Beat Butcha: The Producer Behind 1+ Billion Streams on Spotify
Beat Butcha: The Producer Behind 1+ Billion Streams on Spotify Eliot “Beat Butcha” Dubock is an English hip-hop producer and sound designer whose hard-hitting beats have reverberated from the UK underground to the top of the charts. If you’ve listened to artists like SZA, Jay-Z & Beyoncé (The Carters), Brent Faiyaz, or Tyler, The Creator, you’ve likely heard Beat Butcha’s signature touch on their music. Renowned for blending gritty boom-bap sensibilities with modern polish, Beat Butcha has become a go-to producer for both hardcore rap purists and forward-thinking R&B artists. With over two decades in the game, multiple Grammy-winning projects, and a line of drum sample packs coveted by producers, his influence is felt far and wide in today’s music scene. Early Life and Journey into Music Production Born and raised in London, England, Beat Butcha developed an ear for music early on. As a teenager in Southeast London, he started out as a DJ at just 16 years old. Immersed in the local hip-hop scene, he cut his teeth spinning records and making pause-tape beats before eventually transitioning into production. Influenced by the ‘90s hip-hop he grew up on – legends like DJ Premier, Havoc (of Mobb Deep), Pete Rock and Large Professor were among his early inspirations – Butcha honed a boom-bap style that paid homage to that golden era while adding his own twist. He’s joked that his production palette is like a “gumbo of many different sounds”, blending the raw with the unexpected In his late teens and early 20s, Beat Butcha was already putting in serious work on his craft. He started by producing for UK hometown heroes such as Jehst, Braintax, Terra Firma, and SonnyJim, making a name for himself in the British hip-hop underground. A pivotal early milestone was a 12″ vinyl release with rapper Stig of the Dump that featured U.S. underground legend R.A. The Rugged Man – a sign that Butcha’s talent was crossing borders even before he set foot in America. Breakthrough and Major Milestones Beat Butcha’s break into the American scene came from an organic bit of networking. After a chance meeting with the late Brooklyn MC Pumpkinhead, the young producer sent him a batch of beats. One of those tracks became “Battering Bars,” a song featuring Sean Price – the gravel-voiced underground icon from Boot Camp Clik. Impressed by Butcha’s raw sound, Sean Price personally reached out a week later for more beats, which led to Beat Butcha landing a couple of placements on Price’s acclaimed Mic Tyson album in 2012. This early cosign from an NYC rap veteran cemented Butcha’s reputation as a go-to guy for gritty boom-bap production. From there, Beat Butcha’s resume blossomed. He spent the 2010s stacking an impressive list of collaborations on both sides of the Atlantic. By grinding nonstop and letting the music speak for itself, he caught the ears of notable American artists. Big Boi of OutKast, West Coast stalwart Xzibit, G-Unit’s Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo, D-Block legend Jadakiss, Detroit eccentric Danny Brown, and Miami boss Rick Ross are just a few of the names who tapped Beat Butcha for his production prowess. On the international front, he also contributed to tracks by Australian rap icons like Trem and Brad Strut, showing his versatility across scenes One of Butcha’s proudest achievements came when he got to work with his childhood heroes. In 2014, he produced “Timeless” for The Infamous Mobb Deep album, a project by the legendary duo Mobb Deep. A few years later, he contributed three dark, soulful cuts – “Broken Rappers,” “Snakes,” and “Spiritual War” – to Prodigy’s final solo album Hegelian Dialectic (2017). For a producer who had long idolized Mobb Deep’s ominous soundscapes, crafting music for Havoc and Prodigy was a full-circle moment that “indeed a dream come true” Even as he supplied bangers for street rap veterans, Beat Butcha was branching out. He became heavily involved in Lloyd Banks’ projects in the mid-2010s, contributing extensively to four of the G-Unit rapper’s mixtapes/albums. This run not only solidified Butcha’s name in New York’s mixtape circuit, but also created a buzz around his drum textures – so much so that aspiring producers began seeking out Butcha’s drum samples to recreate that sound. Around this time, he released his first “Steroid Pack” sample kits, which quickly gained popularity among beatmakers for their knocking drums and gritty loops By the late 2010s, Beat Butcha’s hard work was paying major dividends. In 2018, he contributed production to The Carters (Jay-Z and Beyoncé)’s joint album Everything Is Love, which went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album. The project’s genre-blending sound benefited from Butcha’s input, and it marked his first connection to a superstar release. Not long after, his chemistry with rapper Westside Gunn and the Griselda Records crew led to Butcha co-producing a significant portion of