Producer and sound designer Decap is the unsung hero behind many of the biggest hits of the last decade. His 'Drums That Knock' sample packs have graced tracks by Kendrick Lamar, Freddie Gibbs, Bad Bunny, and even Ludwig Göransson. Decap, whose real name is Nicholas Piantedosi, is known for his obsession with low-end frequencies and his trusty Boss SP-202 Dr. Sample from 1998. He believes that a good clipper can give your drums a warm, analog sound or make them hit harder. Decap prefers meditation to focus and adheres to the 3M technique when he feels stuck: make it, mix it down, move on. Despite his success, Decap remains humble, stating that he’s happy making music that’s meaningful to him.

When asked about his most indispensable tool, Decap mentions Ableton Live, but he credits the clipper as the most underappreciated. He wishes he could change the speaker on his phone to hear the low end of his drums, and his favourite gadget is his Boss SP-202 sampler, which he first used in junior high. He is not a fan of the idea that you must use specific gear to be a real producer, stating that all you need is a computer. His proudest creation is a hard-hitting sound that has made its way across genres. His advice to himself, and to others, is to make a decision and put a stake in the ground, but always remember that you can move it.