I’ll also help you figure out which sample-hunting strategy to use based on your goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, let’s start with a little-known tip for finding hidden music that most producers don’t know about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Digging for Samples Online<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Of all the places to get samples, the best is from places where few other producers are looking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sure, you can find samples from libraries and sample packs \u2013 and we’ll discuss those soon \u2013 but these are low-hanging fruit that won’t help you stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want samples that are unique, you’ll want to look for them from little-known sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These curators are the best source of obscure sampling material because they’re extremely passionate about music, and have gone through all the trouble of finding the hidden gems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, finding high-quality curators is also a challenge, which is why I recommend using a special tool to find these hidden sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crate Stash<\/a> is a massive database of online digging spots for sample-based producers. It allows you to search for independent sources based on genre, download availability, keywords and more.<\/p>\n\n\n The easiest place to get samples is from sample libraries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s a sample library?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n A sample library is a collection of music, loops and sound effects that are available to producers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These libraries usually grant you legal permission to use their content, which means you can publish and sell your beats without worrying about breaking the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You also get access to a lot of benefits that you would otherwise miss out on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, most sample libraries allow you to see the tempo and key of each sample, which makes it easier for you to compose your beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes the sample will include track stems or MIDI files for extra flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to the sound libraries designed for electronic music production, there are two main types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Royalty sample libraries and royalty-free sample libraries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s take a look at both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before we take a look at some royalty-free sample sites, let’s talk about the benefits of a royalty-free license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s essentially a contract that grants you the rights to use the sample in your music, and you don’t have to pay any royalties for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s so great about that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, let’s say you buy a sample without<\/em> a royalty-free license, and use it for your new beat. Your beat gets a placement with a popular artist, and you’re ready to collect 100% of your publishing credit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can’t. Why? Because you used a sample that isn’t royalty free, and you have to pay a royalty every time you sell that song.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That’s not so great, is it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n This can get expensive really fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But that’s where royalty-free samples come in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You get to use them in your music, with no additional cost to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a matter of fact, you can use the sample in as many songs as you want, and sell your beats to as many people as you want. You just can’t sell the sample as-is, or give it away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So what types of royalty-free samples should you look for?<\/p>\n\n\n\n You have two options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use a subscription service, or you can use sample packs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The benefit of a subscription service is that you get credits to download individual samples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And the benefit of sample packs is that you get a bundle of curated samples for a single, non-recurring fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s take a look at each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are plenty of sample sites out there, but not all of them offer high-quality samples for a reasonable price.<\/p>\n\n\n Should you use premium sample bundles?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The beauty of purchasing from any of the bundles above is that you only pay once to use the samples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They’re also very affordable, which means you can build a profitable business as a producer without going broke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sample subscription services are new, but they’re extremely useful if you want a variety of loops and drum samples for a single low fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the top picks:<\/p>\n\n\n Should you use a sample subscription service?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want the widest selection of samples for the least amount of money, then you should subscribe to a sample subscription service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you’re a Recreational Producer who doesn’t plan on selling your music, you can still subscribe to any of the services for less than $20\/month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A single subscription will give you access to more than enough samples to keep you busy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The only downside is that these services charge a recurring subscription fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Publishing is one of the most important aspects of the music industry, and royalty sample libraries follow the traditional model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When using royalty samples, your usage of the content is subject to publishing fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These fees usually apply when the sample is used in a song that gets published by a record label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s important to review the terms of each vendor for their specific usage conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may be wondering, Why would I want to use a sample that has a publishing fee?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The biggest reason is that these samples tend to have the highest quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out the options below to see for yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/samplehuntcom.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/cratestash-browser-mockup.png\")
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Sample Libraries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The different types of sample libraries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Royalty-free sample libraries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Royalty-free sample packs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/samplehuntcom.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/samples_bundle_mockup-1.png\")
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Royalty-free sample subscription services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Royalty sample libraries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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