As promised! Cache Flowe will be joining us for an evening of Live visual processing. This is going to be an amazing evening for all!

Those of you interested in adding a visual element should check out Processing.org, the source for much of the scripting and framework Cache Flowe uses in his live sets.  Beyond visual Cache Flowe will be performing music and explaining his set up and approach to a full Live A/V set. A few key topics:

• Real time MIDI & audio
• Rendering music videos
• Use of the Eclipse IDE
• ChucK (audio programming language for real-time synthesis) and vocal processing

When : March 14, 2010 7pm

Where :  The Walnut Room located at 3131 Walnut Street in Denver.

How Much? Not a single penny – FREE! Just the way we like it!!!

RSVP NOW!

Cache FLowe Bio : Mashing up idm, hip hop, funk, drum and bass, trip hop, experimental, jazz, techno, and dubstep, CacheFlowe creates genre-skewing electronic music that has received acclaim from local and international press. Producing with a computer since 1996, he’s honed an original style that’s defined by stuttery, complex breakbeats, deep analog basslines, techno-flavored synths, organic instrumentation and contorted samples. Working on the same Ableton Live set since early 2004, CacheFlowe’s live show is a fast-paced smorgasbord of chopped breakbeats and analog synths on 8 channels of audio. He bobs and weaves through an array of electronic genres and tempos, using nothing but sounds and loops from his own productions. Appearing on official record label releases alongside the likes of Twine, Ladytron, Daedelus, Ulrich Schnauss, Starkey, Machinedrum, ISAN, Submerged, Fog, and sharing the stage with Amon Tobin, edIT, Machinedrum, Dizzee Rascal, Mochipet, Jeff Parker (Tortoise), DJ Olive (MMW, Sonic Youth), Nels Cline (Wilco), and countless local talents, CacheFlowe continues to freak the beat in new and exciting ways.

You can find Cache Flowe at CD Baby, Discogs, MySpace, and via Plastic Sound Supply on YouTube and of course his main site.

Some video for your viewing pleasure!

Media and Press information is located here.

Just say no to forest fires.

RSVP Now! FaceBook

This is the a Controllerism special we are calling “The Petting Zoo“. Here is what we got:

• Jazz Mutant Lemur presented by Darren Kramer
• Monome 128 and Launchpad by David Henderson
• DJ Tech Tools MIDI Fighter band Livid DIY by  me.
• Snyderphonics Manta presented by Dawrin Grosse
• Arduinome presented by Mike / Circle Six(wiki link – this is a Aruino chip that works like a Monome)

Following the presentations stick around for some great hands on work with each unit and presenter.  (okay, now you get the petting zoo reference?)

When : February 28, 2010 7pm

Where :  The Walnut Room located at 3131 Walnut Street in Denver.

How Much? Not a single penny – FREE! Just the way we like it!!!

Our evenings sound track is provided by Circle Six via his Ardionome! Next Month Cache Flowe!

But Wait, there’s more…

Our (new) friends at Curious Inventor are so kind they are loaning Ableton Colorado Stribe Duo and Midiator.

The Stribe Duo needs little explanation.  I would sum it up with”pretty lights, crazy control,  and great feed back”.  If Neanderthal don’t cut it go to the site.

Kicking it up a notch – the Midiator converts video game energy into MIDI.  Yeah, that is a PS2 controller. (think of it as Doom to MIDI conversion)

If anyone wants to help present and learn these great pieces form Creative Inventor send me an email at inf [at] abletondenver.com. I would love to hear from you!

How about some photos?o

The Arduinome

The Lemur

The Manta

The MIDI Fighter

The Livid DIY / Brain

The Monome

The Launch Pad

Darwin Grosse

Darwin Grosse is an artist, producer, media software developer, and the Director of Engineering for Cycling ’74. He is also a prolific writer, having authored more than 120 articles for Recording magazine, several product manuals, and countless product tutorials. Formerly the editor of CreativeSynth.com, he now focuses on bringing his Beginner Mind to music and media production. [credit]