WWCD, Griselda’s 2019 group album, as well as tracks on Conway the Machine’s acclaimed From King To A GOD (2020) – all without using any pre-existing samples, a testament to his composing skills. These projects endeared him to Griselda’s cult fanbase and proved that Butcha could deliver the raw East Coast aesthetic on par with the best in the game. Signature Style and Influences Talk to any producer or artist who’s worked with Beat Butcha, and they’ll mention his signature sound. He has a remarkable ability to capture the essence of ’90s hip-hop — dusty drum breaks, eerie melodies, and head-nodding basslines — while making it feel fresh for the 21st century. In his own words, the vibe is “grimy with a little touch of soul”, a modern take on classic boom-bap. This style was heavily shaped by the records Butcha grew up on. As a teen in the UK, he studied American hip-hop’s greats: you can hear the influence of DJ Premier’s chops, Havoc’s dark atmospheres, and Pete Rock’s soulful loops in Butcha’s beats. However, he’s far from a one-trick pony. Over the years, Beat Butcha has proven himself extremely adaptable. He can craft eerie street anthems for the likes of Griselda one day, and smooth R&B grooves for artists like Brent Faiyaz the next. “I feel like I’m a jack of all trades,” Butcha says about his approach, noting that he has a few different styles in his toolkit. For Griselda, he emphasizes dissonant chords and lo-fi textures that mimic old vinyl (often creating sample-free compositions that sound like lost soul loops). On the other hand, when working in the R&B realm or with melodic artists, he isn’t afraid to incorporate lush chords or cleaner drum programming. This range of inspiration results in an eclectic sound palette; he’s described his beat-making process as mixing many unexpected ingredients together until they “make sense” – much like cooking a flavorful stew. One constant in Beat Butcha’s music, regardless of genre, is the drums. His drums hit hard. Whether it’s a crunchy snare that cracks through the mix or a dusty kick that rattles your speakers, producers and listeners alike recognize Butcha’s drums when they hear them. It’s no surprise that he’s widely respected for having “some of the dopest drums & melodies in the industry”. This reputation for top-tier drum sounds is exactly why so many contemporary producers flock to his sample packs (more on those later). Butcha’s meticulous attention to detail – adding subtle touches, layers, and effects to make each beat come alive – sets him apart from more generic “loop makers.” He’s a student of the craft who can chop a sample like a pro (his appearance on Mass Appeal’s Rhythm Roulette series, alongside legends like 9th Wonder and Just Blaze, is proof of his chops). In short, his influences may come from the boom-bap gods of the past, but Beat Butcha has forged a style that’s entirely his own, equal parts old-school grit and modern finesse. Notable Tracks and Collaborations Throughout his career, Beat Butcha has been behind an array of influential tracks spanning hip-hop and R&B. Here are some of his most notable productions that showcase the breadth of his sound: “Far” – SZA (2022): A moody standout from SZA’s chart-topping SOS album, co-produced by Beat Butcha. “Far” layers hazy synths and atmospheric vocals over punchy drums, blending alternative R&B vibes with Butcha’s subtle grit. The track’s introspective mood and knocking low-end show how his style can elevate a soulful song into something uniquely captivating. (Fun fact: “Far” helped SZA’s album go multi-platinum, proving Butcha’s touch works just as well in R&B as in rap.) “Stick” – JID & J. Cole feat. Kenny Mason & Sheck Wes (2022): A high-energy posse cut from Dreamville’s D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape, produced by Beat Butcha and colleagues. “Stick” is pure mayhem on wax – urgent siren-like sounds, an ominous bassline, and thunderous drums drive this track. It became a fan-favorite for its mosh-pit-ready feel. Butcha’s contribution here showcases his ability to craft anthems that get crowds hype, without losing that underground rawness. “10 More Commandments” – Benny the Butcher feat. Diddy (2022): A standout track from Benny’s album Tana Talk 4, this song is a sequel to The Notorious B.I.G.’s classic “Ten Crack Commandments.” Beat Butcha flips the concept with a modern boom-bap beat that updates the original’s gritty formula. The drums hit with head-nodding knock, and eerie piano loops set a sinister tone as Benny recites street rules with Diddy narrating. The track bridges generations, and having Butcha behind the boards gave it that authentic 90s flavor in a 2020s record. “Timeless” – Mobb Deep (2014): This track off The Infamous Mobb Deep album was a landmark for Butcha. Over a haunting beat he crafted, Queensbridge legends Prodigy and Havoc trade verses that truly feel “timeless.” The instrumental carries the spirit of Mobb Deep’s 1995 heyday – ominous, piano-stab heavy, and hard as