We were lucky to catch up with Kristofer Sampson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kristofer, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

In the realm of record production and engineering, there’s often a tendency to amass an array of expensive equipment and steer artists toward what is perceived as the “correct” way to record. I admit I’ve fallen into these patterns myself. However, a pivotal moment in my perspective came when a respected producer told me, “No one walks down the street whistling U87; they whistle melodies.” This compelled me to reevaluate my mission and approach.

At the core, the question driving the pursuit of expensive gear is, “What defines a recording as good, better, or the best?” In my view, the paramount factor influencing the outcome is the artist’s emotional experience during recording—how they felt and performed their art. Did they navigate nervously in isolation with only an expensive microphone for company, or did they unleash their passion in the midst of the control room, capturing the energy and connection with fellow musicians?

While the latter scenario might introduce some noise “bleed” and a microphone that doesn’t boast top-tier specifications, what about the performance, comfort, energy, and joy the artist infused into the recording? Can these elements compensate for what might be considered a technically “incorrect” recording procedure? I firmly believe that the best performance on a subpar microphone will always sound superior to the worst performance on the finest microphone. Always. My approach revolves around understanding each artist’s unique needs and determining what works best for them, acknowledging that perfection isn’t universally applicable.

I identify as a person, an artist, and a song-driven creator—an idea person devoid of ego. At the outset of every session, I remind myself that my livelihood is contingent on the creativity of others, those individuals crafting songs and engaging in collaborative creation with me. My primary skill lies in listening, and my most valuable assets are my ears and my heart. I make substantial investments in both, recognizing that while others may focus on acquiring gear, my emphasis is on songwriting classes and cultivating thoughtfulness.

I firmly believe that you can rent a microphone, but passion cannot be rented. I choose to invest in the intangibles that truly define the essence of music and bring out the best in artists.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

About me and my start

My journey in the recording arts began while pursuing a BA at school. Serendipitously, Made in the Shade recording studio opened in my hometown, Jacksonville Beach, FL, owned by Judy Van Zant, the wife of the late Lynyrd Skynyrd legend Ronnie Van Zant. While I was away at school, my father attended the studio’s opening, grabbed a flier, and mailed it to me. That flier sparked a year-long excitement, envisioning a potential internship upon graduation.

When the moment finally arrived, armed with my freshly minted diploma and youthful hope, I called the studio for an interview. The next day, I found myself donning slacks and a collared shirt, ready to impress. However, my reception by Pete Thornton, in cargo shorts, flip flops, t-shirt, and sunglasses, was a humorous reality check. “Did you just graduate yesterday?” he quipped. “Yes, sir, I did!”

Pete Thornton became my first mentor, initiating my genuine studio education—something no school or book could provide. Before earning my internship, I had to tackle the daunting task of cleaning all the brass TT patch cables for their API console. Each day, I stood next to the console, silently absorbing lessons while diligently cleaning cables. The experience left an indelible mark, setting the stage for my journey.

One day, Pete mentioned mixing at a fantastic studio in Atlanta, Nickel and Dime, and asked if i would like to tag along, heck yes i would. But when we got there I found it was in much need of a good cleaning and organization. Eager for the opportunity, I found myself cleaning and mopping daily, instilled with Pete’s belief that a studio should be spotless. One unforgettable incident involved discovering a hazardous setup—a giant bottle of highly flammable tape machine cleaner, open with q-tips soaking in the fluid, balancing on an ashtray surrounded by lit cigarettes. I swiftly cleaned up the potential disaster and inadvertently made myself indispensable.

By week’s end, Nickel and Dime offered me a job at $500 a month, a sum I proudly accepted. This was in the year 2000, and I’ve been immersed in the Atlanta music scene ever since. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with notable artists such as the B52s, Sister Hazel, 3rd Day, the Coathangers, All The Saints, OMNI, Balkans, and many more. Each year brings new opportunities, and I remain passionate about making records and contributing to the vibrant musical landscape of Atlanta.

My services and what sets me apart

In today’s musical landscape, technology has empowered every artist with access to professional-grade recording tools right in their bedrooms, ushering in an exciting era of the upload revolution with a staggering 60,000 tracks uploaded to Spotify alone every day.

