Behind the Octopus: Interview with Slade (Influx Studios and Crying Vessel)

 

What makes Black Octopus Sound a go-to label for professional music production tools and samples? At the core of it all, it’s the people.

Welcome to Behind the Octopus, our exclusive interview series where we dive beneath the surface and introduce you to the incredible humans behind the sounds. While the samples in our packs might feel effortless when you use them, they’re brought to life by a passionate, creative team working across production, sound design, marketing, customer support, and technology. Every detail of the Black Octopus Sound experience is shaped by real people collaborating to push music tools forward.

This series pulls back the curtain, giving you a closer look at the personalities, inspirations, and stories that make Black Octopus Sound what it is. We’ll be sharing a new feature each week over the next couple of months, so there’s plenty to discover.

Today we sit down with Slade Templeton, who is the Chief Operating Officer of Black Octopus Sound, where he oversees product development, licensing strategy, and creative direction across one of the industry’s leading sample pack labels. An American-born producer based in Bern, Switzerland, Slade has spent over 17 years working as a touring musician, record producer, and mastering engineer. Alongside his executive role, he leads the post-punk project Crying Vessel and works with artists internationally through Influx Studios. His background spans jazz, classical, electronic, and alternative music, informing both his production approach and Black Octopus’ genre-diverse catalog. At Black Octopus, Slade focuses on innovation in sound design workflows, scalable licensing models, and strategic partnerships that support producers worldwide. His work bridges artistry and technical precision, ensuring that every release meets both creative and professional production standards.

Behind The Octopus Interview Series – Slade Templeton

Q – What do you love most about working in the Sample Pack industry?
I love that it is as much creativity as it is business. I really thrive and love working in music business but it also has so much room for creative exploration. Plus the black octopus team is ABSOLUTELY HEAVEN to work with. I couldn’t ask for a better crew of talents and passionate people to be around.

 

Q – What is your favourite sample pack release from Black Octopus Sound?
All of our vocal atmosphere series are brilliant. Especially Dawdio Aerial pack. I come back to using that in all types of productions.

 

Q – What about your favourite production tool or technique -any secret weapons?
Honestly this may sound crazy but the MV2 from Waves. It is an upward and downward limiter and is a secret tool not only for Vocals to make them truly sit in front of the mix but also brilliant on Guitars and Synths and anything else you want to just put into the face.Super cheap. Super simple. And insanely needed.

 

Q – How do you see the future of music and sample pack creation?
I think using tools that keep you inspired and most importantly having FUN! This is sadly one thing not enough people think about when working with software or plugin development. The FUN part. We do music because it is fun. Sure, it can become a job and be a bit more tedious at times… but the fun? Never ends. So scrolling through 9037210952 samples to find a snare… not so much fun anymore. So I think the future is with bringing that fun back into finding the right sounds…. This also may be a hint at a secret we are working on in 2026… but shhhhhhh.

 

Q – What about producers; what’s the future of helping them stay inspired?
I said it above and to go even further on this; finding the right sounds that feel tailored to your creation. Something thatjust sits right in the groove or the melody and takes your productions to the next step. Finding ways to do that while having fun and inspired is a must for any music producer.

 

Q – If you could be any animal what would it be and why?
Cat. Absolutely a cat. I somehow am on the same wavelength as them at all times. I think I actually understand them more than humans. So for me… it just makes sense I need to be a cat!

 

 

Sample Packs by Slade

 

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