nails – yet it was composed anew by Butcha. For many boom-bap fans, “Timeless” proved that Beat Butcha could hang with the all-time greats on their turf. “Broken Rappers,” “Snakes,” and “Spiritual War” – Prodigy (2017): A trio of tracks on Prodigy’s final album Hegelian Dialectic that showcase Beat Butcha’s darker side. Each of these songs is built on brooding samples (or sample-like compositions), muffled drums, and somber melodies that matched Prodigy’s reflective, militant lyrics. These cuts solidified Butcha’s status as a torchbearer of the classic New York sound — so much so that listeners could swear they were hearing unreleased Mobb Deep beats from the 90s. “Heal Your Heart (Interlude)” & “Addiction” – Brent Faiyaz (2020/2022): Butcha also made waves in the R&B world through his work with Brent Faiyaz. He produced the lush interlude “Heal Your Heart” and contributed drums to the sultry track “Addiction”, both of which appear on Brent’s projects. These songs carry a polished, atmospheric feel – shimmering keys, deep 808-style kicks – yet still have an undercurrent of grit that’s trademark Butcha. By lending his touch to Faiyaz’s Wasteland album (which hit #1 on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts), Butcha proved his production could dominate not just rap playlists but R&B airwaves too. (Many more tracks could be listed – from Mac Miller and Curren$y cuts in the early 2010s, to UK rap anthems with Klashnekoff or Ghetts – but the above selections paint a clear picture of Beat Butcha’s impact across different eras and styles.) Impact on Modern Hip-Hop and R&B Beat Butcha’s journey from a London kid obsessed with hip-hop to a Grammy-winning producer is a testament to his impact on modern music. In the hip-hop world, he has been instrumental in the resurgence of grimy, sample-driven rap in the mainstream. His work with Griselda Records in particular helped bring the underground boom-bap aesthetic back to the forefront in the late 2010s. Albums like WWCD and tracks like Westside Gunn’s “Lotus” and Conway’s “Spurs 3” (both touched by Butcha’s production) reminded listeners that the raw East Coast sound still hits just as hard today – and inspired a wave of younger rappers and producers to revisit that style. It’s no wonder XXL Magazine highlighted Beat Butcha among the top hip-hop producers of 2022, noting how his beats powered some of the year’s standout rap projects. Beyond hardcore hip-hop circles, Beat Butcha has also left his mark on modern R&B and pop-infused rap. By contributing to SZA’s and Brent Faiyaz’s projects, he’s shown that the textured, immersive quality of his production can shape the sound of contemporary R&B. These songs often become fan favorites (for example, “Far” by SZA quickly racked up streams and praise, partially due to its engrossing production). Meanwhile, his collaboration on Tyler, The Creator’s Call Me If You Get Lost – which won the 2022 Grammy for Best Rap Album – further cemented Butcha’s rep as a producer who can seamlessly blend eras. Tyler’s album is a melting pot of styles, and Butcha’s contribution on the bonus cut “Fish Tail” gave it an extra dose of dusty soul, fitting right in with Tyler’s vision Importantly, Beat Butcha’s impact isn’t just measured by the hits he’s produced, but also by the influence he has on other producers. His sound design work (the drums, loops, and samples he creates) has become part of the toolkit for countless beatmakers worldwide. In interviews, he’s generously shared production tips and philosophies – his “9 Keys to Success as a Producer” piece on DJBooth is a must-readfor up-and-comers – helping to mentor the next generation. When producers talk about making a track “bang” or achieving that “street but polished” vibe, they often reference techniques that Beat Butcha has mastered. In short, he’s seldom seen but often heard in today’s music landscape, quietly shaping the sound of modern hip-hop and R&B from behind the boards. Sample Packs and Legacy In addition to his work with artists, Beat Butcha has built a legacy as a sound provider for other producers. He’s released a series of hugely popular sample and drum kits that encapsulate his trademark sounds. Notably, his “Steroid Pack” kits became hot commodities in the producer community, offering thick drum hits and gritty loops that instantly inject energy into any beat. He later launched the “Filth” drum kit series, whose very name signals the raw attitude of the sounds inside. Described as “full of strictly the grimeyest of sounds for lovers of the nastiest drum breaks & scariest beats”, the Filth series provides everything from hard drum loops to eerie musical chops, all designed by Beat Butcha himself. These sample packs have essentially made Butcha’s sonic DNA available to the world. It’s common to find elements from his kits popping up in songs by other producers – in fact, part of the reason his influence is so widespread is that even if he didn’t directly produce a track, the producer of that