DICIO Interview

What inspired you to start creating music and how long have you been creating music?

I started playing the cello when I was two, and then the trombone when I was seven or eight. I grew up playing in orchestras and bands my whole life, and then I went on to study music in Miami. After that, I ended up in LA where I became a session and touring musician. The more time I spent in the studio working on everyone else's projects, I found that strings and horns were always one of the last pieces of the puzzle, like the icing on the cake. I decided I wanted to be part of the process from the beginning. So, I started doing writing sessions and spending as much time as I could in the studios just watching producers work, figuring out what they were doing. I learned so much from just watching. Then I started creating my own music for a long time, and now I'm lucky enough to support myself from it.

Have you had any placements and with whom have you had these placements?

I haven't had any actual placements yet, but I've playlisted a bunch, and I'm sure one of them will hit soon. So, it's just a matter of time.

What samples do you normally like using when creating your own beats?

I created my own little library, so I've really been sampling myself for the last year at least, and that's what inspired this whole sample pack. So, I just kind of dig into my archive.

What was the vibe that you tried to create with your sample pack?

with this particular pack, it's just kind of like an intro into the world of horns, brass, and strings. It's really the basic essentials of those instruments. I'm hoping it can be used as someone's toolkit that they can keep coming back to because most people tend to use horns and strings in the same way. So, I tried to cater to those basic needs, and there are also pads, transitions, and fills. But, I also created some loops and unexpected sounds as well.

How do you see other creators using this pack?

I think that's interesting because there are so many different approaches to how people create beats and tracks. I really try to think about that when I was creating the pack, and I'm hoping that there's something in there for everybody. There are natural sounds like one-shots that you can build from or just use them as texture. But, some loops can be left natural and add energy to a track. You can throw those same loops into sound toys or looperator or chop them up and get super creative with them. There are also long-form compositions, which can be sampled as is. Or, if someone sees a phrase or four bars of the string part they can take the actual stems, chop them up, and start something new from that.

Do you have any tips or tricks for creators using this pack?

I think I'd say don't wait to start implementing these sounds. Usually, people add them later in the track like horns and strings. Like I said, they can be added toward the end of the process. But I think some people might be surprised if they start using them as a main element as opposed to a background texture and just see where that inspiration takes them. It might be cool to really start using them for more of the beginning of the process and see where it takes them. Also, the loops outline different chord progressions, so the chords are built-in.

Who are your top three producers of all time?

My top three producers of all time would be Quincy Jones, Timbaland, and Kanye West.

What is your favorite studio snack?

I'm not a big snacker in the studio, but I'll eat anything if it's in front of me.

What's your dream collaboration?

There are so many, but I think Tyler, the Creator. I would love to see his process, and I think it would just be crazy, whatever would happen there.

Interview by Sean P. Jones

You can check out DICIO's sample pack here.