Reariffs

Reariffs are a term used in the context of music production and sound engineering to describe a specific type of sonic alteration applied to a recorded sound. Typically, a reariff involves taking a portion of an existing audio track, often a musical phrase or a vocal snippet, and repeating it or manipulating it in a way that creates a new rhythmic or melodic element. This is distinct from a simple loop, as reariffs often involve subtle shifts in timing, pitch, or timbre, or are combined with other effects to create a more complex texture.

The purpose of creating reariffs can vary. They are frequently employed to add interest to a track, build momentum, or provide a distinctive sonic signature. In some genres, particularly electronic music and hip-hop, reariffs are a fundamental building block for rhythmic patterns and melodic hooks. The process can be achieved through various digital audio workstation (DAW) features, such as time-stretching, pitch-shifting, or the use of samplers. Artists and producers might extract a compelling sound from another part of their song or even from a completely different source, then recontextualize it as a reariff to enhance the overall composition. The term itself suggests a re-application or re-imagining of a sound, hence "reariff."