song might have used a Beat Butcha snare, hi-hat, or bass tone from one of his packs. For aspiring producers looking to achieve a similar knock and vibe in their beats, these packs are essential tools. Butcha has essentially bottled up his production secret sauce and shared it, allowing newcomers to learn from his textures and potentially come one step closer to that professional, gritty sound. All of this feeds into Beat Butcha’s growing legacy. He’s not only made hit records for others, but also empowered fellow producers to elevate their own art. As a result, his impact will likely continue for years to come, as new producers study his drum programming or experiment with his samples, carrying forward the aesthetic he championed. It’s a legacy of community and craft. Conclusion: A Respected Architect of Sound From his humble beginnings chopping beats in London bedrooms to producing Grammy-winning albums in Los Angeles studios, Beat Butcha’s story is as compelling as his sound. He embodies the spirit of hip-hop’s global journey – a kid outside of New York, inspired by the culture, who worked tirelessly to carve out his place among the greats. Casual fans might know his beats without knowing his face, and serious producers study his techniques to level up their own music. That dual impact is rare. In a music industry often obsessed with fame, Beat Butcha stands as the quiet architect behind the hits – “seldom seen, often heard,” as the saying goes. His signature style of combining raw boom-bap elements with contemporary flavor has influenced the sound of modern hip-hop and R&B in a profound way. And by sharing his drum kits and production knowledge, he’s ensuring that the next generation can carry the torch forward. As fans, when we nod our heads to a Beat Butcha banger or vibe out to a soulful jam he’s crafted, we’re experiencing the result of a lifetime of dedication to music. For producers, having a Beat Butcha drum sample in your arsenal is like having a piece of hip-hop history at your fingertips. In both cases, it’s clear that Beat Butcha has achieved something most can only dream of: he’s made his mark on music without ever compromising his sound. And as he continues to evolve and collaborate with the biggest names in the game, one thing is certain – Beat Butcha’s story is far from finished, and his beats will keep knocking for years to come.
NEW DROPS - FEBRUARY EDITION
I’ve always been a massive fan of every label and producer I work with—and I truly believe The Drum Broker has the best samples in the game. In a market that’s getting more crowded by the day, I step in as your filter between the fluff and your beats. This isn’t a tech start-up—there’s no private equity backing, no gimmick to make a quick buck. I’ve been curating samples since the late ’90s, and I only invite the best into my inner circle. I’ve got some incredible NEW DROPS you won’t want to miss—make sure you grab the exclusives first. There’s serious heat from Beat Butcha, Bizkel, Rucker Collective, Moo Latte, and Oscar Zulu—all of it is next-level. I’ve been extremely stoked on the Samples by Phøn series and, as always, you can’t go wrong with drums by Tane and Tamuz. Trust me, if you only used these new releases, you’d stay inspired for a good minute. Keep cookin, The Drum Broker
Building Better Drums: A Conversation with Producer/Engineer Damon Flores
Building Better Drums: A Conversation with Producer/Engineer Damon Flores “I just want to provide for my family doing what I love.” – Damon Flores For years, Dutch producer and freelance IT specialist Damon Flores has juggled a career in tech while honing his craft in beatmaking and drum programming. He’s partnered with globally recognized sample creators, shared tips with fellow producers from around the world, and steadily built a reputation for lush, hard-hitting drum patterns that make people sit up and take notice. In our wide-ranging chat, Damon broke down his process for creating and mixing drums—both on the MPC and in Ableton Live—while reflecting on how he balances family life, IT work, and a passion for music. The Beats From IT to MPC: A Quick Background Growing up in the Netherlands, Damon bounced in and out of music throughout his life. Despite long spells away from production—prompted by family responsibilities or lack of inspiration—he always found himself gravitating back to beats. In 2019, right before the pandemic, he committed to going “all in,” investing in his setup and dedicating daily time to refine his sound. Four years later, that effort has paid off. Damon’s beat videos have reached an international audience that often mistakes him for a New York-based producer, thanks to the New York-influenced grit of his drums and the high production value of his video content. He’s quick to emphasize that “If you want something to be great, you have to invest in yourself and your gear.” Drums on the MPC: One-Shots and Breaks Damon’s approach on the MPC can be split into two primary methods: using