Arcando Breaks It Down: The Sound of Modern DnB

From electrifying DJ sets to meticulously crafted productions, Arcando has carved out a distinct lane in the world of Drum & Bass. Hailing from the Netherlands, Marc—better known as Arcando—brings an emotional, high-impact style to everything he touches. His latest sample pack on Splice is no exception. We caught up with him to talk about his journey into production, the creative vision behind the pack, and what he hopes other producers take away from it.

Our Interview with Arcando

Splice: Tell us about yourself – what led you to production and creating samples?

Arcando: My name is Marc, also known as Arcando, a music DnB producer and DJ from the Netherlands. My journey into music production started when I was a teenager, discovering Garageband & Logic for the first time and getting lost in the world of electronic music. I was inspired by artists who could evoke strong emotion and energy through sound alone. Early on, I realized that creating my own unique sound was key to standing out, which naturally led me into sound design. I became obsessed with crafting my own drums, synth patches, and textures—not only to use in my own tracks, but to develop a signature style. Over time, this passion evolved into creating full sample packs. I wasn’t just thinking about making sounds—I was thinking about how I could give other producers the tools to create something that felt fresh and original. That’s really where the idea of sharing on Splice came in.

Splice: What inspired the sounds included in this sample pack?

Arcando: This pack is a reflection of everything I love about Drum & Bass—its speed, its rawness, and its emotional depth. I wanted to capture the full spectrum of the genre, from gritty neuro basses and aggressive drums to smooth pads, melodic synths, and ambient textures that lean more toward liquid DnB. A big part of the inspiration came from blending traditional DnB elements with more futuristic and melodic influences. I recorded and processed a lot of my own vocal recordings, real-world sounds, and spent time designing presets that could offer both punch and nuance. Some of the melodies were inspired by my own unreleased tracks, while the drums were built from scratch to have a tight, polished feel you can just drag and drop into a project. My goal was to create a toolkit that doesn’t just sound like every other pack—but actually gives producers something to build a sound with.

Splice: What do you hope the Splice community will do with their sounds?

Arcando: I hope this pack becomes a creative jumpstart for a lot of different types of producers—not just traditional DnB artists. Whether you’re working on a club banger, a hybrid pop record, or an experimental track, I want these sounds to be flexible enough to meet you where you’re at, and then push you further. I also hope people dig into the presets to learn how the sounds were structured & built. There’s a lot of intentional layering and movement in there that can teach something if you take the time to break it down. Ultimately, I want these sounds to be used as building blocks—not just loops to throw in a session, but tools to help define your own artistic identity. That’s where the real power of a good sample pack lies.

Splice: Do you have any advice for other musicians who are striving to move into the world of sample creation?

Arcando: Definitely. First, focus on what makes your sound unique. The best sample creators aren’t just copying what’s trendy—they’re offering a perspective. Think about how your sound design, your rhythms, or your melodic choices are different, and double down on that. Second, take time with your sounds. A great one-shot or preset might take longer to make, but it holds way more value than ten rushed loops. Also, listen to your samples in the context of real productions—test how they sit in a mix, how they inspire ideas. Finally, stay curious. Sample creation is a great way to train your ears and improve your overall production skills, but only if you treat it as a craft. If you’re excited about the sounds you're making, chances are someone else will be too.

Whether you're looking to inject your productions with raw energy, lush textures, or genre-bending versatility, Arcando Drum and Bass offers a toolkit built with intention and depth. From handcrafted drums to expressive synths and layered presets, it’s designed to help you not only create, but define your sound. Dive into the pack now on Splice and explore the sound of modern DnB through Arcando’s lens.