How do you hear the sample before you chop it?

[justsoulsamples]

For producers working with soul source material, what do you listen for first: an open verse pocket, a hook, a chord change, or a texture? I am working with original 70s-inspired soul songs arranged with space for sampling, and I keep noticing that the best starting point is often not the obvious hook. Curious how everyone else hears the first move.

 

[Papanate]

For producers working with soul source material, what do you listen for first: an open verse pocket, a hook, a chord change, or a texture? I am working with original 70s-inspired soul songs arranged with space for sampling, and I keep noticing that the best starting point is often not the obvious hook. Curious how everyone else hears the first move.

Kind of an odd question - I just listen for the part that fits what I’m doing.