Our Next Event!
27May – details coming.
July 13, 2010 – “I hear Your Signals” was heard
by Admin on Jul.13, 2011, under Documentation, Locally, Releases, Sounds
One of the primary goals in the Ableton Colorado User Group and all of my (Marc) activities is to raise awareness inside the growing genre of Electronic Music. I know that everyone gets more than their fair share of Facebook invites, Twitter messages offering a free iPad, and so on. This is very much a distraction when trying to find where the good work, innovative people, and real blood and sweat has been invested in music.
In my travels I see the best musicians often keep the smallest crowds. Some of them break (Bela Fleck for example), but this is rare. The juggling of the true art form and promotion and marketing is difficult.
Mark Mosher continues to do an exceptional job at producing intelligent and valid music while maintaining a solid social and professional standing inside the realm of music, most particularly electronic music. I have had the opportunity to learn from him over and over again.
So it was one year ago today when Mark Mosher released his second album “I Hear Your Signals”, a follow up to “REBOOT”.
These are complimentary works in the science fiction Signals Universe concept album series. They are a story of alien invasion. “REBOOT” addressed this story line from the human point of view and the following album, “I Hear Your Signals” spoke form the alien perspective.
I have frequently played both albums during our Meet Ups, as I keep these works on my portable devices. His “Sounds from a Distant Outpost” Ableton Live pack is an exceptional work and has contributed to a few of my personal creations. All of these releases are of a similar theme and I have nothing but respect for people who create a vision and idea and then spend years, sometimes decades, creating the body of work.
Do not forget how Mark is an important blogger and resource in electronic music. This genre is often considered the genre of [insert format you love or hate here]. House and Techno variants fill the large clubs, Dub-Step is a current rage, Drum-n-Bass will always be around, people will continue to argue of what IDM constitutes, the dark and noise music will continue, and people such as myself will enjoy what technology has to offer and engage in pushing the envelope.
Mark Mosher on the other hand works as an electronic musician – a creator of sound and music. His knowledge and love of sound and synthesis is coupled to a solid musical background and experience the predates laptops and computers as the Lingua franca* in music.
So we celebrate the Mark’s work and look forward to his next chapter.
I salute him and his dedication.I thank him for his knowledge and contributions to the greater environment. I am honored to have gotten to know Mark better over the recent years and I consider him a friend, resource, and dude who wears a cape (super hero).
More work is coming, I am sure of that – stay tuned. Until then, here’s where you can find Mark and his work:
- One Year Later on Mark Mosher’s site
- Modulate This!
- Sound Cloud
- Reverb Nation
- YouTube
* Lingua franca in the context of stretching the idea in this article has been sheet music, the record, and word of mouth. Now we use computers as instruments, studios, communication portals and the internet is a big part of this shift in the sharing of ideas – all facilitated by computer technology.
An Evening with Erin Barra
by Marc on Jun.20, 2011, under Knowledge, Locally, Meet-Ups and Gatherings, News
Details : Next Meet Up 26June2011 w/Erin Barra. Lucid Gallery. ALL AGES AND FREE!!! APC40 template training IS ON THE SCHEDULE. ALL DETAILS ARE HERE INCLUDING THE RSVP!!!
APC40 Template pre-party (Friday June 3 2011)
by Marc on Jun.01, 2011, under Knowledge, Locally, Meet-Ups and Gatherings, Releases
This is a super casual hand on pre-release of my template. I will be at Lucid Gallery (719 West 8th Denver Google Maps) at 4:30 to hang and introduce people to this method. (I playing music in the evening)
This is specifically a gathering to get this template in people’s hands and into a discipline for live performance. This template uses the platter (aka 9 box) method. You will need to use this method for the template.
Platter defined : 4 column wide *.als set containing mastered, correctly leveled wave files with no effects, no send/return, and no MIDI. WAVE FILES only! Each platter should be “Collect All And Saved” (see below)
A platter looks like this:
Notice : Only wave files, no FX, nothing – just the wave file with warping. Left to right, each column:
- X : eXtra channel – good for what ever you need!
- M : Melody channel : mids, melody, etc.
- B : Bass or percussion and support (depends on your genre – no bass proper in Techno usually)
- D : Drum track – this is the main beat.
