In the heyday of music sampling, it was decided that an artist was free to incorporate small, transformative parts of a work without seeking permission or compensation from the original creator.
In the vibrant and innovative 80s, music took a significant turn as young musicians embraced synthesisers, drum machines, and turntables. This era marked the rise of two iconic drum breaks that would shape the future of music: The Funky Drummer and The Amen Break.
The Funky Drummer breakbeat, originating from James Brown's track of the same name, was extensively used by artists such as Public Enemy, Run-DMC, NWA, Dr Dre, LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, George Michael, and even The Simpsons. Its drum breakdown became the most prolific sample in history.
Meanwhile, the Amen Break, a 6-second drum break from the little-known B-side Amen, Brother by the American soul band the Winstons, also gained popularity. The break occurs when all band members stop playing, leaving drummer Gregory Coleman to perform a 4-bar drum solo. The effect of this loop in production terms was to increase the frequency of the kick drum, leaving a perfect slot for relatively pure and heavily compressed synth bass sounds.
As digitisation advanced, samplers evolved, allowing for short sections of audio to be manipulated digitally, rather than using tape and razor blades. This revolution led to The Amen Break being radically increased in speed, with the accompanying pitch moving upwards, often exceeding 160BPM.
By the end of the 80s, sampling copyright cases started to emerge, and by 1991, a significant case brought between Grand Upright Music Ltd and Warner Brothers Records had a significant impact on the shape of sampling law to come. However, during the late 80s and early 90s, the concept of sampling, borrowing sounds to use in work, was still somewhat ineffective and vague, allowing artists to sample 'unrecognizable portions' of a work without declaring or paying the original artist.
Clyde Stubblefield and George Coleman, the most sampled drummers on the planet, did not receive any financial reward for their extraordinary playing and the enduring popularity of their loops. This is a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges that sampling presents in the realm of copyright law.
Fast forward to the present day, and any sample usage now has to be declared before a track can be released. Artists such as Emeli SandeΜ, Ed Sheeran, and Aphex Twin continue to use these iconic drum breaks, demonstrating their lasting impact on modern music.
The Mellotron, a keyboard with an extraordinary mechanical device for playing pre-recorded analog tape, was the first sampler of its kind and was used by the Beatles in Strawberry Fields Forever. Its influence can be traced back to the concept of sampling, which was influenced by 'Musique ConcreΜte' and gained traction in the 1940s.
In conclusion, the Funky Drummer and The Amen Break have left an indelible mark on music, shaping the soundscapes of various genres and influencing countless artists. Their stories serve as a testament to the power of sampling and the enduring impact of innovative music technology.
