Kaelin Ellis is a multi-platinum music producer who’s known for being top-of-the-class in the modern jazz / hip hop scene.
Formerly known as Mr. Mockwell, Kaelin Ellis was originally part of an online crew dubbed LOAFLAB, where he came in contact with fellow musicians and later collaborative partners Lupe Fiasco, KAYTRANADA, Sango, and many others. Aside from his discography as a standalone artist, his production credits also include the likes of Waldo, Sango, Deffie, and K-pop supergroup EXO.
In the video above, Kaelin sat down with us to explore the infinite possibilities of sampling by creating a track built around recordings he captured with nothing but a water bottle. Along the way, he discusses an array of other topics that are key to his sound, including texture, arrangement, and pocket.
“Personally, I don’t even like to mix and create drums off of what I’m seeing when it comes to grids and spectrums,” Kaelin tells us. “It’s cool to think about the numbers and calculations—[but] music is a feeling, buddy.”
What was your favorite topic that Kaelin Ellis covered in the video? What other topics in music production would you like to see us explore on the Splice YouTube channel next? Let us know in the comments section of the video, and subscribe for more tips and tutorials.
Incorporate Kaelin Ellis’ groovy sounds into your own productions:
December 5, 2022