Free 1920S Swing Music Samples Where To Find And How To Use Them

The 1920s, often referred to as the Jazz Age, was a period of significant musical innovation characterized by the rise of swing music. Today, musicians and producers interested in creating music with this vintage sound can access free 1920s swing samples from various online platforms. This article explores where to find these samples, their licensing terms, and how they can be incorporated into modern music production.

Where to Find Free 1920s Swing Samples

Looperman.com

Looperman.com is a platform that offers free music loops and samples, including those specifically from the 1920s era. The site provides a collection of royalty-free samples that can be used for both commercial and non-commercial purposes.

According to the platform's information, users can find 1920s-style samples such as: - Ukelele riffs in 1920s swing style - Two-guitar arrangements in the 1920s Bal-Musette style - Vintage upright piano recordings

These samples are uploaded by other users and typically include metadata about tempo, harmonies, and stylistic characteristics. For example, one sample described as "16 seamless bars of a ukelele playing a strummed riff in the 1920's swing style" is noted to work at 160bpm in cut time or 80bpm when used at half tempo. The platform also provides information about the specific harmonies used in each sample, such as "D_D#dim7Em7_A7" for one ukelele riff.

Internet Archive

The Internet Archive hosts a "Free 20s Jazz Collection" described as an "expired Copyright collection of Music." This collection contains numerous jazz tracks from the 1920s that are no longer under copyright and can be freely downloaded.

The collection includes a variety of 1920s jazz pieces in multiple audio formats, including: - 64KBPS MP3 - OGG VORBIS

Tracks in this collection feature titles such as "Bugle Call Blues," "Crawdad Blues," "Henpecked Blues," and various other jazz standards from the era. The collection has garnered significant attention, with over 356,000 views and 589 favorites, indicating its popularity among music enthusiasts.

Freesound.org

Freesound.org is another resource where users can request and find free sound samples. The site includes forum discussions where users can request specific types of samples, such as 1920s swing or jazz music with vocals.

In one forum thread, a user specifically requested "1920's swing/jazz song preferably copywrite free and with vocals of some sort." This indicates that the platform serves not only as a repository of existing samples but also as a community where users can request specific types of content they need.

Licensing and Usage Terms

Royalty-Free Usage on Looperman

The samples available on Looperman are generally provided on a royalty-free basis, meaning users can incorporate them into their commercial and non-commercial projects without paying additional royalties. However, this usage is "subject to our terms and conditions."

Users are encouraged to: - Leave comments if they use any of the samples - Check the specific licenses granted by the creators of each loop - Contact the user who uploaded a sample with any questions about the file - Report any content that may be in breach of copyright or upload guidelines to support

Public Domain Status on Internet Archive

The "Free 20s Jazz Collection" on the Internet Archive is explicitly described as an "expired Copyright collection," meaning these tracks are in the public domain. In the UK, where the collection appears to originate, copyright for sound recordings lasts 50 years from the date of recording, which would make many 1920s recordings eligible for public domain status.

Copyright Considerations

When using free samples, it's important to understand copyright laws. As noted in one source, in the UK: - Copyright in literary, dramatic, musical, or artistic works lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years - Copyright in sound recordings lasts for 50 years from the date of recording

These timeframes may vary by jurisdiction, so users should verify the copyright status of samples based on their location and intended use.

Types of 1920s Swing Samples Available

Instrumental Samples

The available 1920s swing samples include a variety of instrumental recordings:

1. Ukelele Samples: These include strummed riffs in the 1920s swing style, often provided as seamless bars that can be looped. One example is noted to work at 160bpm in cut time or 80bpm when used at half tempo.

2. Guitar Samples: Some samples feature two guitars strumming an upbeat swing in the 1920s Bal-Musette style, a French-influenced genre popular during that era.

3. Piano Samples: Vintage upright piano recordings from the era are available, sometimes captured with specific microphone setups to achieve an authentic sound. Some of these samples are performed on real vintage acoustic upright pianos, such as a "LIRA" made in USSR in 1973.

4. Hammond Organ Samples: While more characteristic of the 1950s, some Hammond B3 organ recordings with a 12/8 metrical feeling are available, which can complement 1920s-style arrangements.

Musical Characteristics

1920s swing samples typically feature: - Upbeat tempos ranging from around 80-160bpm - Characteristic chord progressions such as those found in traditional swing and jazz - Specific harmonies that define the era's sound, such as those found in the examples provided

How to Access and Download Free Samples

Looperman.com

To access 1920s swing samples on Looperman: 1. Visit the website and use the search function with terms like "1920" or "1920s" 2. Filter results using the advanced search option 3. Click on individual samples to view details about tempo, harmonies, and other characteristics 4. Download the samples directly from the site 5. Leave comments if you use any samples in your projects

The site also allows users to contact sample creators directly through their profiles if they need additional information or want to request custom samples.

Internet Archive

To access the "Free 20s Jazz Collection": 1. Visit the Internet Archive page for this collection 2. Browse the available tracks 3. Select your preferred download format (MP3, OGG VORBIS) 4. Click the download button for each track

The archive provides multiple download options for each track, allowing users to choose the quality and format that best suits their needs.

Freesound.org

To request or find 1920s swing samples on Freesound: 1. Visit the site and navigate to the forums 2. Look for existing sample requests or create a new one 3. Use the search function to find existing samples that match your needs 4. Follow the site's guidelines for downloading and using samples

The platform also requires email verification to ensure that users are legitimate and to maintain a community of serious music creators.

Tips for Working with 1920s Swing Samples

Tempo and Pitch Adjustment

When working with vintage samples, you may need to adjust tempo or pitch to match your project: - Many 1920s samples are designed to work at multiple tempos - Some samples, like the ukelele riff mentioned earlier, can be used at half or double their original tempo - Pitch shifting can help samples better fit into modern productions while maintaining their vintage character

Layering and Processing

To create authentic 1920s swing arrangements: - Consider layering multiple samples to build a fuller sound - Apply appropriate effects like reverb to match the era's recording characteristics - Use equalization to enhance the frequency ranges typical of 1920s recordings

Attribution and Credit

While many samples are royalty-free, it's good practice to: - Check specific attribution requirements for each sample - Credit the original creator when requested or when it's feasible - Follow any specific guidelines provided by the sample uploader

Conclusion

Free 1920s swing music samples are readily available from various online platforms, including Looperman.com, the Internet Archive, and Freesound.org. These samples range from instrumental recordings of period-appropriate instruments like ukelele and guitar to complete jazz tracks. Understanding the licensing terms and copyright status of these samples is crucial for proper usage. By effectively utilizing these resources, musicians and producers can incorporate the distinctive sound of 1920s swing into their modern creations.

Sources

1. Free 1920 Loops & Sounds
2. Freesound Sample Requests
3. Free 20s Jazz Collection
4. Free Loops & Samples
5. Free 1950s Loops & Sounds