Whether you're an aspiring bedroom producer or a seasoned creator, vocal samples can bring texture, emotion, and depth to your tracks. From catchy hooks to atmospheric swells, the creative possibilities are endless. But where do you start? How do you use them effectively without sounding overdone?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about integrating vocal samples into your productions—from understanding what they are to the tools and best practices for using them like a pro.
Vocal samples are audio recordings of the human voice, ranging from short phrases, shouts, or melodies to longer vocal performances. These recordings can be sourced from sample packs, created by artists, or downloaded from royalty-free platforms. Unlike working with a live vocalist, vocal samples give producers a way to add a "human" touch to their tracks without needing studio sessions.
Related read: Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Sampling
Before you start experimenting, you need a reliable source for high-quality vocal samples. Whether you're looking for free resources or premium collections, here are some great options:
⚠ Licensing Tip: Ensure that the samples are royalty-free or covered under a license that allows commercial use.
If you want more unique sounds, creating your own vocal samples is the way to go. Here’s how:
A simple USB microphone and a treated recording space are all you need to start. Experiment with phrases, ad-libs, or even improvised melodies.🔹 Pro Tip: Use a pop filter to reduce plosives and record multiple takes for variety.
Find local singers or use platforms like SoundBetter to connect with vocalists. Offer credit or negotiate a fair deal.
Transform existing recordings using techniques like:
Each genre has its own approach to vocal samples. Here’s how you can make them work:
💡 Tip: Chop and pitch vocals to create rhythmic elements using tools like Ableton’s Simpler or Logic Pro X's sampler. 🎧 Example: Listen to Flume’s tracks for an excellent example of manipulated vocal chops.
💡 Tip: Use soulful vocal phrases to create hooks or background textures. 🎧 Example: "Runaway" by Kanye West showcases emotional vocal sampling.
💡 Tip: Choose extended vocal samples or melodies to make your choruses shine. 🎧 Example: Artists like Dua Lipa and The Weeknd often use smooth, vocal-heavy hooks.
💡 Tip: Add chopped-up vocal phrases with subtle saturation for a hazy, nostalgic vibe. 🎧 Example: Check out the relaxed vocal textures in beats by Kupla.
Adding vocal samples is one thing—making them fit in your mix is another. Here are some essential techniques:
Don’t be intimidated by the technical aspects of vocal sampling—experimentation is key. Try chopping, stretching, pitching, and layering samples in unique ways to create something original. Every great producer started by testing different ideas and learning from trial and error. The more you experiment, the closer you’ll get to developing your own signature sound.
Vocal sampling has played a crucial role in shaping modern music production across multiple genres. Some of the most innovative producers have built their unique sound by chopping, manipulating, and reinterpreting vocal snippets. These artists use vocal samples not just as an addition to their music but as an essential element that defines their signature style.
From hip-hop to electronic music, vocal sampling has evolved from simple loops to intricate layers that completely transform a track. The producers below have revolutionized this technique, influencing generations of musicians with their creativity.
Background:Pharrell Williams, one-half of The Neptunes production duo, has been a dominant force in music since the late '90s. He has shaped the sounds of pop, hip-hop, and R&B with his distinct rhythmic and percussive production style. His use of vocal samples—often as percussive elements or melodic motifs—adds a dynamic, human feel to his music.
How He Uses Vocal Samples:In That Girl, Pharrell integrates vocal snippets from Spectrasonics' Vocal Planet sample library. He layers them into the groove, reinforcing the track’s rhythmic foundation and adding a soulful, organic texture. Listen out to the video at 3:45:
Background:Australian producer Flume is a pioneer of the future bass genre and is known for his heavy use of vocal chops. By digitally processing vocals—pitch-shifting, stuttering, and stretching them—he turns them into melodic instruments rather than traditional sung lyrics. His approach has influenced modern electronic music, particularly in how producers manipulate vocals.
How Flume Uses Vocal Samples:In Holdin On, Flume takes a soul vocal sample and cuts it into micro-slices, transforming it into a completely new, melodic pattern. The vocal chops act as the primary hook, giving the track an emotional yet glitchy and futuristic feel.
Background:J Dilla is widely regarded as one of the most influential hip-hop producers of all time. He revolutionized sample-based production by crafting beats with raw, off-grid drum programming and soulful, deeply layered samples. His ability to take a short vocal snippet and recontextualize it into a beat is legendary. His work has inspired countless producers in hip-hop, lo-fi, and neo-soul.
How Dilla Uses Vocal Samples:In Don't Cry, J Dilla samples I Can’t Stand (To See You Cry) by The Escorts. He chops the vocal sections, shifting their pitch and looping them in a way that creates an entirely new instrumental. His intricate sample layering gives the track a deeply emotional and personal feel.
Vocal samples are more than just a tool—they're a way to tell a story, evoke emotion, and make a track memorable. Whether you're exploring free sample libraries or crafting unique recordings, the potential to elevate your music is undeniable.
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Got a killer idea for a track? Give vocals a try—your next masterpiece might just depend on it.
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