Electropolis: Simply Samples (Classic Mix)

posted in: Features

From vinyl to digital, sampling has been apart of electronic music since the introduction of the first computer. In short, sampling is the recycling of recorded musical ideas to use as an instrument or a sound recording within another piece of music. The legality of sampling remains in limbo as DJs and various other e-musicians continue to turn a profit from the recorded work of others. Despite what side of the law the issue happens to fall on, the public seems to appreciate what hip hop and EDM artists do with samples. Therefore, this week Electropolis discusses some masters of the art and offers some visual stimulation to accompany.

Bonobo Live From Beatport

As seen in the above performance, Bonobo’s style incorporates a wide variety of samples in tandem with hip hop beats and bass lines. His music is linearly progressive, yet mysteriously interesting. From start to finish, his set consists of an expanding development harmonic soundscapes. However, Bonobo’s consistant and steady introduction of unique musical ideas keeps his mix refreshing.

Mr. Scruff – “Get A Move On”

Mr. Scruff’s “Get A Move On” is a classic nu jazz/swing tune that was released off his Keep It Unreal album in 1999. It features a variety of horn, brush kit and blues samples over a consistant hip-hop rhythm. If you’re into jazz ethnomusicology, you’d pick up that this song is essentially Moondog’s “Bird’s Lament” with some T Bone Walker samples from “Hypin’ Woman Blues” thrown into it. The only original Scruff production in this entire tune consist of a motif he made by mixing together a few marine life sounds.

RJD2 – “1976”

Funky and somewhat disco, RJD2’s “1976” is an exciting mix of uptempo bliss. Danceable yet groovy, the man behind Mad Men‘s theme song is no noob when it comes to sample based music. If you didn’t know, the title of this song references RJ’s birth year. The comical artwork of the music video is surely a trip, however there are no clues that explain its Cubano theme. Regardless, if you happen to have a fat Cubana, light it up, sit back, and enjoy.