TN:168 Sam Gellaitry
Tape Notes
Don't Try: sequencing, Emu-era sounds and vocoder trick
Sam explains Don't Try's creation: sequenced Emu-inspired drums, guitar parts, vocoder layers and combining robotic and natural vocals.
John is joined by Scottish musician and producer Sam Gellaitry.
Described as “your favourite producer’s favourite producer”, Sam’s innovative, genre-blending electronic music and superb production skills have earned him a loyal fan following and industry respect over the past decade.
Sam signed his first deal, with XL Recordings, at just 18. While early EPs were purely instrumental, Sam started to incorporate his own vocals on fifth EP, IV (2021). The track ‘Assumptions’ from the EP became his biggest hit to date, reaching No. 5 on the US Dance Chart. In 2022, Sam’s collaboration with Pink Pantheress, ‘Picture in my Mind’, brought him to mainstream attention. The same year, he released his mixtape VF VOL II and was named by EDM as one of the 10 best producers of the year. Sam has toured extensively with artists including Kaytranada and Justice whilst continuing to release singles and selling out a multiple-night residency at cult London club Phonox. Sam’s debut album, ‘ANYWHERE HERE IS PERFECT’ was released on 7th November 2025.
Sitting down at Baltic Studios in London, Sam talks John through how the gear he uses has evolved over the years and the bespoke approaches he takes to create his unique, 80s-influenced sound. Sam talks about how having synaesthesia (experiencing music as colours) since childhood has been central to his creative process, his techniques for producing vocals and string sounds on the album, and much more!
Tracks discussed: ON&ON, DON’T TRY, YOU MIGHT FIND THE ONE
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