Everything in the template uses this 4-wide XMBD method.
You will need to COLLECT ALL AND SAVE EVERYTHING TO THE PROJECT FOLDER!
File > Collect All and Save > yes to everything!
Bring your laptop, platter file(s), and your APC!
Allowed actions in platters (technically speaking):
- Follow actions
- Warping and warp algorithm settings
- Envelope modulation on the sample
- Launch settings
- Loop/start/stop settings
Keep it simple – trust me!
The template is built in Ableton 8.2.2 and I have tested it back to 8.1.3 – I suspect it is barley compatible with lite/free versions of Ableton (untested).
The template is SOLID and uses ghost tracks for bussing, drag-and-drop *.als file methods, the APC control surface, dummy clips, and chain selection.
But don’t worry – you only need to have you platters ready! No need to go under the hood until you are ready! Please contact me via Facebook OR email if you want to come – this is SUPER CASUAL!
I repeat, SUPER CASUAL!
marc [at] CreativeElectronica [dot] com is the email!
Meet the Makers – Alesis-Akai-Numark Free Event
by Admin on May.31, 2011, under Knowledge, Locally, Meet-Ups and Gatherings, News, Sounds
Sonic Sense Electronic Music Symposium
Featuring DJ, controller, and electronic music selections from:
Alesis, Numark, & Akai
RSVP LINK
When : Tuesday June 7, 2011 6-9pm
Where: 1500 West Hampden Ave, Suite 3-H Sheridan, Colorado, 80110 (This location is a little tricky to find – take a look at the Google Map link)
Directions :
Coming from the North:
I-25 South to Sante Fe South to Dartmouth.
West (toward the mountains) on Dartmouth 1-2 blocks to Platte River Road (First Light).
South (left) on Platte River road. 6 blocks to curve under highway.
Pull into lot on right. You’ll see our sign.
Coming From the South
Santa Fe north to Dartmouth.
See “From the North” above.
Coming form the East/West:
Hampden Ave (285) to Santa Fe
Santa Fe North to Dartmouth.
See “From the North” above.
Sonic Sense is a Denver based music equipment company that serves some of the most respected gear for audio perfection and modern music needs.
This is an ALL AGES event to meet, greet, and test out products form these manufacturers.
Evening highlights:
- New Rack Serato Controller DMC2
- Micron with I/O IO Dock for iPad & Ableton Live Light
- DM8 Pro with TransActive Drummer Monitor
- MPK49 and QX49 49-key Controllers
- Numark NS6 Controller
This FREE ALL AGES EVENT is a really fantastic crossover for the manufacturer representatives and the electronic music community.
DJs, controllerists, key players, and other aspects of the consumer electronic market will be at your fingertips!
I (Marc/DJSNM) will drop some demos using the Akai APC40 (featuring new my new template – simplified and stronger and re-released!!!) plus a final “full rig” demo using the Alesis Ion in conjunction with my scratch-box technology to close out the evening as a demonstration of livePA approach and post processing featuring the Scratch-Box.
I will also be available to answer any other questions regarding gear and Ableton through out the evening. If you have anything you want to know or check out come down and get in touch with the reps.
Please RSVP only if you are going – we ask this so we can not waste food and beverage and support the event as best as possible.
The schedule and stations:
DJ Equipment:
- Numark NS6 4-Channel Digital DJ Controller and Mixer
- MixDeck All-in-One Controller
- DMC2 Rack-mount Serato Controller
Electronic Music Production:
- Akai APC40
- Alesis Micron with I/O Express & Ableton Live Light
- MPK49 and QX49 49-key Controllers
Electronic Drums:
- Alesis DM8 Pro with TransActive Drummer Monitor
Schedule:
- 6:00: Introductions – Meet and Greet
- 6:30: General product overview
- 7:15: Hands on with the gear
- 8:20: Alesis DM8 Pro Demo
- 8:30: APC-40 Demo by Marc (aka DJNSM)
- 8:50+ Drawing and Wrap-up and Ion scratching
If you have questions or comments please feel free to contact me directly using marc [at] CreativeElectronica [dot] com
–M
Groovin’ Weekend Ahead (May 20-23 2011)
by Marc on May.20, 2011, under Locally, News
Well, I am sitting here and the rain has seemed to pass. The neighbors ark was almost complete, little did they know I was using a sling shot to launch termites at them!
