When it comes to carving your own path in the music industry and navigating through the ups and downs, there’s few stories woven with as much inspiration as this one. Grinding his way through achieving his vision, music has always found its way in the form of a life path for Dude Clayy. From graphic designing for Tree Sound to becoming a GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum producer, there’s always a big story in between humongous bursts of progressions like these. This story isn’t just big—it’s one that inspires you to dream big for your own vision.
With a unique sound and a knack for networking, Dude Clayy has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, from Drake to Lecrae. In this interview, he opens up about his come-up, favorite tools, creative process, and what’s next for his career.
Someone once told me, “Be someone everyone wants to be.” I never liked that. I say, Be someone everyone wants to support.
Dude Clayy has released four highly successful sample packs on WAVS, featuring 103 samples and 95 presets. Along with fellow members of the Better When Broken collective, Clayy aims to push the boundaries of modern production with packs that highlight their signature style and versatility. The team is just getting started—stay tuned and watch as greatness unfolds!
1. What’s your story? Can you tell us a bit about your come-up and your personal life leading up to becoming a Grammy-winning multi-platinum producer?
Well, I originally wanted to be an artist, a rapper. Did a few songs and made a name for myself in my city. I wanted to release songs, but on God, the graphic designers at the time were taxing. So… I had to learn graphic design. I got really nice at that and was noticed by Tree Sound. They loved what I was doing and took me on as lead graphic designer for the team. From there, I fell back in love with music. Got better at drums, learned the art of sample-making from my peers, and it’s history from there.
Some of the top records Dude Clayy has worked on. From left to right: Drake – 7AM On Bridle Path; Lecrae – Spread The Opps; BIA – FALLBACK; Eladio Carrión & Luar La L – Socio
2. What are some of your favorite VSTs/Tools, and what’s your process for starting a new idea?
I am a one-shot junky. The current wave of using and creating phrases really put the creativity back into producers’ hands. I love starting a new idea with just noise. Something that would catch someone’s attention really fast and I build around that. Other than that, I love S.K.Y. Keys, Effect Rack, Portal (Dude Clayy’s Effect Rack & Portal presets can be found here), Scorch, and Labs.
Notable Dude Clayy achievements. From left to right: 3x RIAA platinum certification for Drake’s CLB; Dude Clayy’s GRAMMY Awards win with Lecrae; Apple Music’s editorial playlist for Dude Clayy as part of their series titled “The Producers”
3. What’s a tip you would give to other producers & musicians that you feel would instantly improve their craft?
They always say sound selection and using quality sounds (which you can find on WAVS.com under the name Dude Clayy), but being inspired is key. That and actually having fun. I make my best work when I’m actually enjoying music. Nothing wrong with starters, MIDI, and collabing as well. Grow together.
FRACTURED by Dude Clayy & Soku
4. You’ve recently started a music producer label/collective called Better When Broken. Can you tell us a bit more about what BWB is about and what it’s aiming to be in the future?
I’ve learned so much from my time with Splitmind, and having a stable support team is top of the list. Bux, Fel, Kami, KNS, Louie, Lukas, Nicoryna, Rob6, Soku, and Simbo are my brothers. Having individual talents who specialize in different crafts of music is insane. We will always fill every gap. We share the same dream in this music thing and work together to make it a reality for each other. My biggest goal is to turn Better When Broken into a business and help grow more producers, build with upcoming artists, and create a stable foundation to create without worry.
Official Apple ‘The Producers’ Playlist for Dude Clayy’s work
5. You’ve had some interesting placements—from Drake to Lecrae, and most recently with Jackie Hill Perry. Is there a specific placement story you’d like to share?
Bro, I think the Drake one is the craziest. Ya boy was stressed! If you think that’s your sound in a song… go investigate twin. I listened to CLB for two months straight before I did the genius method. I used Genius to find producers and reached out to the listed producers on the album. Bro told me he used my pack, Love Craft Vol 1, to create the melody and vocals for the song. My heart dropped. I was excited to be a part of this crazy song, but hurt at the same time that I missed all the excitement of being part of the debut. After a longggg time of getting everything situated, it became official. That song changed my life, and I’m grateful to everyone who worked on it.
Sunday Service Deluxe by Dude Clayy & Simbo
6. Are there any tips or wisdom you’d like to share with fellow producers?
Network, network, network. We live in a time where being connected is more valuable than being talented. You can know music theory but not know anyone in the industry? You’re cooked. Be social. Social media is basically your ID—that’s how people get to know you and what your intentions are. Someone once told me, “Be someone everyone wants to be.” I never liked that. I say, Be someone everyone wants to support.
Dark Trilogy by Dude Clayy. Available on WAVS
7. What’s next for Dude Clayy? What should the audience expect from you in the future?
Records, sound packs, camps, content—everything music. I really just want to give back. I have so much knowledge, and I think having to pay for it is weird. I would love a producer community that’s actually about building together, and I want to be part of that. I want to be successful not only at my craft but at helping others create theirs. Type shit.
Dude Clayy’s story reminds us that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about perseverance, constant growth, and the willingness to help others rise alongside you. From his groundbreaking work as a producer to building Better When Broken into a thriving collective, Clayy embodies what it means to create with passion and purpose. As he looks toward the future, one thing is clear: his music and mentorship will continue to leave an indelible mark on the industry. Keep up with Dude Clayy on WAVS.com and beyond—there’s no telling just how far his journey will go.
