Our Next Event!
12Feb2012 : Next Free Meet Up Meet-Up Event Link
15feb2012 : Warping workshop at iComputer. This is part of our monthly series (payment page) and supporting Meet-Up Event.
Lucky #38 Mark Mosher and AfroDJMac collide
by Marc on Dec.16, 2011, under Locally, News, Releases, Resources
Big fan here of AfroDJMac‘s work. Equally so of the work of Mark Mosher. It is only fitting that they collide for a custom rack.
This rack is based on the U-He Zebralette, the single OSC version of the Zebra virtual synth. I have started working on this synth via Mark and I am definitely impressed. Once you get over the slightly off-center approach for the user interface there is a lot that can be done.
The new rack (released today) is can be downloaded here. You will need the VST U-He Zebralette.
Example audio:
Video Support:
Mark Mosher + UltraNova + Dummy Clip Modulation
by Marc on Aug.30, 2011, under Documentation, Knowledge, Locally, Video
Just a quick shout out for Mark Mosher‘s new video on modulating the UltraNova (or any external synth or device) using dummy clips in Ableton to send discrete data.
Here’s the short video:
Special thanks to Mark for putting this video up as he is showing how we (as Ableton artists or modern DJs) can incorporate quality gear into our set and escape form the confines of what the LCD screen has to offer.
Further support form Mark on the UltraNova is available on his site.
Follow Mark on Twitter here.
August 2011 Meet Up Decompression – Vinyl (main floor)
by Marc on Aug.09, 2011, under Documentation, Locally, Meet-Ups and Gatherings, News
On the heels of the Ill Gates workshop we had a meet up. The flyer was AWESOME:
We finally have a great flyer format. Don't you think?
Our Meet Up (free 18+) was held at one of the premier clubs in North America Vinyl – so super-dooper thanks to SoCo, Doug, Ronnie, and this awesome room!
(continue reading…)
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.
The Meet Up Formula – 2011
by Marc on Jul.08, 2011, under Documentation, Resources
In producing presentations for our Meet Up group on Ableton and having a few years behind us here’s where we stand on the meet up formula. (subject to change)
The Three Part Approach – Beginner, Intermediate, and End Game
Beginner : A presentation for new comers to Ableton, something like warping basics, how sends/returns work, or something of that nature. This level is intended to be approachable by someone who is new to the platform and wants to learn. These presentations should allow tome for questions either after, during, or in a break out group aka “patio session”.
Intermediate : Presentations in this realm are intended for anyone with some mileage on Ableton. A perfect example of this level of presentation is Mark Mosher’s presentation on VST at our May 2011 meet up. Visit his site here to get more! A presentation of this nature should should walk the line allowing beginner Ableton users to understand essentially what is going on while also seeing the true power of Ableton available to them. At the same time experienced users may already know the topic but generally will learn something(s) new.
End Game : Get freaky! This is the best place to introduce cross platform technology, M4L craziness, fringe ideas, practices that are not main stream, and other advanced topics in Ableton and Electronic music. This topic stays pretty wide open.
Each one of these presentations we try to keep to 20-40 minutes each. Longer presentations and ideas are welcome, but can drag for those who are not a fan of the topic.
Other elements that work well – as a host or presenter – introduce yourself to everyone as talk to everyone. Be visible through the night. Nod at the dumb stuff the same as the smart stuff. Think like a politician:
“Nice doggie” (where’s a stick?)
Petting Zoo : As new controllers come available bring them in for show and tell. We did a HUGE petting zoo with 10 controllers and 7 presenters. That was intense. One or two controllers per meet up is better.
Some three years into this stuff and I still have over 50 presentation ideas in the cue! Some are easy to pull off, others require resources and collaboration. There is no end in sight!
Finally – Keep it FREE!! If people are donating their time to present entry shoud also be free – this is what builds community!
However – if there is a curriculum and a set of goals to be taught – do a workshop and charge for it! Providing lessons (private or otherwise) is how musicians have fed themselves for centuries. Ableton and electronic music is just a current itteration of music and technology. There was a time in music where the Violin was new tech.
Think about it and see everyone soon!
Ableton User Group Collective Patch Library downloads available on GitHub (free)
by Admin on May.16, 2011, under News, Releases, Resources
Ableton Colorado User Group in conjunction with DJNSM/Datamafia** are proud to implement a free and open source repository of Ableton patches!
For those who don’t want to read and only want the patches – click HERE and download a *.zip
I really am not clear on that GitHub logo yet... CLICK TO DOWNLOAD!
Is this a first? Hard to say – a search of the repo brings up results, all sorts!
So what is GitHub?
GitHub is a hosted SAAS based on Git. Git is a popular version control system for programming (or nearly any digital data). Git was written by Linus Torvalds (creator of Linux) with the desire to increase the quality of version control software.