one-shots and chopping drum breaks. Using One-Shots Building the Drum Program Damon starts by loading an empty drum program with carefully selected kicks, snares, hats, and occasional percussion. Sometimes these one-shots come straight from his library; other times, he routes them through the SP-404 first for some character.A dedicated “ghost kick” pad is crucial to Damon’s workflow, sitting at a lower volume and rolled-off high end. “The ghost kick keeps the groove breathing,” he explains. He also sets his main kick as a sidechain input for the Mother Ducker plug-in. Staying in tune is important, and Damon often tunes his Kick drum to the sample or melody as needed Sequencing & Groove He typically finger-drums a 4-bar loop and, on the final bar, either strips out the main drum hits or adds a quick fill for variety. Subtle nudging of the snare and ghost kick helps achieve an off-grid swing. For hi-hats, he’ll use the MPC’s humanize function to randomize velocities and avoid sterile repetition. Color & Cohesion Plug-ins like Air Flavor Pro add warmth or vintage flair. If the drum track needs extra glue, he’ll apply gentle bus compression on the entire drum program. Chopping Drum Breaks Slice and Shuffle Damon chops breaks into quarter-note slices (or smaller) to rearrange them freely. After slicing, he may boost or soften individual hits. Layering & Pitch If a break’s hi-hats feel under powered, he layers them with additional hats or percussive loops. Pitch adjustments (up or down) further personalize the break. Favorite break sources include Bizkel, Beat Butcha, and Skyking—all known for distinctive textures. The Ableton Live Workflow Though the MPC remains a cornerstone of Damon’s style, Ableton Live has carved out a permanent space in his production process. He’s been using it since 2010 and loves Push and the new Ableton Move for hands-on control and faster sample manipulation. Drum Rack Setup In Live, Damon loads one-shots into an empty Drum Rack, keeps velocity fixed for kicks and snares, and allows dynamic variation for hi-hats. He maintains a pad specifically for ghost kicks—“It’s essential,” he says. EQ Eight is used to roll off lows on hats and snares, ensuring clarity in the lower frequency range. Groove Pool Magic Damon often experiments with the Groove Pool, selecting classic MPC 3000 or SP1200 swing presets to add an old-school feel. Colorful Plug-ins Among his favorites are RC-20, Soundtoys Decapitator, KNOCK, and Serato HEX. “HEX feels more modern. You can dial in grit on the fly,” he notes. For cohesive bus processing, he often turns to Ableton’s Glue Compressor, Goodhertz Vulf, or the SSL Bus+ for a final polish. Using Breaks in Live Damon’s process with breaks in Live echoes his MPC routine: slicing into a MIDI track, rearranging hits, and tweaking pitch or layering additional percussion for unique character. He might also push the break through the SP-404 or Analog Heat for extra saturation. “Sometimes if the drums are too clean, you need that analog gear to give it bite,” he explains. External Gear and That “Secret Sauce” While many producers rely purely on software, Damon prefers a hybrid setup. He frequently runs the master output from his MPC or standalone samplers through an Elektron Analog Heat and SSL Fusion, adding harmonic saturation and analog warmth before finalizing tracks in Ableton. The SP-404 also comes into play for vinyl simulation, compression, and that distinctive lo-fi texture. “I like it when the sample pack maker leaves a bit of headroom—if it’s too loud from the start, I can’t add my own sauce.” Less Is More In a world over-saturated with plug-ins, sample libraries, and social media “hustle culture,” Damon takes a more restrained approach. “If it sounds good, it’s good. Don’t overthink it,” he says. He admits to owning a stack of unused plug-ins but notes that he returns to the same few tried-and-true tools over and over again. He also stresses consistency over constant pressure: “I used to post two beat videos a day, every day, even while moving into a new house. Now I’ve got a more balanced system—work smarter, not harder.” Final Thoughts For Damon, the goal is simple: make great-sounding drums that knock, while keeping the creative spark alive. Whether he’s finger-drumming on the MPC, layering a break in Live, or running everything through outboard gear for extra grit, the key ingredient is always his ears—and a willingness to experiment. “One day I might focus on a single break; the next, I’m layering 32 sample chops. If it fits the track and makes my head nod, I roll with it.” To keep up with Damon’s drum experiments, follow him on Instagram or Spotify—and be on the lookout for more behind-the-scenes posts on drum production, gear talk, and everything in between. Follow Damon Flores on Instagram Follow Damon Flores on Spotify Disclaimer: All brand and product names (MPC, SP-404, Ableton Live, etc.) are the property of their respective owners. No official affiliation or endorsement is implied.