Darwin’s Play site : http://www.20objects.com

Darwin’s Blog :  http://www.darwingrosse.com/

Darren Kramer

Darren Kramer is an Edwards Trombone Performing Artist and Ableton Specialist and is in demand as a freelance trombonist, composer and educator throughout the United States.  Kramer graduated from the University of Miami and moved to NYC where he toured with Matchbox Twenty, Tom Jones, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies.  He has also recorded with such artists as Michael Brecker, Eric Marienthal and Jerry Hey and his original composition “Not Far From Here” was a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.  Kramer is now the President/CEO of his own music company, DKO The Darren Kramer Organization, whose inspiring concerts, educational clinics, five exceptional recordings, and over fifty challenging arrangements (Available Now for small group AND big band!) have helped modernize the trombone and expand its role in contemporary music.  The 2010 DKO CD release is entitled “Beyond The Boneyard” and features an inspiring one man band performance utilizing electric trombone, keyboards and computer loops.  This cutting-edge project is also being presented by Kramer throughout the country as a music software PowerPoint Presentation “Creating Music Using Software and an Electric Trombone!”.

Find Darren at ElectricTrombone.com

David Henderson

[bio pending]

Catch up with David at http://www.dhenderson.com

Mike / Circle Six

[pending]

Take a listen via MySpace.

Curious Inventor

Well, they are not coming here in person, but they will be with us in spirit. Digital spirit that is…

“We’re a few mechanical and electrical engineers from GaTech trying to make it easier to make and sell inventions. We write how-to guides, sell cherry-picked parts and tools, and also manufacture kits…”

Pay them some support here.

DJ Not So Much

Hey, that is me! If I launch my website I will put a bio up.

No forest fires! MEDIA AND PRESS

I hope everyone had a good New Year.  I am still battling a sinus infection (or alien experimentation gone wrong).

We are still excited to have Darwin speaking at the next meet up.  This will be your #1 opportunity to get you Max for Live off to a sloid kick.  The details for that evening start here.

Two days Extended to Jan 10 – get DEEP discounts from Nick’s tutorials. Go here to get the whole scoop: http://nickstutorials.com/archives/585

Our studio at Colorado Music Lab is moving along. Yesterday I invested a nearly complete 8 more hours doing wiring and minor details.  We hung a ton of pictures as well.  The place is looking good!  Photos and video coming soon! Open house 23Jan2010!

The MIDI Fighter has arrived! I am working on a review right now. It is pretty awesome!

Mark over at Modulate This! has a great year in review, check it out! He is not only a great guy, but super knowledgeable.  We are lucky to have people like him in our Colorado region!Mark has alos done a good job at wrapping up some recent debate on sound quality.

Ableton 8.1 was recently release (we tweeted). Here is a point of entry at Synthopia. Also, as fo 28Dev2009 Live 8 development Halted due to bugs, read more on the forum.

Event : Basslab presents Siren

Livid Block Ne – inrto:

livid block NE Intro from Livid Instruments on Vimeo.

Richard Devine’s GrainCube Reaktor Ensemble via Synthtopia: (when did music production turn into a video game screen from the 1980’s?)

Sharpen your Launchpad Skills:

Video Shuffler / Max for Live Device Demo:

Hell Yeah – Jeep Techo!:

Quick Demo of Video Shuffler – my MaxforLive Device from digital funfair on Vimeo.

Of Note:

Free Basslines sample pack

Free Dulcimer Emulator

New Pricing on Reason

Best ‘Net Releases of 2009

Free Percussion Samples

Free Patch Library For Harmless Synthesizer from Modulate This

Free Reason ReFill – Monologue

(via Synthopia) All Xoxos Plugins Now Freeware!

Free Music Sequencer For Linux, MusE

CDM Biggest Tech Stories of 2009

As we round out 2009 (a pretty good year) I want to know what is going on as well as some plans for the future of Ableton in Colorado and the Rocky Mountains.

News and Plans:

