In this interview we talk with Tom Smith of Soundsmiths to explore his journey into sample creation. Inspired by the soulful grit of Slum Village’s Fan-Tas-Tic Vol. 1, Tom channels deep emotion and experimental textures into his sounds and shares with us how music became his creative escape, his approach to crafting timeless samples, and his advice for producers looking to push boundaries.
Splice: Tell us a little about yourself and what led you to music production and sample creation?
Tom Smith: Music has always been my escape. It’s been a constant in my life, especially during times when I’ve faced mental struggles or felt overwhelmed by the world around me. The process of creating music allows me to channel those emotions and transport myself to a completely different space—a space where creativity and expression reign. Over time, I realized that the samples I created during these moments of escape weren’t just therapeutic for me; they also had the potential to inspire others. That’s what ultimately led me to sample creation. It’s a way for me to share that same feeling of refuge and inspiration with other artists, giving them tools to craft their own unique sonic worlds.
Splice: What inspired the sounds included in this sample pack?
Tom Smith: One of the most pivotal moments for me as a music producer was the first time I heard Slum Village’s Fan-tas-tic Vol. 1. The = album was unlike anything I had encountered befor —it struck a perfect balance between soulful, melodic sampling and gritty, off- kilter drum patterns. That push and pull between harmony and unpredictability left a lasting impression on me. It inspired me to explore similar textures and moods in my own work, but with my own spin. For this sample pack, I wanted to bring some of that same energy the rawness, the emotion, and the experimental spirit. I drew on that inspiration while layering in my own influences, aiming to create something fresh yet timeless.
Splice: What do you hope the Splice community will do with their sounds?
Tom Smith: My goal with this pack is to spark creativity and encourage producers to push boundaries. I designed these sounds to inspire a more avant-garde approach to production — one that’s rooted in experimentation and self-expression. I hope producers in the Splice community will take these samples and make them their own, reshaping them into something completely unexpected. Whether they’re flipping a melody into a genre-bending track or using subtle elements to create atmospheric soundscapes, I want these sounds to act as a starting point for artistic exploration. It’s exciting to imagine how each artist will interpret them in their unique way.
Splice: Do you have any advice for other musicians who are striving to move into the world of sample creation?
Tom Smith: My biggest piece of advice for anyone looking to get into sample creation is simple: take the leap and trust your instincts. It’s easy to second-guess yourself or feel like you don’t have enough experience, but the truth is, there’s no one “right” way to do this. Start with what you know and build from there. Experiment, make mistakes, and learn as you go. Also, don’t be afraid to draw from your personal experiences and influences—those are what make your work stand out. Creating samples is as much about storytelling as it is about sound design, so let your personality and creativity shine through. The more authentic you are, the more your sounds will resonate with others
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