Conductor Williams Discusses the Art of Sampling
Griselda Records Producer Discusses the Art of Sampling Introduction “Peace man, peace man, peace—back at it. The Conductor chops…” That’s how Conductor Williams kicks off his laid-back yet deeply insightful discussion on the art of sampling. If you’ve followed his rise—especially through his work with Griselda—you know that his unorthodox methods and unbridled enthusiasm give him a one-of-a-kind style. In this post, we’ll dive into Conductor Williams’ journey: discovering sampling, working with Westside Gunn, and chasing the “feeling” in every record he flips. A Chance Encounter With the MPC Conductor recounts the day his friend Cali Nate brought an MPC 2000 into his house: “He just sat it down in front of me…I had no idea what he just put in front of me. It was like some alien contraption.” At that time, Conductor was already making music with a Korg Triton LE, but the MPC opened the door to an entirely new way of producing. This wasn’t simply about pressing keys—it was about grabbing sound from any source imaginable and molding it into something fresh. Learning by Experimentation After figuring out how to capture sound through the MPC’s inputs, Conductor took a childlike, experimental approach. He explains: “I knew how to get sound in it, so let’s see what happens if I hook a VCR up…or a CD player.” Plugging in random devices taught him that the possibilities in sampling were limitless. He emphasizes that, in the beginning, he was clueless yet open—he didn’t have years of YouTube tutorials or producer forums. Instead, he tapped into raw curiosity and allowed mistakes to guide him to new textures and ideas. Finding a Sample: It’s About Feel A critical piece of advice Conductor gives is that it’s not about chasing a specific sample style, but rather trusting your intuition: “I don’t look with my eyes or my ears. I look for something that feels like how I’m feeling in that time.” He describes days where he’s just not in the mood for a classic soul record—so he shelves it and moves on to something that resonates more deeply with his current vibe. In his view, forcing yourself to work with a sample or a genre you’re not feeling leads to writer’s block and frustration. Instead, pivot to where your energy naturally flows. How He Linked With Griselda Surprisingly, Conductor’s connection to Griselda came about organically. Westside Gunn discovered him through Instagram: “Westside Gunn found me on Instagram—don’t know how he did it to this day—and I was ready. That’s basically it.” The moral of the story? Always be prepared. Conductor mentions he already had a Dropbox full of beats ready to go, allowing him to strike while the iron was hot. Developing a Signature Style While Conductor humbly credits “dumb luck” and experimentation, his true secret sauce is consistency and authenticity. He follows his muse day-to-day, letting that flow dictate his sampling decisions. Whether he’s chopping up a thrift-store vinyl find, hooking up a vintage keyboard, or sampling from a film on VHS, he’s driven by feel rather than trends: “The innocence of not knowing but being willing to experiment is how you get magic.” It’s a refreshing reminder that having fun is at the core of true creativity. Applying Conductor’s Approach Although Conductor Williams first honed his craft on the MPC, his free-spirited, feel-driven approach translates seamlessly to Ableton Live, FL Studio—or any modern DAW. It begins with capturing any and all sounds that spark inspiration. Maybe it’s vinyl, an old VHS player, your phone, or an obscure YouTube video—whatever triggers that creative spark. Once recorded, focus on finding the right texture by dropping your audio into Simpler or Sampler, then playing around with filters, envelopes, and LFOs. Don’t be afraid to embrace serendipity; set aside dedicated sessions to experiment, toss on unexpected effects, reverse clips, and let yourself fail before judging the results. If a particular sample isn’t aligning with your mood, move on—try something else that resonates emotionally. Finally, always keep a stash of loops, skeleton beats, or halfway-finished projects so you’re never caught off guard when opportunity strikes. When it comes to sampling, Conductor’s secret sauce is simple yet powerful: capture everything, trust your feelings, and stay ready.