Trap Reimagined: How Pluto Blends Past and Future
Tell us about yourself, what led you to production and creating samples?
For Pluto, Skimmy took on part of the drum creation alongside Youngfyre, blending our approaches to create drum sounds that feel raw, true to genre, and versatile. The goal was to ensure the drums captured the essence of trap and enough flexibility for producers to push them into new directions. Whether it’s a thumpy 808, tight crispy snare, or lofi 808 hi-hats, every sound was crafted with care, so they hit hard but leave room for producers’ creativity.
Youngfyre is a maniac when it comes to sound creation. His ability to create samples that feel modern but timeless is unmatched, and his attention to detail helped the pack stay glued together. He & Skimmy are the driving force behind the Pluto pack, ensuring it hits the vibe we’re aiming for—spacious, dark, triumphant, hard-hitting, and future forward (no pun intended).
SVGAR, from Ukraine, has a wild understanding of the sonics in trap music. His ability to capture the nuances of melody and texture makes every sample he creates so real and true to the genre. His contribution ensures the pack stays authentic while elevating it at the same time.
Dabow, from Argentina, brings a unique energy to every project. While his background is in EDM, he’s become a go-to collaborator for Audeobox, seamlessly blending genres and injecting his signature style into the Pluto pack. His ability to push the boundaries while staying true to the pack’s theme keeps things exciting.
Zain, from South Africa, is a true chameleon when it comes to production. He has a unique talent for jumping into any genre and completely owning it. For Pluto, Zain took charge of creating the FX and nailed it. His adaptability and skill in delivering FX that perfectly align with the vision of Pluto is a testament to his versatility.
Do you have a preferred digital audio workstation for recording? Why do you prefer it?
Funny enough 90% of the Audeobox team use FL Studio and specifically for this pack too. It’s incredibly versatile, especially for programming drums, creating melodies, and quickly sketching out ideas. The workflow is really intuitive & allows for experimentation on the fly, which was perfect for the creative process behind Pluto.
What inspired the sounds included in this sample pack?
The sounds in the Pluto sample pack were inspired by Future's monumental catalog and the producers who helped define his signature sound. His project, "WE DON’T TRUST YOU," & Mixtape Pluto, was a direct influence, particularly for its seamless blend of dark, emotional undertones with futuristic, commanding energy. This pack captures that same ethereal, almost otherworldly vibe—cinematic in scope yet firmly grounded in the essence of trap.
Who are the key innovators of this style of music? What noteworthy artists are incorporating influences from it today?
The trap genre, and this futuristic offshoot represented in Pluto, owes its evolution to a mix of pioneers and innovators who have pushed its boundaries over the years. The roots of trap go wayyy back to early Atlanta artists like T.I., Young Jeezy, and Gucci Mane, who brought gritty trap beats, and those wicked 808s and patterns into the mainstream.
As trap evolved, producers like Zaytoven, Lex Luger, and later Metro Boomin and Southside redefined its sound, layering melodies that were as cinematic as they were haunting. These innovators moved the genre into the realm of emotional resonance, creating soundscapes that felt expansive and atmospheric. Pluto draws heavily from this lineage, embracing the same fusion of melody and power. (Honorable mentions - Shawty Redd)
On the artist side, Future is definitely the most notable innovator in this space. His ability to meld melancholy lyrics with spaced-out, futuristic production has not only influenced trap but also created a blueprint for blending vulnerability and bravado. His work, particularly on projects like DS2 and Monster, has inspired a generation of artists and producers. Today, artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Don Toliver, and Travis Scott are expanding this sound, incorporating elements of psychedelia, cloud rap, and rage trap. Their work bridges the gap between the traditional trap ethos and more experimental territories, often pushing genre boundaries.
What do you hope the Splice community will do with their sounds?
We hope the Splice community uses the sounds from the Pluto pack to push their creativity and explore new sonic territories. These sounds are designed to be versatile and inspiring, whether someone is creating a crazy trap beat or a moody, melancholic vibe, there’s something in this pack to elevate their production.
More importantly, We want the Pluto pack to be a tool for innovation. We designed it with the intention of helping producers create a “hit”, but also to encourage them to experiment—layering, manipulating, and combining sounds in unexpected ways to craft something uniquely their own.
Lastly, we want this pack to spark confidence in up-and-coming producers. Knowing these sounds come from professionals with years of experience, they can feel secure that their tracks have a polished, professional edge. Whether they’re working on personal projects or pitching to major artists, we hope these sounds help them reach that next level in their production.