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Since 2019 Blind Audio has been creating sample packs that stand out from the crowd through their unique method for building samples. Rather than recreating genres based on a reference or inspiration, their packs are built around exploration; self imposed constraints, unusual sound sources and a playful attitude that promotes happy accidents. The result is a catalogue that gives a fresh twist on the usual styles and gives your projects something a little different to work with than your run of the mill loops and one shots.

Blind Audio's Techno Duo Bundle is on sale now, featuring the creator's Void Walker and Techno Sapiens packs for just £20 for a limited time.

In this article we catch up with the producer behind the label to talk thrift shop gear, creative principles and constraints and why you probably already own everything you need to make top quality samples.

How did you first get into music production?

Back in school, I saved up and bought a little Zoom MRS-4B digital 4-track recorder to record demos for our band. The demos were super rough, but they got me obsessed with recording. From there I'd check the thrift shops every weekend for bits of cheap music gear. I eventually ended up with an odd little hardware setup: an MC-303, TX81Z, a MAM Systems 303 clone and a handful of guitar pedals, which I used to create some pretty awful acid jams.

Was there a defining moment that made you realise you wanted to pursue music professionally?

I’ve always wanted a job in music. When I left uni, I had a run of few terrible jobs, including supermarkets, a local pub and working the bar at a theme park hotel. I took a chance, started freelancing and got lucky…

What’s your creative process when you start a new sample pack? Is it similar to writing a track or project?

Honestly it can start anywhere: weird software, interesting ‘found sound’ recordings, a modular jam, or just trying to justify buying new gear for the studio. When it comes to making packs though, I usually set myself some rules before I start. I limit myself to just a couple of synths or sound sources, set up a processing or resampling chain and I stay in a certain scale or mode. From there I start building out an Ableton project with a bunch of clips, making sure they work together as I go.

What separates Blind Audio from the others? What's different, unique or special about your packs or your methods?

There are plenty of great options out there if you're looking for super authentic, genre based packs, made by talented producers who know their stuff. But that's not really what Blind Audio is about, for me it's about exploration and experimentation, putting a new twist on a genre or finding inspiration in the recording process itself.

Which DAW, plugins or hardware are essential in your workflow, and why?

There's nothing truly essential, but there are a few favourites. The Moog Minitaur works its way into a lot of packs. It's a pretty simple two-oscillator monosynth but it has a lot of vibe about it. Everything usually runs through the Focusrite OctoPre compressors at some point too. They’re pretty basic one knob compressors but they get the job done most of the time. Oh and the modular's a great way to waste an afternoon making a single loop.

What’s one piece of industry advice you’d give up-and-coming artists?

Stop worrying about pursuing gear or software, and work with what you currently have. Embrace your limitations. Great music will come when you stop chasing the new thing and start focusing on your own creativity.