The song “Pompeii” by Bastille incorporates sampled elements from a track titled “Dismiss Yourself” by the American post-rock band Explosions in the Sky. Specifically, a looped segment of the guitar melody from “Dismiss Yourself” is integrated into the instrumental arrangement of “Pompeii,” contributing to its distinctive sound.
The utilization of samples, such as in this instance, is a common practice in music production that allows artists to build upon existing works, creating new compositions with familiar sonic textures. It introduces an element of homage while also providing a foundation for novel artistic expression. Tracing the lineage of sampled material enhances the listening experience, revealing connections between different musical genres and artists across time. This cross-pollination of sounds fosters creativity and innovation within the music industry.
Consequently, further analysis can be conducted to identify the specific segment of “Dismiss Yourself” sampled in “Pompeii,” explore the artistic reasons behind this choice, and examine the impact of the sample on the overall success and reception of Bastille’s popular single. Moreover, the exploration of sampling techniques in contemporary music provides a broader understanding of musical evolution and influences.
Understanding Musical Sampling
Exploring the practice of musical sampling, exemplified by Bastille’s “Pompeii” and its use of Explosions in the Sky’s “Dismiss Yourself,” requires careful attention to detail. These guidelines offer insights into analyzing and appreciating sampled music.
Tip 1: Identify the Source Material: Recognize the original composition from which the sample is derived. Knowing the origin provides context and allows for a comparative analysis of how the sample is transformed.
Tip 2: Analyze the Sample’s Integration: Examine how the sampled element is incorporated into the new song. Consider aspects such as looping, pitch shifting, tempo changes, and effects applied to the sample.
Tip 3: Assess the Creative Impact: Determine how the sample contributes to the overall character and impact of the new composition. Does it provide a recognizable hook, a rhythmic foundation, or a textural element?
Tip 4: Consider the Legal and Ethical Implications: Be aware of the copyright laws surrounding the use of samples. Understand the importance of obtaining permission or licensing when using copyrighted material.
Tip 5: Explore the Historical Context: Research the history of sampling in music and its evolution over time. Learn about the different techniques and technologies used for sampling.
Tip 6: Listen Critically and Comparatively: Develop a critical ear by comparing the original song and the song that uses the sample. Pay attention to the nuances and subtleties of the musical transformation.
Tip 7: Research Artist Intent: Investigate the reasons why the artist chose to use the sample. Understanding the artist’s motivation can provide insight into the creative process.
By following these tips, a deeper appreciation for the art of musical sampling can be cultivated. Analyzing the use of sampling in songs like “Pompeii” by Bastille not only reveals connections between different musical works, but also enhances understanding of artistic innovation and creative expression.
Further research and critical listening will foster a more comprehensive understanding of sampling techniques and their role in shaping contemporary music.
1. Original Composition Identification
The process of “Original Composition Identification” is fundamental to understanding the creative and legal dimensions inherent in the musical borrowing that occurs when exploring “bastille pompeii samples what song.” Accurately determining the source material establishes a crucial foundation for subsequent analysis and interpretation.
- Accurate Attribution
Identifying the original composition enables accurate attribution of authorship and ownership. In the case of “Pompeii” by Bastille, recognizing “Dismiss Yourself” by Explosions in the Sky as the source of the sampled guitar melody ensures proper acknowledgment of the latter’s creative contribution. Failure to correctly identify the original work can lead to copyright infringement and ethical concerns.
- Comparative Analysis
Once the original composition is identified, a comparative analysis can be undertaken to assess how the sampled element has been transformed and integrated into the new work. This comparison allows for an examination of the creative choices made by the sampling artist and the impact of the sample on the overall aesthetic of the new song. In the “Pompeii” example, the analysis would involve comparing the original guitar melody in “Dismiss Yourself” to its looped and processed form within “Pompeii.”
- Historical Contextualization
Identifying the source material provides essential historical context. Understanding the original compositions genre, cultural significance, and historical period sheds light on the motivations behind the sampling artist’s decision to incorporate it. This contextualization enriches the listening experience and reveals deeper connections between different musical works.
- Legal Compliance
Correct “Original Composition Identification” is paramount for ensuring legal compliance with copyright laws. Sampling copyrighted material without permission or proper licensing can result in legal action. Accurate identification allows artists to determine whether a sample requires clearance and to obtain the necessary permissions or licenses.
Through “Original Composition Identification”, the relationship between “Pompeii” and “Dismiss Yourself” becomes more defined, clarifying legal and artistic considerations, and providing a clearer perspective of the creative process inherent in musical composition.
2. Sampled Segment Location
Determining the precise “Sampled Segment Location” within the original track is critical to understanding the mechanics of musical borrowing, particularly when examining how “Pompeii” by Bastille incorporates elements of Explosions in the Sky’s “Dismiss Yourself”. Pinpointing the exact segment reveals the nuances of the sample’s integration and its impact on the new composition.
