VOCAL SAMPLING Meaning and
Definition
-
Vocal sampling refers to the process of using small snippets or fragments of recorded human vocals or voice recordings as musical or sound elements. It involves capturing short segments of speech, singing, or other vocal sounds and manipulating them for creative purposes in music production, composition, or sound design.
Typically, vocal sampling involves recording various vocal phrases, tones, syllables, or individual words and then digitally slicing, rearranging, or processing them to create a new composition. The samples may be pitch-shifted, time-stretched, or otherwise modified to fit within the desired context or musical structure. These samples can be combined with other sound elements, such as instruments, synthesizers, or percussion, to develop unique melodic lines, rhythmic patterns, or atmospheric textures.
Vocal sampling offers artists and producers an effective way to add a human touch or emotional expression to their compositions. By utilizing various vocal samples, they can convey specific moods, communicate messages, or create interesting sonic textures that would be challenging to achieve solely through traditional instruments. Vocal sampling has been widely used in genres like hip-hop, electronic music, pop, and experimental music as a way to add depth, character, and an innovative approach to sound production.
Overall, vocal sampling acts as a tool for artists to experiment with the manipulation and recontextualization of recorded human voices, helping them to push creative boundaries and open up new possibilities in music creation and sound design.
Etymology of VOCAL SAMPLING
The word "vocal sampling" is a combination of two separate terms – "vocal" and "sampling".
1. Vocal:
The term "vocal" comes from the Latin word "vocālis", which means "pertaining to the voice". It has its roots in the Latin noun "vox", meaning "voice" or "sound". Over time, the term has been incorporated into various languages and is commonly used to describe anything related to the voice or vocal performance.
2. Sampling:
The term "sampling" originates from the field of music production and refers to the act of taking a small portion or snippet (sample) of an existing audio recording and reusing it in a new composition. The term "sample" itself comes from the verb "to sample", which means "to select a small portion from a larger whole".
