News Articles
Stay on top of all music-related news. From exciting new partnerships to software releases, hardware launches and general news, this page is dedicated to keeping you in the loop of all things music. Always updated to the latest drops and exciting announcements you won't want to miss out on, Samplesound is made with you in mind.
How to Layer Samples for a Professional Sound
One of the biggest differences between an amateur-sounding track and a professional production often comes down to layering samples. Layering is a powerful technique that allows producers to combine multiple sounds to create depth, punch, and unique character. Whether you are a beginner still learning the basics or an experienced artist pushing boundaries, understanding how to layer samples properly can...
Behringer Synths: Affordable Replicas of Legendary Classics
When you think of the history of electronic music, certain instruments instantly come to mind: the squelchy basslines of the Roland TB-303, the raw power of the Minimoog, the punchy leads of the SH-101. These machines shaped entire genres—from Acid House to Techno to Synthwave.But here’s the problem: the originals are either impossible to find or insanely expensive. Enter Behringer.Love...
Afro House: The Heartbeat of Modern Electronic Music
There’s something about Afro House that goes beyond the dancefloor. It’s not just music you hear—it’s music you feel. Deep rhythms, organic percussion, soulful vocals… Afro House brings an atmosphere that’s both hypnotic and spiritual. No wonder it has become one of the most talked-about genres in recent years, from underground clubs to the biggest festivals worldwide. The Roots of...
Why Tech House Remains One of the Most Popular Genres – Reflections and Evolutions
There’s something about Tech House that never seems to fade. Trends come and go, new genres rise and disappear, but Tech House has been holding strong for more than two decades. Ask any DJ or producer, and chances are they’ve either played it, produced it, or danced to it until sunrise. But why does this genre keep such a tight...
Creative Drum Programming in Minimal Techno: Beyond the 4x4
In the world of Minimal Techno, drums are everything. But when everyone is looping the same 4x4 kick-hat-clap combo, how do you make your groove stand out? If you want your beats to hit with style—but still stay deep and minimal—here are four creative ways to move beyond the grid without losing the hypnotic essence of the genre. Sooty...
The Rise of Breakbeat Techno: Essential Tips for Producers
In the ever-evolving world of underground electronic music, a new force is reshaping the dancefloor: Breakbeat Techno. Combining the relentless energy of techno with the rhythmic complexity of broken beats, this hybrid style is bringing fresh intensity and unpredictability to club music in 2025. Breakbeat Techno draws inspiration from UK hardcore, jungle, electro, and IDM—fusing syncopated drum patterns, gritty textures,...
Ambient Techno: Crafting Textures and Pads for Immersive Soundscapes
Ambient Techno sits at the intersection of two sonic worlds: the rhythmic pulse of techno and the atmospheric depth of ambient music. It’s a genre that favors subtle evolution over big drops, space over saturation, and emotional resonance over structural complexity. In recent years, Ambient Techno has resurfaced in underground clubs, late-night DJ sets, and experimental music scenes—often blurring the...
UK Garage in 2025: Production Tips for Modern Underground Grooves
Once a dominant force in the UK club scene of the late '90s and early 2000s, UK Garage (UKG) is now experiencing a full-fledged revival. But this time, it's different. The new wave of UKG blends classic 2-step rhythms and soulful vocals with modern production techniques, gritty basslines, and influences from grime, minimal, dubstep, and deep house. In 2025, UK...
Fast Techno (160 BPM+): Producing Tracks for the New Wave of Ravers
In the ever-evolving landscape of underground electronic music, Fast Techno has exploded onto the scene with an unrelenting energy that’s impossible to ignore. Clocking in at 160 BPM and beyond, this high-octane subgenre is reviving the raw intensity of early rave culture—reimagined through the lens of today’s cutting-edge production tools. What began as a niche movement is now a staple in...
5 Creative Ways to Use Afro House Percussion in Other Genres
Afro House percussion has a unique ability to transform a groove — adding warmth, swing, and a distinctly human feel. Rooted in tribal traditions and shaped by the club scene, its rhythms go far beyond the boundaries of a single genre. In 2025, producers are increasingly blending Afro House percussion into styles like Deep House, Melodic Techno, Minimal, and even...
