown. This includes a bunch of different experiments on glitching out the drums in the climax and flattening parts of the main pattern to create a build into the outro. I'm starting to lean towards the idea of hiring a professional drummer to re-perform the entire song eventually, so that the final climax is physically realistic and varied (and since this will be on my album, it's likely the label can help with this).