However, amid this vast content, the challenge is clear—how does one stand out, achieve the best quality, and compete in this saturated environment? While the tools are readily available for artists to handle every aspect themselves, the age-old saying “He who chases two rabbits catches none” rings true. As a new artist, the question becomes: should you try to excel in singing, songwriting, recording engineering, mixing, mastering, promotion, graphic design, and content creation all at once?

Rather than spreading oneself thin across multiple roles, I advocate for the power of specialization. Focus on being the best singer-songwriter you can be, honing your craft to an unparalleled level. Niche down and do YOUR thing better than anyone else can do your thing.

Yet, the challenge persists, especially when you find yourself alone in the bedroom, striving to create magic amidst the rain of uploads. I believe all you need is a spark and the right fuel. A skilled producer acts as the gasoline for your ideas, capturing your lightning and setting it ablaze in ways you may not have imagined. But it doesn’t end with just completing a song.

A great producer goes beyond, helping you transform an idea into a fully realized song and supporting you in carrying it across the finish line. This involves assistance with live performances, creating captivating behind-the-scenes studio photos, securing promotion photos, producing live in-studio videos for social media, and even helping with show bookings. In essence, a great producer is a collaborator in your entire artistic journey.

I believe in making a comprehensive plan alongside crafting an exceptional track because, ultimately, your success is my success. I invest as much of my heart into your journey as you do. My role goes beyond the technical aspects of production; it’s about understanding your vision, helping you navigate the challenges, and ensuring that your art reaches its fullest potential.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

A significant part of my artistic journey began when I decided to create time capsules filled with music. The idea stemmed from a belief that an artist or individual could live on indefinitely if their art were rediscovered in the distant future. For me, it’s about fostering a profound human-to-human connection and encapsulating a person’s heart and soul within the timeless medium of music.

In essence, I aspire to craft dream records with people. Each project becomes an opportunity to create something extraordinary—an experience that transcends the ordinary and resonates with the deepest parts of the human spirit. My goal with every record is not just to make it great but to make it the best possible, even surpassing what might be considered the pinnacle of excellence. Why settle for anything less when aiming for the stars? Even if we don’t reach the stars, hitting the moon or going beyond is a journey worth undertaking. It’s about pushing boundaries, reaching for new heights, and creating music that stands the test of time.

In every collaboration, I strive to extract the essence of an individual’s art, translating their emotions, stories, and aspirations into a musical masterpiece. It’s not just about the technicalities of production; it’s about delving deep into the human experience and capturing something truly exceptional. My approach revolves around the belief that music has the power to immortalize moments, emotions, and individuals, making every record a meaningful contribution to the collective tapestry of human expression.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Working with bands is akin to managing a team, a team of wild and passionate artists, each with their designated roles and fervent opinions. As a producer, navigating this dynamic requires a keen understanding that every individual is unique, each fighting for their identity to be recognized.

To yield the best results, it’s imperative to approach each team member with a tailored finesse, acknowledging their individuality. The process, especially in collaborative artistic endeavors, has the potential to become volatile due to the overwhelming passion involved. Stating intentions and establishing clear goals before embarking on a project is crucial.

I’ve found that initiating this dialogue at the very first meeting with a band sets a solid foundation. Asking questions like “How will we define success for this record?” doesn’t necessarily demand immediate answers but encourages the team to start contemplating why they are creating music and who they are creating it for. After all, hitting a bullseye is impossible without a clearly defined target.

This upfront discussion not only aligns everyone’s expectations but also serves as a reference point throughout the project. It helps manage the intensity of creative processes, fostering a shared understanding of the journey and destination. Effective team management in the realm of music production is not just about technical prowess; it’s about cultivating an environment where each member feels heard, valued, and motivated toward a common goal.

Contact Info:

• Website: Sampsonsound.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sampsonsound
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristofer-sampson/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe6zo31LSoO3AnSQmnZnf0w

Image Credits
Photo 01 by Berly Sampson Photo 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 By Kyle Gordon