Fragments of Feeling

During our time spent learning about Semiotics, I learned that it applies to sounds as well. A sort of Sonic Semiotics if you will. Specifically, we will be taking a short look into musical sampling, and how it can relate to the field in question.

Musical sampling refers to the process of taking a sound sample from a pre-existing recording, and then using it in some form in a different song. Therefore, when sampling, some of the characteristics and associated icons of the track will carry over to the new recording. The process of sampling older records can lead to continuing an existing signification due to the recycling of the clip used.

Here is a great example, and a chance for me to wax lyrical about one of my favourite musical acts, Daft Punk. The French duo are known for their use of sampling in their records, especially in their album Discovery, which is heavily sampled throughout.
Here is the track High Life, which I believe to be one of the best uses of sampling in their records:

The track uses a sample of Tavares – Break Down For Love, which can be heard right from the start of the track. Now, unless you are familiar with the sampled track, it would be easy to hear these clipped sounds and not make the connection about where they came from. The way that Daft Punk have rearranged the sample makes it so that it is quite distinctly different from the original source. You could easily be forgiven for not recognising it as a sample at all, given the production quality.

Now Daft Punk's handling of this sample is basically a use of existing signification. They have alluded to Break Down For Love, without overtly revealing itself as having referenced them. In doing so, they have made a hidden link to the icons of the past, an homage to the music that was popular and loved by the duo as children. Myself, having listened to the track for years before, only recently learned the origin of the sample used.

The funny thing is that now I believe the song itself is a musical symbol and icon. Daft Punk have become famous for their unique sound, with many of their tracks having become classics, and as such, I think that the song is both referencing an existing signification, whilst also becoming its own. The use of sampling older records brings a nostalgic edge to the music for listeners that remember those times, whilst younger listeners will discover new music from the past, should they choose to investigate into the samples used.

To conclude, musical sampling can be used to reference music and symbols from the past, and use them to open a window into icons and inspirations from times gone by. The origin of where samples come from is something which I find very stimulating, as for me it adds a whole new dimension to the music that I love. It brings a new story to the song, as I can sit and wonder why they chose a certain record to sample, or what clicked in their head to figure out where to cut and rearrange sounds to produce the sonic alchemy that ends up in their recordings. 

If you want to look further into the use of sampling in songs, check this site out: 

WhoSampled.com