• Code clean up pending. The site is running well, but I am a programmer by day and I feel like I should tweak on this stuff.
• Soundcloud+ integration. I think Soundcloud is the winning music sharing app.  Many people out there agree. So, I am working on a t-i-g-h-t integration on sight. There are both free and pay versions.
• Sister sight of [redacted-site-name].com is coming where we will post Ableton-centric music – multiple formats. Suggestions welcome!
• PODCAST – I am seeing a “gap” on Ableton podacsting. Something informative, Ableton-centric but not exclusive. Topics such as new music, technique, tools, software, announcements, and lots of guests! We have a video studio available to produce additional material. Who out there is in love with their voice?
• Feburary Meet-Up  February 28, 2010 – we have at a Controller-ism special.  So far Mark from Modulate This! will be demonstrating Percussa Audio Cubes. Also, Darren Kramer will be sowing off his Lemur. David Henderson presenting  Monome and Lunchpad. I am waiting on a MIDI Fighter . Please contact me if you can fill in any parts or have unique controller-ism to show off!
• March Meet-Up is 14March2010-spring time seems right for “Ableton Out of the Box” – an external processing extravaganza! This is my main research focus using Ableton.  I am looking for more people who are freaks like me, so grab me anyway you can and start talking! This one is NOT set in stone! I am listening to ideas!
• Future Meet Up Idea : Video Integration – Call for ideas and speakers!
• Future Meet Up Idea : DJ Collaboration – Call for ideas and speakers!
• Future Meet Up Idea : Integration of Electronic Music into a Live Band Environment – Call for ideas and speakers!
• Open House at the home for Ableton Denver on 23Jan2009 (a Saturday Afternoon) More on that soon!
• Swallow Hill Class led by Chris Lawhead from Colorado Music Lab presenting “Ableton Live A-Z workshop” at Swallow Hill on Saturday 30January2009 at 1:30. This is an intro to Ableton, if you want to get a jump start sign up! (I will be there assisting Chris).
• Collaboration is starting! Don with NIIO Analog has some ideas. Spark Fun in Boulder does the whole Arduino thing. We have a circle of people communicating already. Contact us and let us know your mad skillz!  There are a few other projects heating up.  I hope we can bring more people together and make good stuff!
• Events Page! I am setting up a submission for events on the site. I r-e-a-l-l-y want to post all the shows in the Rocky Mountain area that feature Ableton.
• Speaking of events: Colorado Bass Music presents Siren at Beta(FB link) 15January2010 – Saturday  http://soundcloud.com/siren-music http://www.myspace.com/sirenheat

That is it for now!  Warp your  world!

–Marc

I found this, some how. Video game sounds: http://www.superflashbros.net/as3sfxr/?gaming. Such good stuff, someone needs to make a sample pack! Plus, the interface allows for great control! Good work, who ever you are!

Via Oliver:

Here’s a link to the Ableton Page. And a support forum.

Reminder – free live packs on the Ableton Site, go here!

Free loop and sample pack from KJ Sawka’s “Mad Beatz”.

Did you know there was a Steinberg Museum?  The site is pretty good, Flash, looks like Paper Vision.  Regardless of any behind the scenes geekery, the site is an interesting presentation.

So should we totally saturate this site with Ableton mixes?

I have already received one naked chick x-mas jpg.  I think most guys get them. I will not post it, but I will provide a link to Frosty the inappropriate Snowman“. (Yeah, that is Neil Patrick Harris samples).

Begin shameless meet-up promotion: Darwin from Cycling 74 will be dropping mad science via Max for Live.

Here we go, the first announcement :

Ableton Denver is proud to announce and evening with Darwin Grosse from Cycling ‘74 discussing Max For Live.

The event, is FREE! (21+)

Prepare yourself for graphical blasts of information with color and crazy subliminal messages. For now, I provide an image form the interwebs.

This is pretty exciting!  I will post more information and pictures. As for graphics, well, I my current favorite quote is from Myth Busters:

“If it’s worth doing, it’s worth over doing.”

More on that real soon. Back to Darwin.

Darwin Grosse is an artist, producer, media software developer, and the Director of Engineering for Cycling ’74. He is also a prolific writer, having authored more than 120 articles for Recording magazine, several product manuals, and countless product tutorials. Formerly the editor of CreativeSynth.com, he now focuses on bringing his Beginner Mind to music and media production. [credit]

Darwin’s Play site : http://www.20objects.com

Darwin’s Blog :  http://www.darwingrosse.com/

Darwin’s Work: http://cycling74.com

When : January 24, 2010

Where :  The Walnut Room located at 3131 Walnut Street in Denver.

Max for Live is an important evolutionary step for both Cycling ‘74 and Ableton.  When you factor in Moore’s Law, my brain should finally melt and ooze out the nose sometime in 2015.  All a result of finally gaining total control on all audio to finally engineer the perfect song, not too dissimilar to the Funniest Joke in the World (YouTube version).

In preparation for “the Final Track”  bring a taiko drum, fourteen airplane vomit bags, and a goat on January 24, 2010 for an evening with Darwin Grosse  and Max for Live.