So, here’s some goings on for the weekend to get you outside and in the music:
May 20, 2011 – Tonight (Friday) at The Beauty Bar Denver via Peter Black (Analog Space)
Anyone who’s been around and is a Jazz fan (KUVO) should remember So What! Tonight there is a reunion (more to come?) and fits very much into the local down-tempo/acid jazz upsurge. So What traidtionally was a late Friday night show featuring DJ K-Nee highlighting Acid Jazz and future music (just like our user group). The beat goes on – tonight with DJs K-Nee, Big Styles, Peter Black and of course the door diva Ms. Deirdre!
The Beauty Bar stands behind the Manicure & Martini policy, so guys, get ready for sexy nails.
I (Marc) will be at this show, come down and say hi
May 20-21 at Cervantes 
via J.Wail from Bridging the Music.
Billed as “soulful funk” Cervantes continues to support the hip and cool music by hosting these events Friday and Saturday featuring The Royal Family Ball with Soulive, Lettuce & Special Guests Nigel Hall and Break Science! There are limited $35 2 day passes available as well. Click over to Cervantes for details.
May 21 at Sutra Audio Damage (Facebook link)
Happening the 3rd Saturday of each month Brandon brings together a crew of DJ, Controllerists, and musicians for an evening of fun and dance. With the weather looking more postive plan on hanging out on the patio.
This edition marks the entrance of Red+Hot+Cool to open the evening with some down-tempo/acid jazz followed by a little hip-hop, then full on damage with Seven7th Wave, Dirty Little Thieves, Vegas and DJ Diabolic.
I (marc/DJNSM)will be playing w/Spacebass (on the 5 string) from 6-8 w/acid jazz vibes and our guest Kent from Seven7th Wave on guitar. FREE before 9p, drink special and more!
Audio Damage compilation available here
Also tonight (May 20, 2011) via Ableton User Group awesome member David R – Robag Wruhme will be at Cluster Studio (3881 N Steele St. Denver) for a first ever Colorado appearance.
Other artists for the evening include John Templeton (Emote) and Scott Everett(Mother Earth Sound System).
Boulder – Tonight (May 20, 2011) BOOMTUT at Apex Movement (5757 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder). Thi comes via Ben with the Whomp Truck. It should be a HEAVY night – look at the line up:
- 10-11: DMTree (Pathways)
- 11-12: Milkman (Rumpus Royale)
- 12-1: Noah Deep (WTC)
- 1-2: Pillow Fight (Jungle Bums)
- 2-3:30: Just Ben and Citrus (WTC)
- 3:30-5: Coult 45 and Ishe (WTC)
- Facebook Event
Sunday Afternoon May 22 2011 – Bar Standard we are hosting a monthly Red+Hot+Cool downtempo patio session. Yes! Get out in the sun and DO IT! (Facebook Event). This crew includes:
- Me :: DJSNM (featuring Spacebass on 5 string)
- Ginger Perry
- and Drop Logik
This event starts at 4p and is scheduled to be FREE.
If your weekend extends to Monday – Spacebass and I will be throwing down a late night set at Cervantes (Otherside) in conjunction with Bridging the Music (thanks guys). Sometime around 11:30 we will begin with a heavy hitting controller/analog synth/big beats set to sooth the savage beasts. We are excited to cross over with new friends!
See you out there!
–Marc
April in Denver, not Paris. Around town and post sub-bass
by Marc on Apr.15, 2011, under Locally, News
Thanks to everyone on the comments my article on sub-bass. Most of the commentary came from Facebook. This was not a rant or anything of that nature. Instead I was reacting to questions I get that often made me scratch my head:
“What do you for sub-bass” was most commonly asked.
Sub-bass? I use a bass player, he’ on a 5 string, that goes down to like 40hz, WTF? Why would I possibly want lower than any speaker system? Yeah, I know the tern is common nomenclature in”the scene” – but I predate the “Bass heavy music scene” by about a decade. I have accepted “stems” as a common term, I openly admit that was a new term to me in the recent past. See. I can learn.