Version control is very common and popular in the programming arena. As software is created a “commit” action is performed where the current state of the software is placed into a repository (as a binary file typically). That “version” is now available for download. Later (minutes, hours, days, or weeks) another version is “committed”. This allows the user to retrieve the earlier version as well as the new version. Simple huh?
In other words, this is like saving before the mob boss in a video game. If you fail you just load up your earlier “save point” (aka commit) and start over again.
This is a very minimal explanation of Git and repositories. I have already seen people glaze over. No need. Click here and “download” a *.zip.
A time moves on and new versions are added, old versions can be accessed (downloaded) and the full history is kept with the iterations.
Some other coolness on version control:
Binary differential : As you go from version A to Version B the repository (by nature) only “stores” the differential between the commits. An example:
File A contents “ABBA”
File B contents “ABBAC”
The commit for File B reads “File A and add a C on the end”.
In the example that does not seem like an efficient way to go. When you have thousands of lines of code it is awesome. In this system are the tools to debug and improve code that a modern application can not live without!
Fork and parallel development : In many cases developers can fork a repository and develop independently. These new developments can be merged back into the master trunk. This is how people build ideas into programs. I am not going to get too deep on the various minutia of version control. In short, everyone reading this article, as well as 99% of human existence uses something that is developed in version control.
Some links on GIT:
- http://git-scm.com/ : The main point of entry for the project
- Wikipedia entry also good reading distributed revision control
- GitHub
The benefits are grand for people who need to log and analyze software developments. I really don’t have enough time or patience to explain all of my love.
Drawbacks : There are a few – let’s focus on the general user who knows little on the topic:
- Command Line Based : There are GUI’s, they are slower – better to learn commands and commit and manage directly
- Way more friendly on Linux and Mac (*nix kernels)
- Need to know how to manage your data very well.
- Not for a casual user looking to create back-ups
- Not a back up system
So far we have patches from Mark Mosher, Chase Dobson, and me. They include some Deadmau5 Operator patches, some sound design patches for live performance, glitch effects, and more.
DOWNLOAD
Check out the wiki introduction, pages, and download.
** I credit myself as I keep the lights on (I pay for my accounts), write the wiki, test the patches, and maintain the repo. Help is welcome. Let me know!
Technology Roundup April 2011
by Marc on Apr.21, 2011, under Knowledge, News, Resources, Video
Let’s see what is happening out there!
Looks like ribbon controllers are coming back in style. I have Stribe Duo in my arsenal. Very cool. Specifically in how you can control variables in a way not available with other types of control surfaces. However, via CDM, comes an article on a DIY Arduino based ribbon controller. Included is a video:
Those of you looking for mo’bettah control or at least a change in the ergonomic nature of how you control data, consider ribbon a good bet.
Ad the DJ culture changes and declines (by some metrics) new things are happening. I recently began working on a an Allen and Heath Xone Itch controller as a MIDI control surface for Ableton. There is a lot of potential for these units to be used outside of the intended scope of design. Here is another one hitting the market (via GearJunkies).
This unit has a certain new sexiness. I am definitely interested in helping push the transition form “Wheels of steel” to “Square Pusher”. Any DJ who wants to step up the game is welcome at my door.
Mark over at ModulateThis! has a new post highlighting an install and methodology. In short he is using a “9box” approach.
I can see my set from here!
This is generally a derivitive of my “Platter” system. The 9box is a 3x3 grid, the Platter system was originally a 4x4 grid and now 4 wide by n tall (using MIDI Remote Scripts allows for variable height).
In short, Mark has standardized a method to interact with Audio Cubes in an improv, teaching, and performance environment. Please visit the site for all the details and to learn more.
MLRV is out. And so is version 2.2. Here is a thread on Monome.org.
David pointed out how the new Max4Live features should be included in a tech round up. And right he is, so here is a (handy dandy) video:
Samplers and loop-packers read Peter’s article here. Good stuff and don’t forget about the cross links.
Give it away, give it away, give it away now!
Oliver chimes in on posting music. A good read and considerations for any musician. Don’t forget how this underscores the changing state of music and the business.
Open source music creation. Thx Peter!
Korg Monotribe (and more) from the’ Messe:
I avoid the iPad hype. But a few things are worth mentioning. The Gorillas limited edition of the iPad Electribe is kinda fun. Oliver picks it up from here…
And closing out.
DON’T BE LAME AND USE WIRELESS TO CONTROL YOUR SET! Boom -- another solution!
Denver, Boulder, Colorado, Electronic Music, Snotsicle
by Admin on Feb.02, 2011, under News
Yes, the snotsicle edition. Someone in Colorado did NOT pay the heating bill. Seriously! As they say in Colorado:
Wait five minutes and someone will be complaining about something new.
Or something like that.