Afro House Explained: Rhythm, Culture, and Production Techniques
Afro House is more than just a genre — it’s a deeply expressive fusion of rhythm, tradition, and electronic groove. Rooted in African musical heritage and powered by the pulse of house music, it has grown from a regional movement into a global force, filling dancefloors from Johannesburg to Ibiza. Its signature? Organic percussion, hypnotic vocals, melodic simplicity, and a...
Creative Sampling Techniques for Techno Producers in 2025
In techno, sampling is more than just lifting loops — it’s about reshaping sounds into something new, personal, and club-ready. Whether it’s layering a rumble kick, turning a field recording into percussion, or mangling a simple one-shot with granular synthesis, creative sampling is where producers carve out their unique identity. In 2025, with AI-assisted tools, modular workflows, and endless sample...
From Studio to Stage: How to Prepare Techno Tracks for Club Systems
Producing a killer techno track in your studio is one thing — making it shake the walls of a club is another. What sounds tight and punchy on headphones or nearfield monitors can easily turn muddy, distorted, or weak when played through massive club systems. If you want your track to hit — to move air, make the crowd feel...
Mixing Low-End in Techno: Kick vs Bassline Without Mud
In techno, the low-end isn't just important — it's everything. The sub frequencies are what shake the dancefloor, drive the energy, and give your track that visceral impact. But when the kick and bassline start fighting for space, the result is all too familiar: mud, lack of definition, and a mix that falls flat on club systems. It’s not just...
How to Clear Samples Without Losing Your Mind (2025 Update)
Sampling is one of the most powerful tools in modern music production. From iconic hip hop flips to textured techno loops, borrowing and reshaping sounds is part of the creative DNA of electronic music. But here's the catch: if you sample something that's protected by copyright — and don’t get permission — your track might get blocked, demonetized, or even...
Groove Templates Explained: How to Inject Human Feel into EDM and House
Ever felt like your drums are too robotic, even when the sounds are great? That’s probably because everything is perfectly quantized — and that’s not how real humans play. Groove templates are the solution. They let you add natural timing variations and swing to your tracks, giving your music the feel it needs to move bodies on the dancefloor. In...
Techno Explained: Styles, Sounds, and Subgenres You Should Know
Techno is more than just a genre, it’s a sonic language spoken on underground dancefloors around the world. Born in Detroit and raised in Europe’s darkest clubs, techno continues to evolve, diversify, and push boundaries in 2025. But what actually makes something “techno”? And how do you tell the difference between minimal, acid, industrial, or hard techno? Whether you're a...
Hard Techno Sample Pack: The Ultimate Guide to the Most Extreme Sounds of 2025
Hard Techno isn’t just evolving in 2025 — it’s exploding. With BPMs pushing well past 150, industrial-grade textures, and basslines that feel like seismic waves, the genre is becoming more intense, more physical, and more unapologetically raw than ever. Whether you’re crafting tracks for underground warehouse raves or festival main stages, you need sounds that don’t just fill the room...
Packaging EDM Beats for Sale: License-Safe Files and Royalty-Free Proof
A step-by-step workflow to deliver beats that marketplaces, artists and labels can approve in minutes, no legal headaches, no takedowns. Selling EDM instrumentals on platforms like BeatStars, Airbit or TrakTrain is easier than ever, but a single licensing dispute can wipe out your store reputation overnight. Follow the checklist below to export technically solid audio files, attach transparent royalty-free documentation...
How to Pitch Drum & Bass Labels With Royalty-Free Confidence
The step-by-step guide to email etiquette, proof-of-ownership and sample clearance—so your demo never gets rejected on legal grounds. Landing a deal with a respected D&B label still opens doors: curated playlists, pro mastering, and a fast track onto club and festival line-ups. But one thing will kill your chances instantly: uncleared samples. Follow the workflow below to craft a pitch...