- Precise Timecode Identification
Locating the sampled segment requires identifying its precise timecode within the original composition. This involves listening closely to both tracks and noting the exact start and end points of the borrowed material in “Dismiss Yourself”. Timecode accuracy is crucial for legal clearance and accurate musical analysis. For example, the specific guitar melody in “Dismiss Yourself” used in “Pompeii” might be located between 1:35 and 1:50 of the original track.
- Melodic and Harmonic Analysis
A detailed melodic and harmonic analysis of the identified segment provides insight into its structural role within the original song and how it functions within the new context of “Pompeii”. This involves analyzing the notes, chords, and rhythmic patterns of the sampled melody. The analysis reveals how Bastille transformed the original melody by looping, adding effects, or changing its harmonic context.
- Instrumentation and Texture
Understanding the instrumentation and texture of the sampled segment in its original context is essential. Examining the instruments involved, their arrangement, and their interplay contributes to a fuller understanding of the sample’s aesthetic qualities. In the case of “Pompeii”, recognizing the original guitar sound and its reverb characteristics in “Dismiss Yourself” clarifies how Bastille modified the sound to fit their own musical style.
- Contextual Significance
The contextual significance of the “Sampled Segment Location” within the original song’s overall narrative or structure should be considered. The chosen segment might be a recurring motif, a climactic moment, or a transitional phrase. Understanding its original role provides insight into the artist’s intent in borrowing that specific element. If the sampled melody was a central theme in “Dismiss Yourself,” its reuse in “Pompeii” may be intended to evoke certain emotional or thematic associations.
By identifying the precise “Sampled Segment Location”, a more comprehensive appreciation of the relationship between “Pompeii” and “Dismiss Yourself” is achievable. This detailed analysis highlights the creative decisions involved in sampling and clarifies both the artistic and legal considerations that underpin this practice in contemporary music.
3. Creative Re-Contextualization
Creative Re-Contextualization, in the context of “bastille pompeii samples what song,” refers to the artistic process through which a pre-existing musical element from Explosions in the Sky’s “Dismiss Yourself” is repurposed and integrated into Bastille’s “Pompeii”. This involves altering the original material’s sonic properties and embedding it within a new musical environment to achieve a distinct artistic effect. The act of sampling, in itself, necessitates re-contextualization, as the borrowed element loses its original setting and acquires a new identity within the subsequent composition. The significance of this process lies in its ability to generate new meanings and emotional resonances from existing artistic content.
In “Pompeii,” the looped guitar melody from “Dismiss Yourself” undergoes significant re-contextualization. While retaining its melodic contour, its timbre is modified through digital effects and equalization. The original’s post-rock atmosphere is transmuted into a synth-driven indie-pop soundscape, catering to a different audience and conveying a different emotional message. Furthermore, the lyrical content of “Pompeii,” focused on themes of destruction and reflection, overlays new layers of meaning onto the borrowed musical phrase. This contrasts with the instrumental nature of “Dismiss Yourself,” where the melody functions more as a textural and atmospheric component. The success of “Pompeii” demonstrates the potential for creative re-contextualization to yield commercially viable and critically acclaimed art. However, such transformations must respect copyright law and adhere to ethical standards regarding artistic originality and attribution.
Understanding Creative Re-Contextualization offers insights into the broader theme of artistic innovation through borrowing. It highlights the challenges of balancing originality with the appropriation of existing works. Proper licensing and acknowledgment of source material remain critical components of ethical and legal sampling practices. The transformation of the “Dismiss Yourself” guitar melody into a key element of “Pompeii” serves as a tangible illustration of how musical ideas can evolve and adapt through creative re-contextualization, while also underscoring the importance of respecting intellectual property rights in the process.
4. Copyright and Licensing
Copyright and licensing are critical legal aspects directly impacting the use of sampled material, as exemplified by “bastille pompeii samples what song”. The incorporation of elements from Explosions in the Sky’s “Dismiss Yourself” into Bastille’s “Pompeii” necessitates adherence to copyright law, which protects the original composer’s and publisher’s rights. Without proper clearance, sampling can lead to legal repercussions.
- Obtaining Clearance
Obtaining clearance involves securing permission from the copyright holders of “Dismiss Yourself” to use the guitar melody within “Pompeii.” This process often entails negotiating licensing agreements that dictate the terms of usage, including royalties and attribution. Failing to obtain proper clearance can result in copyright infringement lawsuits, potentially leading to significant financial penalties and damage to an artist’s reputation. Many artists or labels may deny requests to use portions of previously copyrighted work, potentially impacting artists’ ability to release the desired new work.
- Fair Use Doctrine
The fair use doctrine allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. However, determining whether the use of a sample qualifies as fair use is often a complex legal determination, dependent on factors such as the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount and substantiality of the portion used, and the effect of the use upon the potential market for the copyrighted work. In the case of “bastille pompeii samples what song,” fair use is unlikely to apply, given the commercial nature of “Pompeii” and the identifiable use of a substantial portion of “Dismiss Yourself.”
