Dance Music: Keywords

Keyword Definition
Sample A digitally recorded fragment of sound that can be
manipulated through many effects

Loop A sample that is repeated seamlessly through electronic

processes

Synthesiser A device which generates sounds electronically

Drum Machine A programmable device with pre-set drum patterns that

can be manipulated through EQ

Delay/Echo Repeating a sound after a set time interval, usually at a

lower volume and lower frequency

Remix Where record producers take an original track and make

a new version by changing the style and balance,
adding new parts and taking away ingredients of the
original. Ableton Live software has recently enabled DJs
to do live remixing
Panning The positioning of a sound in the stereo field. It may be
used to give the impression that the sound is moving from
side to side, or it may stay fixed

Vocoder A speech processor which makes a human voice sound

synthetic with a robotic effect
Four on the A drum style where the bass drum plays on all four
Floor beats of the 4/4 bar and the hi-hat cymbal plays on
the offbeats
Syncopation When notes are played off the beat
Chainsmokers David Guetta