Drum & Bass Labels: 10 Imprints Accepting Demos in 2025
100 % royalty-free producer-friendly guide Why labels still matter in the streaming era Landing a release on a respected D&B label is still one of the quickest ways to earn credibility, playlist support and paid gigs—even in an era where anyone can self-release on Spotify. What hasn’t changed is that A&Rs want finished tracks built from 100 % cleared sounds: it...
Melody Writing Tips: Craft Memorable and Catchy Tunes
Why Melody Matters in Electronic Music In genres like techno, house, and progressive, melodies might not always take center stage like they do in pop—but they’re still a vital part of your track’s emotional impact. A well-written melody gives your music direction, identity, and a sense of movement that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. Think about it: how...
Free Trap Sample Packs You Can Use Without Worry (2025 Edition)
Why Use Free Trap Samples in 2025? The trap sound keeps evolving—and so should your sample library. Whether you're a beginner building your first beat or a pro looking to refresh your arsenal, free trap sample packs are a powerful way to expand your sound without breaking the bank. You don’t need a massive budget to sound professional. With the...
The Best House Music Sample Packs for Your 2025 Productions
Why House Music Producers Need High-Quality Sample Packs House music is all about groove, texture, and subtle evolution. Whether you're crafting a soulful vocal track or a raw underground banger, having the right tools at your fingertips can make or break your creative flow. That’s where high-quality sample packs come into play. Premium sample packs give you access to sounds...
How to Sample Sounds: A Beginner's Guide for Music Producers
Sampling is one of the cornerstones of modern music production. From hip hop to electronic music, sampling sounds has helped shape the way music is created today. Whether you're crafting beats, building lush soundscapes, or experimenting with textures, learning how to sample is a skill every producer should master. In this beginner's guide, we'll cover the basics of sampling, the...
FL Studio Sample Sounds: How to Find and Use the Best Ones
FL Studio is one of the most powerful and accessible DAWs on the market, trusted by producers across genres from EDM to hip hop. One key to unlocking its full potential lies in the smart use of sample sounds. Whether you're creating beats, melodies, or entire tracks, having the right samples can transform your music production workflow. In this guide,...
How to Set Up a Recording Studio in Your House
Turning your house into a personal recording studio might sound like a huge project, but with a smart approach, even your living room or spare bedroom can become a creative powerhouse. Whether you're making beats, recording vocals, or producing podcasts, this guide will walk you through how to set up a recording studio in your house—without needing to tear down...
FAQs About Personal Recording Studios
What do you need for a personal recording studio? To start, you'll need: A computer with a DAW (like FL Studio, Ableton, Logic Pro) An audio interface A microphone Studio headphones or monitors A few acoustic treatments Mic stands and cables That’s it! You can always expand later. How much for a personal recording studio? The cost can vary widely:...
How to Build Your Personal Recording Studio
Creating a personal recording studio is no longer a luxury reserved for professionals with deep pockets and endless space. Thanks to compact, affordable gear and powerful software, it's now possible to build a fully functional recording environment right in your own home. Whether you're a bedroom producer, an indie artist, or a content creator looking to step up your audio...
Top Tech House MIDI Files to Boost Your Productions
If you're producing Tech House, you know how crucial groove, swing, and flow are to making a track hit just right. But sometimes, inspiration stalls or you find yourself repeating the same ideas. That's where MIDI files come into play—not just as shortcuts, but as creative tools to unlock new directions. In this guide, we’ll show you why MIDI matters...
Why You Should Be Spectral Sidechaining in FabFilter Pro-Q 4
FabFilter Pro-Q 4 - 24 band Dynamic EQ FabFilter Pro-Q 4 sets a new benchmark for EQ plugins with its 24-band design and an intelligent interface tailored for precision and efficiency. FabFilter Pro-Q 4 Product page In today’s music production landscape, where arrangements are increasingly dense and layered, mixing is no longer just about balancing levels—it's about managing frequencies...
Producers Are Using This Trick to Make Their Mixes Sound Retro
In an era where music production is often defined by digital clarity and surgical precision, many producers are looking for ways to bring back the warmth, imperfections, and character of vintage gear. Whether you're crafting dusty lofi beats, gritty techno tracks, or textured ambient soundscapes, adding analog-style color can transform a sterile mix into something full of life. Enter RC-20...
