Spotlight: Swede Producer H3XALOOF Crushes Branché Sample Pack Challenge

Every two weeks, Soundtrap hosts a Sample Pack Challenge on the Soundtrap Discord server. Users get a chance to flip the latest samples from the latest release in the Soundtrap audio library. This week, it was the Branché Pack—a Jersey Drill sound pack that’s been turning heads.

The challenge brought out some incredible talent, but one track in particular stood out. Meet H3XALOOF, the winner of the challenge, whose unique approach to music production impressed the entire community. We caught up with H3XALOOF to learn more about his journey, his creative process, and what this win means to him.

Listen to his submission below:

Where are you from and how old are you? H3xaloof: "I'm from Hofors, Sweden, born in 2006."

How long have you been making music and what got you started? H3xaloof: "I've been making music for as long as I can remember, starting with silly 'songs' on GarageBand on my old school iPad. Music has always been in my family—three of my uncles are still active producers, and they've been a HUGE inspiration behind my production."

What was your initial reaction when you heard the sample pack? Did any particular loop or sound jump out at you? H3xaloof: "I loved the entire vibe of the sample pack. The dark melodic, almost trappy sound really stood out to me. I really enjoy the overall quality and vibe of the newer sample packs."

Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you approach working with the samples? H3xaloof: "I start by scrolling through the samples, listening for anything that stands out as a 'main melody' or 'base' for the song—something I can build off of. Next, I lay out a bassline, nothing too advanced or overcomplicated, just something to get that vibe I'm looking for. Then, I figure out a pattern for the drums so I can work out what I want for the drop... and the rest is a secret >:]"

Did you have a specific vibe or theme in mind for your track, or did it evolve naturally? H3xaloof: "To be honest, I just went with the flow. It wasn’t even supposed to be EDM at the start, but I had to put my own twist on it, right? My first idea was a Drill vibe, but I didn’t really like how it turned out, so I went back and created something closer to EDM/dubstep."

How would you describe your unique sound as an artist? Did this challenge push you to explore new styles? H3xaloof: "I have no idea how to describe 'my unique sound'; I just do what feels right. But yeah, the challenge definitely pushed me to try something new. (I'm still waiting for the dubstep pack, by the way... PLEASE, I’M BEGGING YOU!)"

What tools or effects within Soundtrap did you use to transform the samples into something uniquely yours? H3xaloof: "Chorus has to be one of my favorite effects. I have no idea why I use it so much, but there's just something about that slight detune that just scratches my brain."

What's your go-to snack or drink while you're in the middle of a creative session? H3xaloof: "I'm a fiend for energy drinks—I'm not even gonna lie. I usually just have a can of Monster by my side when I work (sponsor me, plz <3)."

Who or what inspires you musically? Did any of that inspiration make its way into your submission? H3xaloof: "My family, for the most part. And then, of course, there are other producers out there that I take a lot of inspiration from."

If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why? H3xaloof: "There's this artist I've been listening to for like three years now called 'Gao, the Arsonist.'"

What do you think makes a track stand out in a challenge like this? What advice would you give future participants? H3xaloof: "Don’t be afraid to try something new."

Now that you’ve won the challenge, what’s next? Are there any projects you're excited about? H3xaloof: "I've been working on an album for a while, and I hope to release it this year."

What does this win mean to you, and how has it impacted your confidence as a producer? H3xaloof: "I'm still shell-shocked from the first challenge, to be honest. I'm so grateful to be a part of this community and to see all this talent and potential in so many artists."

Where can people listen to your music and find you online? H3xaloof: "Feel free to scroll through my stuff: SoundCloud - 333finn333 SoundCloud - H3xaloof Official Instagram - Feel free to DM or whatever; I don't really post much on Insta, but my contacts are open."

Wrapping It Up We’re thrilled to see artists like H3xaloof push boundaries and explore new styles using the tools and sounds we provide. His winning track is a testament to his creativity and the power of taking risks in music production. Be sure to check out his work and stay tuned for more exciting challenges and releases from Soundtrap!

Wanna see what you can do with the Branché Sample Pack? Check it out below!