Getting Started with a New Track: The Journey from Sampling to Sound Design

Sitting down and starting a new production can sometimes feel like the hardest part of the process. Over the years, I’ve found several ways to get the creative juices flowing, but the easiest and most effective approach for me is simply playing with a new plugin or piece of hardware. It’s not that every time I open a new plugin, I’m intentionally setting out to write a track. Instead, I approach it with curiosity-What does this plugin do? Before I know it, I’ve stumbled upon something inspiring, and a track starts to take shape organically.

That being said, I do have a structured process when it comes to actually finishing a track. Once I stumble upon an idea or something that excites me, I know exactly how to capture it and develop it into a full piece of music.

My Evolution: From Sampling to Sound Design

When I first started producing, my workflow was heavily centred around sampling records-both classic house records and old disco records. I’d chop up drum breaks, lift individual hits, or sample full sections of music to create something new. Over time, I transitioned from this method to building everything from scratch. This evolution has been quite a journey, and it’s one that I’m happy to share with you throughout this blog.

The truth is, whether you’re working with samples, designing sounds from the ground up, or blending both approaches, it’s entirely possible to create finished, professional tracks. These days, platforms like Splice offer an overwhelming amount of high-quality material to kickstart a project, making it easier than ever to get ideas down quickly.

The Power of Great Samples

Some producers may feel like using pre-made samples is a shortcut, but I’d argue the opposite. High-quality samples can save time and provide an immediate foundation to build upon. For example, Drums That Knock are some of the best-sounding drum samples out there. Similarly, Goldbaby and Samples From Mars offer sounds that have been meticulously processed through thousands of pounds worth of analog gear, making them ready to drop into a mix without much additional treatment. This is a huge advantage, especially when inspiration strikes and you want to keep the momentum going.

Back in the day, when we sampled kicks, snares, and synth stabs from records, they were already fully processed and sat well in a mix straight away-that’s why they sounded so good! Modern plugins also come with built-in processing, but the question is: Is that processing right for the sound you want? When I receive tracks for mixing, one of the first things I do is strip away any unnecessary processing applied within VSTs before I even begin working on the mix

Using Samples to Enhance Creativity

At the end of the day, understanding what goes into a production gives you more creative freedom. If you’re struggling to get the sound you want, use elements from the genres you love. Sample kicks, take synth stabs, and incorporate them into your productions. It’s a proven method that has worked for countless producers.

For example, Kick 3 is fantastic for recreating sampled kicks. If you love a specific synth stab from a classic house or techno track, sample it, tweak it, and make it your own. Put it into Synplant 2 or Zyklops and take it further. This approach isn’t about cutting corners-it’s about working smarter and focusing on creativity rather than getting bogged down in technical limitations.

If you’re really struggling to get started, AI-powered GPT tools like Songmaker and MelodyMuse can generate fresh ideas. These models provide melodic and harmonic inspiration, helping you break through creative blocks and quickly establish a starting point for your track. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple idea to spark a full production.

Conclusion

Starting a new track doesn’t have to be intimidating. Whether you’re inspired by a new plugin, experimenting with chord progressions in Cthulhu, or digging into a fresh batch of high-quality samples, the key is to get something down quickly. Once you have an idea, the process of refining and structuring the track becomes much easier.

There’s no right or wrong way to make music. Sampling, sound design, and hybrid approaches all have their place. The important thing is to find what works for you and enjoy the process. After all, the best tracks often come together when you’re simply having fun exploring new sounds.