{"id":40649,"date":"2026-05-21T11:11:14","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T15:11:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/?p=40649"},"modified":"2026-05-21T11:11:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T15:11:16","slug":"kshmr-creative-process-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/kshmr-creative-process-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"9 creative process insights from KSHMR’s Berklee College of Music masterclass"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What does it really take to turn an idea into a finished track, and then into a live performance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At Berklee College of Music, students got a firsthand look at that journey during a special Splice session with KSHMR. In this masterclass, he broke down his full creative process, from early experimentation to production workflows, sound design, and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of the biggest takeaways from the session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Start simple and move fast<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most surprising insights was that some of KSHMR\u2019s biggest records started with just a small handful of elements. He showed the students his early project files, where tracks were built from as few as four core sounds\u2014kick, bass, melody, and a key texture\u2014emphasizing that simplicity can be a strength, not a limitation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of overbuilding from the start, KSHMR focuses on getting the core idea down quickly, capturing energy in the moment, and expanding later only if needed. His speed often comes from real-world pressure, like collaborating in a room with other artists, which forces decisions and prevents overthinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Too many options can hurt creativity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Modern production tools offer endless possibilities\u2014but this can also slow you down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

KSHMR talked about intentionally limiting complexity by printing ideas to audio stems, reducing track counts, and simplifying sessions to focus on big-picture decisions. Working with fewer elements makes it easier for him to experiment with structure and arrangement without getting lost in the details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. Build a world for every track<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rather than starting with sounds, KSHMR often starts with a feeling or a visual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, one track might be inspired by cinematic storytelling, while another might be inspired by a specific cultural or emotional palette. Once that \u201cworld\u201d is defined, every creative decision supports it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As he described it, the goal is to stay faithful to that initial vision, using it as a filter for what belongs and what doesn\u2019t. This approach strengthens cohesion and makes tracks feel more intentional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Layer for emotion, not complexity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Another key production principle KSHMR shared was that contrast creates emotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of stacking similar sounds, he focuses on combining fast vs. slow elements, rhythmic vs. sustained layers, mono vs. wide textures, etc. For example, pairing a rhythmic pattern with a sustained countermelody can dramatically increase emotional impact without adding clutter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Use organic sounds as a shortcut to feeling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While synths are powerful, KSHMR emphasized the unique emotional quality of organic instruments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elements like flutes,<\/a> vocals,<\/a> and other live recordings naturally contain subtle variations, dynamic expression, and human imperfection. These details make it easier to create depth and emotion compared to purely synthetic sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6. Treat your workflow like a product<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most forward-looking parts of the session was KSHMR’s approach to workflow. He shared how he builds custom tools to automate repetitive tasks and design systems that remove friction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He emphasized that your creative environment matters. Small improvements in workflow can unlock major gains in output and consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7. Make samples that actually work in context<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to creating sounds (including sample packs), KSHMR’s advice was simple: don\u2019t just make sounds\u2014test them inside real tracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of designing sounds in isolation, he recommends building full songs with them yourself, extracting usable elements, and ensuring every sound works musically. This ensures samples are practical, not just interesting on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore KSHMR\u2019s latest expansive collection of versatile drums, effects, and more.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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8. Focus beats trends<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When students asked about navigating today\u2019s music industry, KSHMR’s perspective was clear:<\/p>\n\n\n\n