Electronic Music 101 - When you should and shouldn't use premade loops/samples.

I really wanted to do a write-up on this because I think it's a really important subject to touch on for 'bedroom producers' (myself included).

Let's start with why and when loops are okay. Probably around 5-6 years ago, a younger me found himself frustrated and defeated at releasing an album. At the time, I was into progressive house/complextro kind of stuff and that's what I was pushing to make. I spent months adamant on creating a release that used only my own basses, leads, arps - the whole nine yards. I did this because I thought that's what being an electronic artist meant - being original and unspoiled. As I struggled with this idea, I lost sight of what was ultimately the most important - just having fun. Making every millisecond of my music from scratch alongside working 2 jobs and going to school, I thought I would never be able to compete with the heavy hitters and the time they are able to allocate to their craft. Taking all that into consideration, I came awfully close to just calling it quits.

In my dilemma, I thought about the fact that I had spent a lot of time trying to figure this whole music thing out, and in that internal battle I had a moment of artistic rebirth. I decided from this point on, I would just focus on having fun with producing, whether or not my tracks were made up of 100% original content. From that point on, I continued to create music as originally as I could, but now giving myself the free pass if I got stuck and needed to drop in that cool Vengeance bass stab line that did a great job transitioning this synth to the next. Let me tell you, I improved rapidly.

Now, I don't think I improved because I was using samples that I did not create. I think I improved because I wasn't sweating the small stuff; it allowed me to focus on the meat of the composition. Occasionally filling in the blanks with supplemental samples shifted my attention back to songwriting, and surprisingly the sound design aspect of the whole thing eventually found it's place - but naturally. Before I knew it, I was back to creating songs with 98% original content, but it felt so much more effortless and fun. This was because I said f**k it to the insecurities about my music sounding unoriginal, and just focused on actually being original - for me, not for everyone else.

In my eyes, this is when it's okay to use pre-made samples and loops - when it's used for growth, efficiency, and pointed focus.

Now, let's talk about when you shouldn't use pre-made loops. Let me preface this with the fact that I never judge anyone who does. In fact, I think if you're having fun doing it and you're happy with your sound, then you should continue working the way you work. Making music should always be for your own enjoyment. The problem is though, if you take your music seriously on any level, you have to realize that using samples and loops are not helping you grow as an artist. You will forever be limited to the styles of the sound designers who dictate the genre you're working in. In the big picture, this is bad because it results in an over-saturation of tracks that sound fundamentally the same. More importantly at some point, on an individual level, you are going to realize that you do not have any more artistic control than what is available on loopmasters at any given time. This will ensure that you have a very tough time finding a level of fulfillment in your compositions.

Artistic freedom starts with your own capacity. I see a lot of beginner electronic artists content with arranging pre-made loops and sections. That's okay for as long as you need, but you have to realize that at some point, you are going to reach an artistic ceiling that prevents you from making anything relatively unique. That moment will require a choice - to continue within your comfort zone, or fumble your way forward through the world of composition and sound design. The former may leave you in an effortless state of mediocrity, while the latter will be difficult but gratifying. Let me also be clear - this is not the rant of an elitist condemning anyone who does not attempt to match his skill level; quite the contrary actually. I have a lot to learn myself, but that is the fun of it. I encourage individuals to learn and educate themselves because I have gotten so much enjoyment out of doing so myself. It may not always come easily or quickly, but when you inevitably get it, I can almost guarantee you will be a much more fulfilled electronic musician.

When you're making sample-based music, it's extremely rare to create 100% original content, but I think the bottom line is being honest with yourself about whether or not you're being the best that you can be.