- Mechanical Licenses
Mechanical licenses grant permission to reproduce and distribute copyrighted musical compositions in physical or digital formats. When sampling, a mechanical license may be necessary to cover the reproduction and distribution of the portion of the original composition included in the new work. The terms of mechanical licenses are often standardized, but negotiation may be required depending on the specific usage and agreement with the copyright holder.
- Publishing Rights
Publishing rights pertain to the ownership and control of a musical composition, encompassing both the music and lyrics. Copyright in the publishing rights of “Dismiss Yourself” is typically held by the composer and/or a music publishing company. Securing permission to sample the composition requires contacting the copyright holders of the publishing rights and negotiating a licensing agreement that addresses the use of the sampled material. Publishing rights are separate from the rights in the sound recording (master recording), and both must be cleared for legal sampling.
Navigating copyright and licensing is crucial for any artist incorporating sampled material, including the creation of “bastille pompeii samples what song”. Understanding the nuances of obtaining clearance, the limitations of fair use, and the necessity of securing both mechanical and publishing licenses ensures compliance with copyright law and protects artists from potential legal disputes.
5. Artistic Influence
The relationship between artistic influence and “bastille pompeii samples what song” is demonstrably causal. The musical phrase from Explosions in the Sky’s “Dismiss Yourself” directly informed the sonic architecture of Bastille’s “Pompeii.” The former provided a foundational melodic element that Bastille then transformed and integrated into a distinct composition. Without this influence, “Pompeii” would, by definition, exist in an alternate form, underscoring the sample’s considerable impact on the latter track. The selection of “Dismiss Yourself” also reveals Bastille’s aesthetic preferences and demonstrates a connection to the post-rock genre, even if “Pompeii” ultimately resides within the indie-pop sphere.
Understanding artistic influence in this context offers practical benefits. Recognizing the source material enhances appreciation for both tracks. Listeners gain insight into Bastille’s creative process, noting how they built upon existing work. It also directs attention to Explosions in the Sky, potentially expanding their audience. More broadly, appreciating such influences clarifies the evolutionary nature of music, demonstrating how artists borrow, transform, and build upon established ideas. For instance, hip-hop’s reliance on sampling transformed popular music. This sampling illustrates how musical elements can evolve and gain new context throughout the years.
The investigation of “artistic influence” demonstrates the interwoven nature of music history and illuminates the creative processes underpinning contemporary composition. Recognizing these connections promotes understanding of the interconnectedness of art. Despite challenges in assessing the precise extent of influence, acknowledging and attributing the roots of inspiration remains essential for artists and audiences alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the origins of the sampled material used in Bastille’s song “Pompeii,” providing factual information and clarifying potential misconceptions.
Question 1: What is the primary source of the sample used in “Pompeii”?
The primary source of the guitar melody sampled in “Pompeii” is “Dismiss Yourself” by the American post-rock band Explosions in the Sky.
Question 2: Is the entirety of “Dismiss Yourself” used in “Pompeii”?
No, only a specific segment of the guitar melody from “Dismiss Yourself” is looped and incorporated into “Pompeii.”
Question 3: Did Bastille obtain permission to use the sample from Explosions in the Sky?
Information regarding explicit permission or licensing agreements between Bastille and Explosions in the Sky requires direct confirmation from the respective parties. Generally, the use of copyrighted material necessitates obtaining proper clearance.
Question 4: How does the sample contribute to the overall sound of “Pompeii”?
The looped guitar melody provides a distinctive and recognizable element to “Pompeii,” contributing to its rhythmic structure and atmospheric texture.
Question 5: Are there other instances of Bastille using samples in their music?
While “Pompeii” is a prominent example, further research would be required to determine the extent of Bastille’s broader utilization of sampling techniques.
Question 6: What are the legal considerations when sampling music from other artists?
Sampling copyrighted material without permission can infringe upon copyright laws. Legal considerations include obtaining necessary licenses and clearances from the copyright holders of the original composition.
In summary, the exploration of “bastille pompeii samples what song” reveals the role of sampled elements, particularly from Explosions in the Sky, in shaping the sonic character of a popular musical work. This highlights legal and artistic considerations pertinent to music production.
Further analysis can delve into the specific creative and technical modifications applied to the sampled material in “Pompeii.”
Conclusion
The examination of “bastille pompeii samples what song” has revealed the specific instance of musical borrowing wherein Bastille utilized a segment of Explosions in the Sky’s “Dismiss Yourself” within their composition “Pompeii.” The analysis encompassed source identification, sampled segment location, creative re-contextualization, copyright implications, and artistic influence. This exploration provides a framework for understanding the complexities inherent in sampling practices within contemporary music.
The study of sampled music necessitates continued critical engagement with issues of originality, artistic intent, and legal compliance. Further research into the broader applications of sampling techniques across musical genres is warranted to promote a more comprehensive appreciation of the evolving landscape of music creation.
