Adding vocal samples to pop and EDM productions can elevate your track’s energy and emotional appeal. Vocal samples introduce unique textures, complementing your instrumental layers and making your production feel more dynamic and immersive. They also provide hooks or motifs that grab listeners' attention, creating memorable, catchy elements.
When mixed creatively, vocal samples can add depth, especially through layering, harmonies, or rhythmic chops. By adding these samples, you can enhance the track's identity, helping it stand out and resonate with listeners, whether for emotional connection or an infectious groove.
Here’s how to make your own from scratch:
1. Record Simple Vocal Phrases
- Step 1: Record short vocal phrases, words, or sounds using your microphone.
- Step 2: Apply basic processing like EQ and compression to clean up the recordings.
- Step 3: Choose the best phrases and chop them into smaller sections.
- Pro Tip: Experiment with different vocal tones and recording environments to capture a variety of textures.
2. Pitch Shift and Time-Stretch
- Step 1: Select a vocal sample and pitch shift it up or down by a few semitones.
- Step 2: Time-stretch the vocal to make it fit the tempo of your track.
- Step 3: Layer the pitched vocal with other sounds to create a unique vocal pad or lead.
- Pro Tip: Use extreme pitch-shifting for experimental, otherworldly vocal sounds.
3. Apply Vocoder Effects
- Step 1: Run your vocal sample through a vocoder plugin.
- Step 2: Experiment with different synth carrier sounds to create harmonic richness.
- Step 3: Blend the vocoder effect with the original vocal to maintain clarity.
- Pro Tip: Add subtle reverb and delay to enhance the processed vocal’s space.
4. Chop Vocals into Percussion
- Step 1: Chop short vocal phrases and turn them into percussive hits (e.g., use the "P" sound for a kick).
- Step 2: Place the vocal chops in your drum pattern for rhythmic variation.
- Step 3: Add transient shaping and EQ to make the vocal chops fit with your drums.
- Pro Tip: Layer the vocal chops with traditional drum samples for added impact.
5. Reverse Vocals for Swells
- Step 1: Reverse your vocal sample and place it just before a key transition (e.g., before the chorus).
- Step 2: Apply reverb to the reversed sample to create a smooth, swelling effect.
- Step 3: Use automation to gradually bring the reversed vocal in and out of the mix.
- Pro Tip: Layer the reversed vocal with a regular vocal for a unique texture.
These techniques will help you create more depth in your music by virtue of adding vocal samples into your productions.
That being said, what if you don’t want to record your own vocals or hire a vocalist? No problem, we’ve got you covered. Click here to get over 1000 amazing female vocal samples to use in your productions.
Cheers and have a great day!