Flume

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.

J Dilla

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.

Find Your Voice—And Sample It

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.

Looking to improve your music production skills? Melodics offers step-by-step lessons tailored to your goals as a producer.

Got a killer idea for a track? Give vocals a try—your next masterpiece might just depend on it.

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