How to Gain Stage: A Complete Guide to Optimal Audio Levels
One of the most overlooked aspects of mixing is gain staging, yet it’s crucial for achieving a clean, dynamic, and professional sound. Whether you're recording a jazz ensemble, producing a hip-hop beat, or crafting electronic music, proper gain staging ensures that your audio flows through the mix without unwanted distortion or noise. But what exactly is gain staging? In simple...
How to Export Your Song for Mastering: Best Settings and Formats
Mastering is the final step in music production, the process that transforms a good mix into a radio-ready, professional-quality track. It ensures your song sounds polished, balanced, and optimized for different playback systems, from high-end studio monitors to smartphone speakers. However, even the best mastering engineer can’t fix a badly exported mix. If your export settings are incorrect—such as using...
Keyboard Shortcuts Ableton: Essential Commands for a Faster Workflow
In the fast-paced world of music production, efficiency is just as important as creativity. Ableton Live is designed for fluid, hands-on music creation, but navigating through its many menus and features can slow down your workflow. That’s where keyboard shortcuts come in—they allow you to focus on sound design, arrangement, and mixing without getting bogged down by repetitive mouse clicks....
10 Best MIDI Controllers in 2025: Top Picks for Every Producer
A great MIDI controller can completely transform your workflow, whether you’re producing electronic music, hip-hop beats, or club-ready techno. In 2025, the options are more advanced than ever, offering features like polyphonic aftertouch, deep DAW integration, and customizable mappings to suit every producer’s needs. But with so many choices on the market, how do you know which one is right...
Music Trends 2025: Emerging Styles and Genres of This Year
Music is constantly evolving, shaped by technology, cultural shifts, and artistic experimentation. In 2025, we are witnessing a fusion of electronic innovation, genre hybridization, and nostalgic revivals that are defining the sound of the year. With streaming platforms and social media accelerating the spread of new styles, producers and artists must stay ahead of the trends to remain relevant. This...
Best chord generator VST: how to create better chord progressions
What is the Plugin for MIDI Chords Generator? A MIDI chord generator VST is a plugin that automatically generates chords based on scale, key, and user input. These tools help producers create complex, professional-sounding progressions without needing in-depth music theory knowledge. Top Chord Generator Plugins for Producers 1. ChordJam by Audiomodern (Best for Versatility) With ChordJam, you can explore a wide...
Stop Using Weak Sounds! Get an Amapiano Drum Kit That Actually Works!
Are your Amapiano beats missing that deep, groovy bounce? Do they sound flat compared to the tracks topping the charts? The problem isn’t your creativity—it’s your drum kit. Many producers make the mistake of using generic drum kits that lack the warmth, depth, and authenticity required to create true Amapiano magic. The result? Weak beats that don’t hit the way...
Afro House Popular Chord Progressions and How to Use Them
Afro House has rapidly evolved from an underground subgenre to a global sensation, captivating dance floors worldwide with its fusion of deep rhythms, emotive melodies, and rich harmonic textures. As an experienced music producer, you know that chord progressions are more than just a structural element; they're the emotional core that defines the mood and authenticity of your track. In...
Polyrhythmic Patterns in Afro House: Techniques for Advanced Producers
Afro House’s signature sound is defined by its vibrant rhythms, intricate percussion, and compelling grooves. At the heart of this rhythmic complexity lies the concept of polyrhythms, a foundational element borrowed from traditional African music that continues to captivate dance floors worldwide. As an advanced music producer, mastering polyrhythmic techniques is essential to creating authentic, sophisticated, and compelling Afro House...
How to Write a Song: Tips and Techniques for Every Musician
Songwriting is a fundamental skill for any music producer, whether you're crafting underground Techno beats, catchy House grooves, or festival-ready EDM anthems. While the process might seem intimidating at first, understanding the key components of a song—melody, harmony, rhythm, and structure—can make the creative process much smoother. But songwriting for club music is different from traditional songwriting. Here, the primary...