Any-who! What’s goin’ on? How are you? How’s that new thing going for you? Did the neighbors finally arrest you for all that bass?
So Henke decided to comeback – he is playing TONIGHT in Boulder at the Fox (20110415). I will not be able to attend.
Last time Henke was here (at the planetarium)
we showed up in droves.
So he was working on a Max “thing” and I think the Granulator was the item. I have downloaded the patch (it is free, Max4Live is required) and it is pretty cool. Also – the current Max (for Live) run-time environment seems to be smoothing out. It looks like I will begin using Max in live sets for some side projects.
On a side note – I am now scripting in the Ableton API / Python framework. I am a newb BUT I am getting awesome results including my name in the control surface dropdown.
I look forward to both new progress and collaboration. If anyone is interested in looking in my rat’s nest of code:
- https://github.com/datamafia/djnsm-discipline is a point of entry
- https://github.com/datamafia/djnsm-discipline/tree/master/OHM64_djnsm_mapping_whomp_variant is a Livid OHM64 variant (early) I did for some people in Chicago. This is a 7 wide x 8 tall “red box” with scene launch, X-fader and nothing else.
- https://github.com/datamafia/djnsm-discipline/tree/master/djnsm_Ohm64_project is the point of entry for my template, mapping and MIDI Remote Script.
I put these out there as I tend to be a comment freak in my code keeping a rather intense inner dialog with myself on what the h3ll is going on. All of my work is open source in some way.
I (Marc aka DJNSM) will be playing at Sutra on Saturday testing out my new template in the real world. As everyone knows by now – I spend a lo of time in a fantasy world called “production” and/or “research and development”. This particular show is cutting edge, it is called Audio Damage coordinated by Brandon – and features many of the people who attended our Live PA Event in December 2010. So this particular scene represents, to a large degree, the fusion of controllerism (Ableton/etc) with musician (legacy) in the club (DJ) scene.
This specifically is where I (Marc) have been trying to coordinate efforts. There are more than enough DJs in town and the nation and we are helping accelerate the swing of the pendulum back into instrumental sets. The Red+Hot+Cool effort (down-tempo) is my project marketed as “Bass+Beats+Jazz” is a fusion of old, new, and more old. Next event, on May12, 2011, is looking AWESOME! We have Fisk from Fresh2Death and CacheFlowe joining us. Ginger is bringing a vocalist and I will be accompanied by my long time friend Jean Luc on standup bass.
Looking forward to Ableton + Stand Up bass
This stuff is really important to me. I have a long history in Jazz as well as electronic neat-o-ness. Bringing the production type of performance (DJ, knob-gobbler, square pusher) to merge with the musicians is the sound I chase. Remember I am always looking to find more people who bend genres. Contact me if you know something.
Have a good weekend everyone and I hope to see you soon!
Tech-ish and then some edition.
by Admin on Apr.04, 2011, under Locally, News
Reminder : This Thursday Downtempo Returns to Denver as Red+Hot+Cool! I am putting a lot of work into this and appreciate all the support. Please stop by and say hi! This is my (marc) baby – one of the rare non-meet up events I am organizing!
The prime event to see DJ-Controllerists-Musicians come together
Micah Frank from Pure Magnetik has this great post/pack. “Dark Villosus – 10 Instruments made from one sample of white noise” – hell yeah! White noise can be a pain or fun. Micah made it fun!
Via Gear Junkies : RME releasing good stuff at the ‘messe. Here’s a remote control. Also – the break out boxes are coming (lol BOB). This is my (editors choice) for real studio action.
Hmm… check this out.
File under : Don’t get your hopes up – a new Roland JP. Gear Junkies reports on this item.
### begin editorial notes
Roland has some solid products. But they are guided, to a degree, by the large format printing business (that is what Roland does). The SH was recently revived, and it was a flop to anyone who knew the OG SH. The JP series saw the 8080′s – they were good, but not a JP series. The original JP was/is a legendary synth. Fat pads and slow awesome sweeps were the strengths. Those sweeps were easy to grab and set up. If the new JP gets close I would be happy. But the recent revivals in Roland and a certain niche disconnect is what they battle. So here’s the breakdown by brand that I use:
- Kurzweil : great sampling and programming
- Roland : great feel and piano/electric piano model/sound interaction
- Korg : makes crappy players sound good via tons of effects
- Nord : live performance
- Yamaha : good if you owned a Yamaha already
- M-Audio : pass
- Moog : pass
- Dave Smith : pass
- Alesis : pass
- Akai : pass
### end editorial intersection
File Under : Will need one day. A mic booster.
