For music enthusiasts, producers, and curious listeners, identifying the origins of a song's sound can be a fascinating quest. The WhoSampled app serves as the ultimate mobile companion for this deep dive into musical history, connecting the dots between songs across decades and genres.
What is WhoSampled?
WhoSampled is a music discovery and identification application. Its primary purpose is to catalog and reveal the samples, cover songs, and remixes within music. The app is targeted at DJs, producers, hip-hop fans, and anyone interested in the DNA of their favorite tracks. It functions as a massive, searchable database that users can explore to understand how music influences and references other music.
Why Should You Use WhoSampled?
Users choose WhoSampled to satisfy their curiosity about music production and history. It transforms listening from a passive activity into an interactive educational experience.
Discover hidden connections between songs.
Learn about music history and production techniques.
Find new music based on samples you already love.
Quickly identify samples in a song you're hearing.
Key Features of WhoSampled
Sample, Cover & Remix Database: Access a vast, crowd-sourced database detailing millions of musical connections.
Audio Recognition: Identify samples in any song playing around you by using your device's microphone.
Music Player Integration: Link with Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube to explore samples directly from your playlists.
Sample Playback: Listen to short audio clips of both the original sample and the song that used it for direct comparison.
Artist & Song Pages: Browse detailed profiles for artists and tracks, showcasing their entire sampling history.
Additional Features
Clean Interface: The app presents complex information in a clean, intuitive, and easy-to-navigate layout.
Curated Content: Discover featured articles and lists that highlight significant sampling moments in music.
Community Driven: The platform relies on its dedicated user community to continuously grow and verify its database.
How to Download and Install WhoSampled
1. Open the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) on your mobile device.
2. Use the search bar to look for "WhoSampled".
3. Select the official app from the search results.
4. Tap the "Install" or "Get" button to download and automatically install the app.
5. Once installed, open WhoSampled from your home screen or app drawer.
How to Use WhoSampled
1. Open the app and create a free account or log in.
2. Use the search icon to look up a specific artist or song.
3. Alternatively, tap the audio wave icon to use the sample recognition feature on music playing nearby.
4. Browse the results to see all listed samples, covers, and remixes.
5. Tap on any connection to read more details and listen to the audio clips.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
Incredibly insightful for deepening your music knowledge.
The audio recognition feature is fast and remarkably accurate.
A must-have tool for DJs and producers seeking inspiration or clearance information.
Intuitive design makes it easy for anyone to start using immediately.
Cons
The most powerful features, like unlimited sample recognition, require a paid subscription.
The database, while massive, is user-generated and may have occasional gaps or errors.
Is WhoSampled Safe to Use?
Yes, WhoSampled is safe to use. It is a legitimate app developed by a registered company. The app requests permissions for microphone access (for its sample ID feature) and media/music file access (for integration with your local library). These are standard for its core functionality and are not misused.
Compatible Apps or Tools
WhoSampled integrates directly with major streaming services to enhance discovery. Its primary compatible tools are:
Spotify
Apple Music
YouTube
FAQs
Is WhoSampled free?
The app offers a free version with basic search functionality. However, features like unlimited sample recognition and ad-free browsing are part of a premium subscription.
How accurate is the sample recognition?
The accuracy is generally very high, though it can depend on audio quality and background noise. It works best with clear recordings.
Can I contribute to the WhoSampled database?
Yes, registered users can suggest new samples, covers, and remixes for community review and addition to the database.
Does it work offline?
No, the app requires an active internet connection to search its database and use the audio recognition feature.
Conclusion
WhoSampled is an exceptional app that offers a unique and valuable perspective on music. It successfully demystifies the creative process behind countless songs, making it an essential download for anyone looking to deepen their appreciation of music. If you've ever wondered "where have I heard that before?", WhoSampled has the answer.
