Ableton Live!
01/12/2008
by: Luke Harrison
Now in its 7th year Ableton Live! is
growing in popularity as an audio tool that a sound engineer, musician,
producer, sound recordist or web designer can use to produce unique and
engaging sounds and music that differ from the norm.
Paul Key
(drummer ex Good Die Young, support slots with The Charlatans, The
Twang, Proud Mary) took his audience on Tuesday 25th November, on a
tour of Ableton’s strengths in different environments from DJing to
live performance and standard studio production.
With an audience that was passionate about
music, the evening kicked off with the statement “software that saved
my life and my wallet” that was visible on the screen from a man who’s
journey of finding and using Ableton, had clearly proven a critical one.
In a competitive market Ableton was and
still is an innovator in music. Addictive to use, the software has a
‘do it yourself’ approach in a coherent and easy set up that is streets
ahead of the competition, boosting correction of beat rhythms at the
flick of a button. The live demo from Paul illustrated the
accessiblity by taking a snare drum recording and in the space of 5
minutes, had composed an electronic dance track. The satisfaction of
creating something from nothing highlighted a target market that not
only catered for professionals, but people who could own and love it!
The effect on Paul that Ableton Live! had were clear as he spoke in
high regard saying “I could talk about Ableton Live! all night”.
Eyes had been opened to a world that was only a web page away to endless possiblities that can be downloaded for free at Ableton. Watch this space for future workshops about the software that will be coming the Old Broadcasting House for budding musicians.