Liston Gregory Interview

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

I've been creating music for over 15 years. I started when I was 12 years old playing keys and got into producing when I was 15. My first DAW was FL Studio, and when I realized I could combine drums and keyboards, I became hooked. I've been producing ever since. I started early, learning keys and production simultaneously. That's how I got into music. I've been playing in church all my life. I was born and raised in Florida, and my parents met in the military. I've had the opportunity to travel all over the world, playing keys for various artists. I'm currently 27 years old and still traveling.

Do you have any placements? If you have had any placements, who have you had them with?

Recently, I had a placement with Black Violin. They were Grammy-nominated in the Americana category for "The Message" featuring Sorry and the Blind Boys of Alabama. I've also had placements in the trap genre, events, and the gospel industry. I have several placements with an EJ reporter from Outer Sarasota, Florida, who is an amazing producer. I have my own jazz records and I'm also involved in developing many local artists. Some notable people I've worked with include I Love Today and The John. I'm building my career in various areas and genres, from jazz to gospel to classical to hybrid fusion.

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

It depends on where I am. Sometimes I'm touring, and sometimes at home in my studio with all my keyboards. Most of the time, I try to stack up melodies and samples, creating a library to choose from later on. Additionally, I added drums to this sample pack because I'm always searching for real drum sounds. I look for authentic drum fills, expressive high hat grooves, real snares, and the right attack to make the drums feel and move with the music. That's my approach. I usually build my beats, but I do search for acoustic drums. Ultimately, once I have an idea, I can envision where the rest of the music will go.

What vibe were you trying to achieve with the sound pack?

I wanted to create a versatile vibe that could go in any direction. Whether a sample maker wants to flip and chop it or use it as it is, they can make a whole song out of the progressions and patterns. I aimed to bring back the percussiveness and groove of real drums and bass. There's something about the combination of drums and bass that's funky and groovy. I want to give a shout-out to Will and Jose for their contribution to this. When you're locked in, the group becomes infectious, allowing for a wide range of possibilities. For example, you can turn a jazzy progression into an EDM break. It's incredible how many possibilities there are. That's why I stripped it down to its essence. I wanted to inspire people with the drum group and give them the freedom to use it in their way. That's why I made it this way.

How do you see other creators and producers using a sample pack?

Honestly, when it comes to this pack, the possibilities are endless. You can do so much with just the chord progression itself. You can reverse it, manipulate it, transpose it, or add effects to it. I wanted to provide some good old piano playing for you to vibe out to. There are numerous ways to use it. You can genuinely manipulate it however you want. That's the beautiful part of this pack—having the freedom to manipulate it to your liking.

Do you have any specific tips that you would recommend for creators when using this pack?

Honestly, the best tip I can give is that it's easy to use because we made it drag and drop. If you're using Ableton, you'll probably get a ton of use out of it. As for tips, I would suggest diving into the different feels we named the loops after. So, based on your emotional state, you can choose a loop that resonates with you. You can search through them and pick the one that matches your vibe, then simply drag it in. Personally, I often end up chopping and rearranging the chord progression itself because it allows for that level of creativity. You can get around 40 to 50 songs out of a single loop due to the wealth of information present in the bassline, keys, and drum line. There are countless ways to take one sample or loop and make it your own. That's my main tip—work that one loop.

What advice would you have for upcoming creators?

First and foremost, keep going and stay consistent. The reason I was able to deliver a sample pack of this quality is that I not only dedicated time to honing my production skills, but I also took the time to appreciate and develop a love for the music itself. You can hear that passion in these samples. Consistency is key—stay humble, stay hungry, and always be eager to learn. Even when I'm eating, I sometimes watch tutorials on YouTube or learn about the latest keyboards and software to stay up-to-date in my craft. I strive to become a master of my craft, not just for the potential success or platform it can provide, but for the overall mastery of it. Music is parallel to life for me, and I navigate through music the same way I navigate through life. So, my advice is to love it, truly love it.

What are the top three producers of all time?

Drake, Quincy Jones, Lucky Daye.

What is your favorite studio snack?

I think it's gonna be a banana. I eat so many bananas, man. It's crazy. I have banana almond milk that I put in my smoothies and still have a banana with that banana.

What's your dream collaboration?

Quincy jones.

Interview by Sean P. Jones.

You can check out Liston's sample pack here.