Ableton & Hardware Free Workshop

With the use of technology today we are able to create a more fluid connection between an artist, their DAW and their choice of hardware equipment. Whether it be a midi controller/keyboard, a drum machine, or a eurorack setup, having the opportunity to combine them opens up many possibilities! From performing as a solo artist, a band member or a DJ the pathways to create becomes endless.

This workshop will be an exploration into live performance setups and how Ableton plays an integral role. We will show you how midi controllers are used as key components in controlling various parameter changes in Ableton. In addition, we will demonstrate how to incorporate different forms of hardware like Ableton Push 2, Elektron Digitakt, and various eurorack drum modules.

Also, there will be a discussion on our experiences in working with hardware, as well as the growing pains and the process of choosing the gear that’s right for you.

Shanda Nunez aka Trovarsi is a LA based DJ and producer that brings new, darker sounds to the world of electronic music. With a hybrid blend of analogue synths, drum machines, and Ableton, she builds a pulsing atmosphere to any set she plays. Using the technique of blending hardware incorporated into Ableton, Trovarsi creates a beautiful hybrid blend of analogue and digital sounds. She has experience from studying Ableton with prominent producers and Ableton’s own trainers, and these skills are taken onto the stage when she performs. The use of electronic software/midi combined with the raw sounds of drum machines and modular synths are just what make her music so captivating. In recent years she has proven to be a talented contributor to the LA music scene.

Brad Nelson aka Risc is an internationally-recognized DJ with music featured on BBC Radio, Fuel TV, and Scion AV. Risc has been an established player on the national drum and bass scene for many years, releasing on the highly lauded UK labels True Playaz and Urban Takeover. A respected name in the international electronic music community, this prolific producer also runs his own record label based out of Los Angeles called Monster Musick. Originally from Chicago, Evol has found a home in LA and brings years of experience in bass music from residencies and radio to the West Coast, a fact which is not lost on the dance floors he habitually incinerates. Risc is now a converted dubstepper and lends his thick talent at the decks to the SMOG family’s wide variety of parties and productions.

***SPECIAL GUEST***

Ricky Tinez will also be giving a talk and demonstration on how he uses various pieces of hardware incorporated with Ableton. He will review one of his live performance setups, as well as recording/tracking it into Ableton. Some of you may know him from his YouTube page. He makes excellent videos on gear and live performance!