And finally – Henke’s Granulator is live. Download the M4L patch here.
April showers us with music!
by Marc on Mar.31, 2011, under Locally, Sounds
Lot’s of good electronic music coming up! Here’s a quick run through of a few events!
This Saturday April 2, 2011 at the Ogden EOTO with Signal Path. (public Facebook Event) -- how about a super cool tour teaser! Ticket Info
Got Bass is taking over the Fox tonight (March 31, 2011) Check out the new video when you are there!
We are kicking off Red Hot Coll -- a dedicated Down-tempo // Chill out // Sexy Music // Slow Disco project celebrating DJ, controllerism, and live musicianship! We, don’t have a cool video (yet). But we have a bitchin’ vintage logo. Our next show features Drop Logik, Raw Russ, Ginger Perry (Ginger Chaser) and DJNSM (me).
This Friday 2 events in the same area for FREE!
First -- the Whomp Truck who just got Best Party from Westword (and good friends of the effort here) are planning on Bass destruction at 7th and Santa Fe (art district / art walk). They are calling this “Ballerado” featuring Cache Flowe, Jantsen, S.P.E.C.T.R.E. and Dirt Monkey. Facebook Event
Then right around the corner at 719 W 8th DJNSM (me) and Drop Logik will be throwing down some new PA system crush at Lucid Gallery. Facebook Event (we are playing on Friday for Art walk -- not the reception)
We are not on the flyer - and that we are cool with that!
Don’t forget about Electronic Tuesdays -- a bunch of us will be hitting the next one.
(send me an email about your Ableton music or interesting electronic music event via marc [at] CreativeElectronica [dot] com)
Tech Leaning on the wall update
by Admin on Mar.25, 2011, under Knowledge, Locally, News, Resources
Kickin’ it off – FREE drum pack – SOG has the details.
CDM points out a killer Max4Live granular editor. Here, listen:
Just a ton of Launchpad links over at Binary Alley.
Passing of a legend – Korg founder moves to next dimension. CDM covers the details.
photo via CDM
Still, Peter is KILLING it, here an article on Euclidean Rhythms in Ableton MIDI Clips. Based on the Euclidean Algorithm – fun stuff.
Umm…drool. Vermona releasing a new synth at the ‘Messe. Gear Junkies reports! A seeming follow up to the PerFourMer – a rare high quality consumer release of a 4 voice synth. I always wanted one.
So, uhhh, what makes a new instrument? Again, CDM takes the big issues!
Cuteness from Focusright. – a small half rack USB breakout. Gear Junkies shows us the scoop!
Small reliable and affordable interfaces are hard to find. I would ove to explore this one more.
Finally, Mark Mosher paid a visit to the west coast via the Art Institute of California/Sunnyvale. Mark was visiting and performing with Robert Edgar. Here’s one of a few posts on the topic.
-
Ableton Denver / Colorado User group. Please be sure and join the meet up sites: This one is for free meet ups and similar events http://www.meetup.com/ableton-denver and http://www.meetup.com/Creative-Electronic-Music-Colorado/ is for less Ableton events as well as unique non-free events. If you have something for our calendar please contact us!
One more thing, officially, we are an Ableton User Group and in *NO WAY* affiliated with Ableton or any other company. This group is funded by the members, the community, and Marc's cash.
Hey - do **YOU*** want to start a kick ass meet up or electronic music user group in your area? We can help. Ideas, the truth, resources, and what we have learned since we started this thing way back in 2008-ish (has it been that long?). Feel free to contact us.
Local Partners in Technology
PC, Mac and technology repairs and Denver's own Livid Instrument Dealer!
Gear, consulting, and a lifetime of knowledge right here in Colorado!Blog: Ableton Colorado Topics:music, performance, production