Friendly Reminder
Electronic music should come from the soul. With that said you can not possibly contain all your soul in your laptop. So keep your eye open for opportunities to expand your sound. Here’s a step in that direction:
Ugly chicks have soul too!
The above image supports this article where they state:
Bit crushing, rate reducing, weird noises: DIY 10-bit effects/guitar pedal with an Arduino for lo-fi DSP.
In my words, a great way to “get out of the box”, a common mantra from me as an avid supporter of LivePa and post-processing. Included is a walk through and tutorial on building the processor.
Arduino is cool stuff, go here for the overview, go to Boulder to get parts from Spark Fun.
Faster, now, Faster!
Once again, the RPM challenge is here as CDM reports. In short, get a ton of coffee, make an album, send it in, you may win!
Play Fair(light)
Oliver posted this iPad Fairlight. I dunno what to think. Screw that, look at the other stuff, such as this item from Fairlight:
Full editing and integration. Hmm...love stable non lap/desktop DAW.
Features:
- Innovative self labeling key switches
- Lightning-fast push-button operation
- Dedicated transport buttons, Jog Wheel, Monitoring controls and number pad.
- Optional fader packs with full color OLEDs showing channel information and metering
- 230 into 72 mixer with full automation and monitoring facilities
- On-board dual-HD video recorder
- On-board audio recorder/editor up to 192 tracks
- Direct Link
Hmm…there’s more. Can’t afford this sexy beast and this also looks like a welcome addition.
Attn DJs
Gear Junkies reports on a little digital DJ controller beat down.
Lotsa knobs, but does it warp?
Bullsh*t?
[editorial soapbox warning] I try not to complain in this outlet, but this article is a reminder on one avenue that influences music in a “generally” negative fashion. In short “Citigroup Inc buy EMI” – a little late to the game, hope they have buckets, the (big music) ship is sinking.
Why the bad tone? Simple – I learned recently about a fundamental shift in the music industry (a few decades ago) where label management (ownership) shifted form music centric people (producers, musicians, etc) and shifted to lawyers and bankers. This is part of a larger litigation-centric model where anyone of us can get the bejeezuz sued out of us for IP violation (remember Napster?)
Yeah, big shock huh? EMI, in particular, has an amazing history. I hope things continue to flow as desired for the group. These changes are inevitable. Musicians and the sort are sinfully horrible at management compared to lawyers and bankers. Business versus art, business wins because they can break artists. Artists can spit, but spitting don’t work against a phalanx style legal team.
These things happen. Keep doing what you do (everybody!). The music business is changing and the future is in our hands!
Women in the Recording Studio, YES!
Women’s Audio Mission is where it is going on! They state:
Changing the Face of SoundWomen’s Audio Mission is a San Francisco based, non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of women in music production and the recording arts.
Studio work is NOT all knobs. Building a workspace is seriously important and requires a depth in knowledge far, far beyond audio engineering.
Go to the site and check out the work they are doing.
LOCAL MUSIC!
Ben Samples “Skyscraper” is out on Soundcloud.
Also check out Samples and Crowdrock’s remix available on Addictech.
or here:
Ben Samples and Crowdrock remix available - nize!.
ProJect Aspect killed (aka won) the Live PA Battle and keeps on movin’.
David Henderson (think guitar+monome), from David “More mashing up electronics with rock and fusion here”
Bobby C is just churning out the tunes.
DJ Shares – keeps a busy schedule as well as a heavy mix output.
Mark Mosher is supporting another Patch Lab release. (aka free stuff!)
January Colorado Round Up
by Marc on Jan.25, 2011, under Locally, News
Colorado is getting some serious coverage as we envelope our electronic music scene. This became pretty apparent when I had the opportunity to go to NAMM this month. So much seriously good stuff happening!
Recognize any of these efforts?
One of our many users is Jeremiah – he is increasing the support for electronic music both on a personal level and by finding great info. Here’s an example (be sure to add this site to your feed)
http://synthesaur.us/2011/01/spend-an-hour-with-tom/
Mark Mosher is one of our most active bloggers in Colorado for electronic music technology. I very much support his Patch Lab project enabling more information flow for the methods of making music and sound. Here’s another addition:
http://patchlab.modulatethis.com/2011/01/faw-circle-patch-ancient-astronaut.html
Mark also dropped in at University of Denver for some powerful demonstration action. Here’s his report:
and again, on NAMM:
http://www.modulatethis.com/2011/01/namm-2011-coverage-and-events.html
Our friends over at Got Bass are kicking up the dial just like the many players. Here’s a taste of from GBM:
Sub.Mission via ZenoDub updated the site:
Fisk has some new stuff out there (Fresh2Death) via SubSythesis
http://www.subsynthesis.com/2011/01/greg-fisk-contact-mixtape-mhsm/
If you are in Colorado let us know! We are always looking for cool music and ideas form our community of electronic musicians!
-
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.
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