VOCAL SAMPLE AND CONSTRUCTION KIT USAGE
As of January 2023, no vocal phrases/a cappella sample library may be used anymore as center piece of a production.
No lead vocals are allowed that are not your own, made by a vocalist for this track specifically (including providing proper credits), or by created custom phrases through the help of sample instruments and/or vocal synthesis. (see examples below)
NOT ALLOWED:
Samples that have pre-recorded lyric lines or phrases, that are part of construction kits and/or already in a certain song-key.
Examples:
- Ghosthack: Ultimate Acapella Collection, Future Pop Nation, Heavy Vocals, Reggaeton & Pop Vocals, among others
- LANDR: any vocal pack (e.g. Soul Session Vocals & Keys, Electro Soul Vocals, Singer Songwriter Vocals), among others
- Loopmasters (from all listed companies): Ultimate Vocals, Chillwave Vocals, Liquid DnB Vocals, Blues Rock Acapellas, Supreme House Vocals, Vocal Toolkit, RNB Vocals, among others
- Slate Digital: Omnivox, Empress Trapsoul
- Splice Sound: Best Vocal Samples, Galaxy EDM Vocals, KARRA Vocal Sample Pack, Vocal Hooks, among others
- Zero-G: Dancehall Vocals, Dance Vocals, Rock & Pop Vocals, among others
...or similar
Additional to that, please take note of the
established rules regarding
a capella usage.
Most notably places like "Looperman", who now also offer "music loops" and construction kits.
ALLOWED - Sample Sets and Vocal Synthesizers:
Samples (selection):
- EWQL Symphonic Choirs
- Ghosthack Abstract Vocals
- Impact Soundworks Allura
- Realivox Blue or The Ladies
- Red Room Audio Snaps Claps Slaps Stomps & Shouts
- Soundiron Questionable Barbershop
- Splash Sound Indie Voices
- Zero-G Ethera
- We Sound Human Vocal Packs
...or similar -- as long as you completely customize provided patterns.
Voice synths (selection):
- Dreamtonics Synthesizer V Pro
- Envoice Inc. Emvoice
- Plogue Chipspeech or Alter/Ego
- Yamaha Vocaloid
...or similar
| ! | Bonus Info | Understandably, "sampling" is a foundation of hip hop music. The idea here is not to prohibit you from doing so in any future productions of yours, but rather push / encourage your creativity instead of taking something "off the shelf" and simply re-pitch it as needed
Examples:
With songs like "Dua Lipa - Swan Song", "Jigg - So Hot", "Jay Z - The Story of OJ", "The Chemical Brothers - Block Rocking Beats", "The Prodigy - Voodoo People", "The Wiseguys - Start the Commotion", etc -- the main focus is the music and custom written lyrics. The ever so often seeded in and heavily altered voice samples work as additional effect.
With songs like "Moby - Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?", "Fatboy Slim - Praise You", "Eminem - Stan", "ProleteR - April Showers" or "AcesToAces - Stay With Me", etc -- the music has been built around an an already pre-recorded vocal phrase, or even a whole song section (also known as "sample"). The focus is "that" particular sample with barely any added original content.
While I understand the desire to "produce something amazing," and in certain cases even compete with other vocal productions... Songs with vocals have never been a requirement for the Songwriting Competition. In fact, some games require that you refrain from doing so.
However, if you want to add vocals to your production but have limited access to them (e.g., you don't know anyone who can sing for you, or because you don't consider yourself capable enough due to various reasons), there are many affordable alternatives to creating/requesting custom "vocal lines" that are equal to, if not better than, "pre-recorded" (lyrical) content. Not to mention that your material will be unique.
Collaboration within our community is also highly encouraged so that a resident vocalist can be contacted if needed. For example through Discord. |
Additionally, please reconsider focusing on so called "Construction Kits" or "Loop Kits" from various companies. While this is a valid quick songwriting tool, it might result in possible legal issues with labels - depending on who "claimed copyright" for a specific sample first.
This topic has been a hot debate in the music realm for various years at this point. It has also been brought up in the
original news blog entry (including additional videos on the topic), if you want to know more.
.
INFO: Post originated on on 18-DEC-2022 in the News and Announcements section, last updated 02-OCT-2024 08:00 UTC+2
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