So what really sets Black Octopus Sound apart as a trusted name in professional music production tools and samples? The answer is simple: the people behind it. Behind the Octopus is our interview series dedicated to shining a light on the team that brings Black Octopus Sound to life. From the producers and sound designers crafting every sample, to the marketing, support, and tech teams making sure everything runs smoothly, there’s a passionate group of creatives working together behind the scenes. The sounds may feel effortless when they land in your DAW, but they’re the result of collaboration, care, and a shared love of music.
This series gives you a chance to step behind the scenes, meet the faces behind the workflow, and learn the stories that shape Black Octopus Sound. Today we’re sitting down with Steve, our CBO! A core member of the Black Octopus Sound team, Steve brings creativity, care, and technical know-how to everything he touches. With a strong passion for building tools and systems that help people express themselves, Steve plays an important role behind the scenes in shaping the Black Octopus Sound experience for both artists and customers. Outside of Black Octopus Sound, Steve is also the founder of Relationflix and a core educator at Love Coach Academy, two platforms focused on personal growth, communication, and healthy relationships.
Behind The Octopus Interview Series – Steve
Q – How did you start working in the sample pack industry and with Black Octopus Sound? What led you to starting Black Octopus Sound?
I met Toby in 2011 when he had recently started Black Octopus Sound. He approached me in the local community and had let me know he was a big fan of music project and invited me to make a sample pack for the new company. I was fervently attempting to create self employment with my music project at the time soI was THRILLED at the opportunity. I completed my first sample pack and upon receiving my first royalty check I was awestruck. A couple years later when Toby and I were working on the first Leviathan together I had an inkling to start my own sample pack company. A close friend of Toby and I suggested rather than opening a competing business, that I team up with Toby and invest in the company to become part owner. I pitched the idea to Toby and the rest is history!
Q – What is your favorite artist and favorite genre as a listener?
Globular – Such rich soundscapes and grooves of world beat, psy, hip hop, chillstep goodness. Stunning artist!
Q – What do you love most about working in the Sample Pack industry?
The people, hands down. The team at BlackOctopus Sound is a privilege of a lifetime to work with. Having opportunities to meet and/or work with people like the founder of Splice, Thijs from Noisia, Ill.Gatez to name a few. The people in this industry are a beautiful mix of being creatively minded while also being entrepreneurial minded. The Nexus of these two angles creates incredible conversations and learning opportunities
Q – What is your favorite sample pack release from Black Octopus Sound?
I may be a bit biased because of working on it for 1.5 years, but Leviathan 1, the OG. So many of those sounds still hold up to this day despite being an 11 year old sample pack. Glitches, risers, fallers, drums, basses all hold up to this day
Q – What about your favorite production tool or technique, any secret weapons?
When using sample based instruments like East West, I LOVE layering instruments from different regions with the exact same MIDI pattern to really make them pop through the mix.For example, I LOVE layering the Sarod (Indian instrument), Qanun (Persia), and Shamisen (Chinese) together. The pluck, attack and atmosphere for the Shamisen really fills out the Sarod. The three sound absolutely brilliant together.
Q – How do you see the future of music and sample pack creation? What about producers; whats the future of helping them stay inspired?
For better or for worse, producers who want to make it as an artist need to do more than just be an artist. If you look at the career path trajectory of electronic music over the decades you’ll see that artists have had to do and be more to be noticeable. 20 years ago, you could be a DJ and make it big. Then a few years later you were required to be a producer as well as a DJ to be more noticeable. Nowadays, being a producer, DJ, sound designer, social media expert, and content creator is what’s needed to standout. The workload keeps growing. The moral of the story? Stay humble and be a forever student on how to execute your craft better.
Q – If you could be any animal what would it be and why?
The kind of male spider where the female kills you right after you make babies, so I can die happy
Packs by Steve
So who is Black Octopus Sound?
Black Octopus Sound has earned its reputation as the best sample pack label through consistent quality, artist-driven releases, and cutting-edge sound design. Whether you produce EDM, cinematic scores, chillout, or experimental music, the label offers a wide range of royalty-free sounds to level up your productions. With carefully curated libraries and collaborations with world-class producers, Black Octopus Sound sets the benchmark for every sample pack label in the industry and is the best sample pack label for 2026
A Label That Supports Creators
What truly sets Black Octopus apart is its deep connection with the producer community. From artist features and sound design tutorials to engaging blog content, the label is committed to helping musicians grow and evolve.
Trusted Quality, Global Reach
Known globally as the best sample pack label, Black Octopus Sound delivers excellence not only in sonic quality but also in user experience. Transparent licensing, easy downloads, and instant inspiration make it a go-to resource for producers everywhere.
Conclusion: Why Black Octopus Sound Is the Best Sample Pack Label
From unmatched quality and artist collaborations to free packs and expert tutorials, Black Octopus Sound proves time and again why it stands out as the best sample pack label. Dive into the catalog and hear the difference for yourself.
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Free Sample Packs by Black Octopus Sound