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Electronic Production

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Finding Your Sound: The Mr Pink Formula for Music Production Success

  • Writer: Leiam Sullivan
    Leiam Sullivan
  • Mar 12
  • 3 min read

Updated: Mar 30

A Process That Delivered—Again and Again


What if you could finish a track in just four days—week after week—while still DJing, clubbing, and staying immersed in the scene?


That was my approach when I broke through as Mr Pink. I had a workflow that worked, a sound that stood out, and a routine that kept me on track. Monday to Thursday was for making music. Friday to Sunday? DJing, clubbing and absorbing what worked on the dancefloor.


It wasn’t just about making tracks—it was about refining a recognisable sound. My breakthrough came with a remix for Rollo (“Love, Love, Love”), which hit #1 on the Buzz Chart and opened doors in the industry. But that only happened because I committed to a clear, repeatable approach—something distinct, something that people could hear and instantly know: That’s a Mr Pink record.


Mr Pink Sugar on Mindfood Records Chicago

The Mr Pink Formula


When I was making music as Mr Pink, I treated it like a band—using the same core instruments on every track to create a consistent artist sound.


The kick, bass, organ, percussion loop and sampled music loop were my foundation. Those elements became my sonic fingerprint, helping listeners immediately recognise my tracks in a club. This is something I still believe is key for producers today—finding your sound means committing to a defined palette of sounds that makes your tracks distinct.



The Breakthrough


My first major remix opportunity came from Rollo (“Love, Love, Love”) on Champion Records. Around that time, I had been releasing tracks on Mindfood and sending out demos. Out of everyone I contacted, Jonny Walker was the one who got back to me—giving me my first real shot in the industry.


Sampling was a big part of my approach, especially disco records. I was inspired by how American producers were flipping disco into house music, but I wanted to bring that faster, club-focused sound to the European market. By speeding up disco samples and working them into my productions, I created something that connected with both DJs and clubbers.


The Process: How I Worked


I had a workflow that made finishing tracks fast and consistent. The key tool? ReCycle—a game-changer at the time.


Here’s how my process worked:


1️⃣ The sample was loaded into the Akai S1000.

2️⃣ ReCycle transferred it to the computer, where I sliced it up.

3️⃣ The program sent the chopped sample back to the Akai, already mapped and key-grouped.

4️⃣ ReCycle also generated a MIDI file, allowing the full loop to play back naturally in my DAW.


This technique let me manipulate disco samples seamlessly, fitting them into my productions with precision. From there, I built the rest of the track using my core sounds—giving every Mr Pink release a consistent identity.


The Impact: Why Finding Your Sound Matters


When the Rollo remix hit #1 on the Buzz Chart and later #1 on the Club Chart, everything changed. Suddenly, more remix requests came in.


I didn’t know music theory, but I knew the dancefloor. Years of DJing taught me what worked. That’s the key to finding your sound—it’s not about knowing every chord progression or technical detail, it’s about understanding what moves people.


The biggest lesson I learned?


🔹 Find your sound—and own it.


Choose your instruments, samples, and techniques, then stick with them. When people connect with your music, they’ll want more of it. Artists like MK are a perfect example—his signature sound is instantly recognisable.


Once you develop a distinct sonic identity, you can deliver consistently. And as you grow, you can expand and evolve, but at some point, music becomes a business. Keeping your craft simple, effective, and unique is one of the best ways to build a long-lasting career.


Final Thoughts: Defining Your Sound in Music Production


If you’re serious about building a career in electronic music, your signature sound is everything.


It’s what sets you apart. It’s what keeps people coming back.


The key is consistency—finding a process that allows you to work efficiently while maintaining your unique style. Experimentation is great, but at some point, you need a workflow that lets you finish tracks, build momentum, and establish your place in the industry.


So, what’s your sound?


Once you find it—commit to it. That’s when doors start to open.

create your sound palette

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