Exploring the Sound of Seoul Dreams

Step into the world of Seoul Dreams, the latest sample pack from producer and songwriter Swoo. Fusing his passion for lo-fi and R&B, Swoo blends classical influences with modern textures, crafting an immersive sonic experience that feels deeply personal. In this interview, he shares his journey from classical piano training to music production, the inspiration behind his sounds, and his unique approach to vocal production and sound design.

What Led You to Music Production and Creating Samples?

I’m a producer and songwriter with a deep love for dreamy lo-fi and R&B textures. My musical journey started with classical piano, which gave me a strong foundation in composition and harmony. But over time, I felt constrained by traditional structures and wanted to create something uniquely my own.

During high school, I started experimenting with production—dabbling in dubstep and pop before discovering my passion for lo-fi, R&B, and hip-hop. In college, I honed my skills further, studying music and spending hours watching production tutorials, collaborating with artists, and developing a sound that blends soulful melodies, organic textures, and intricate sound design.

What Inspired the Sounds in This Sample Pack?

With Seoul Dreams, I wanted to create a sonic dreamscape, blending bittersweet chords, airy vocal melodies, and reflective drum grooves to capture the feeling of nostalgia—both its beauty and weight. I leaned heavily on spatial effects like reverb and polyrhythmic delays to create an ethereal, floating sensation.

Each sound in the pack is inspired by real-life moments—the imperfect, fleeting details that give music character. From subtle tape hiss to organic textures, the goal was to make each element feel like a memory—soft, intimate, and evocative.

Can You Share Insights on Your Recording Process?

This pack was crafted late at night in my bedroom studio, using just a keyboard, steel guitar, and my voice. I wanted to preserve a raw, lo-fi character, embracing ambient imperfections like the clink of cups, distant car hums, and gentle fret noise.

For me, originality was key. Instead of polished, commercial sounds, I aimed for something personal and intimate—a musical diary rather than just another sample pack. Every sound carries a story, capturing the mood of the moment it was recorded.

What’s Your Approach to Vocal Production?

When recording vocals, I focus on precision and emotional depth. I often record line-by-line, carefully comping the best takes to create a seamless, natural flow. Sometimes, I’ll record a single word or phrase multiple times to capture the perfect feel.

I also prioritize consistency, completing all vocal recordings for a track in a single session to maintain the same tonal quality throughout. Subtle shifts in delivery help enhance the emotional impact, making sure every vocal feels authentic and expressive.

What Processing Techniques Do You Use for Vocal Samples?

I love using pitch and formant shifting to shape unique vocal tones. EQ is essential for sculpting frequencies, while reverb and delay add space and depth. I’ve built a collection of vocal effect chains for different elements:

• Lead vocals – Clear, present, and sitting at the front of the mix
• Adlibs – Distant, drenched in reverb, or modulated for an ethereal feel
• Harmonies – Wide, bright, and filling out the stereo space

Each layer has a distinct role in the mix, ensuring a rich and dynamic final sound.

Explore Seoul Dreams

Click the link below to check out the Seoul Dreams sample pack, and be sure to follow Soundsmiths on Instagram for more exclusive releases!

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