Final accommodations for goats has not been worked out. Stay tuned.

C.DB.SN will be providing the evenings sound track.  (SoundCloud) Imagery and telepathic suggestion to follow real soon!

RSVP here!

Migrating from the weekly round up to a few smaller posts all the time.  Easier to make a few 15 minute stops than a 3 hour one every week.

Via Mark / Modulate This! Ableton 8.1 is available. Of note is the introduction of a new file format – the snippet:

Live 8.1 introduces a new file format – documents saved with Live 8.1 or newer will not be able to be opened in older versions of Live.

Ableton Download Page and the Forum Page.

That is major, so beware (and beware*)

On another note, Automap is up to version 3.4, go here for more.

And the teaser… We have a really good speaker lined up for Meet Up #3. Watch closely, the invites and such will hit in the next few business days. The date is 24Jan2010!

Cool new site (again, Mark coming through!) http://music-interface.com/ – all about interfaces (so many out there now!). Check out this video:

*yes, Waking Life Reference

Jan 28, 2010
DKO DJ
Live Looping via Ableton Live, Electric Trombone, Virtual Synths, Vocoder & Lemur
ELECTRONIC: Nu Jazz, Breakbeat, Downtempo, DnB
10:30pm-1:30am
Dazzle Lounge
Denver, CO

Jan 30, 2010
“Beyond The Boneyard” Music Software Clinic
(Creating Music Using Software and an Electric Trombone) 1:00pm – 2:00pm
CMEA Conference at Broadmoor Hotel
Colorado Springs, CO

Happy THXGVNG!

As promised James (Tobin) has placed Reason Template files on his site at http://www.dorjerecords.com/DAUG/ and I copied and mirrored the data here : http://abletondenver.com/press-kit/2009-11-meetup/follow-up/ – These are ready to go and will help out for the first leap or more.

James is super cool and if want to contact him feel free. Use his http://www.dorjerecords.com/ website.

Back to the Launchpad, no not really.  I have  an Akai MPD24 now and ultimately this unit is a much better performer for me.

I was reminded by David that the Launchpad IS cool. I agree.  I have some bad taste for now. So here is a video demonstrating some of the coolness. There are a lot of cool controllers coming on the market. I am interested in testing and talking about all of them and building a few also.

Mark  Mosher (http://modulatethis.com) has released his new album “Reboot“. If I know Mark, this is an all Ableton Project (with some injections of other technology here and there). This album is available at http://markmosher.bandcamp.com/ (free or donation) as well as on iTunes and other outlets.

Some thoughts on the meet up(s).

1. Spill 2 beers on Launchpad. That might make things go better for me next time.

2. Definitely want to have performers for the night. Thanks again to Chase for the soundtrack.  I plan on having him back for the next meet up (tentatively scheduled for 22Jan2010).  Anyone who is interested in providing the evening music please contact me. I would like to include collaborative and experimental stuff also.

3. Like any other tech meet up we I would like to grow the community involvement.  One area I consider critical is MIDI / Computer support.  So, I am interested in incorporating a meet up area for people to “test” or “help” with equipment after the meet up. So, bring laptops (there is wireless in the Walnut). This is inspired by the install fest that Ubuntu does “installfest”’s (Google search). So, there are a few of us Ableton and MIDI geeks. If we can help we will. We need both types of experts as well as some problems.

Next meet up topics – well, looking for a speaker on Max4Live.  I am not diving in too deep with max until my new studio project is rolling.  I am watching the topic closely, but I am working in another room for a while. Are you ready talk about it?

In the world of Ableton, there are a TON of sample packs getting released.  I can’t keep up (still recovering from vacation and marriage).

The Win7 footprint is not making any significant presence yet.  Not nearly as loud as Apple on the Snow Leopard release.

Love this, a via gearwire a mini tenori on think geek.

OMG So want to get? You too?(next link)

http://www.djtechtools.com/2009/11/19/diy-midifighter-kit_midi-fighter/#more-3435

Take a look at this demo. Do you agree on how the lines between Ableton (type) performance is melding with DJ Performance tools.

Some new people at the last Abelton Meet worth mentioning.

Chris from Spark Fun (Boulder) came down thanks again. Collaboration is in the future.  Anyone interested in Arduidno domination?

Also Doug from NIIO Analog stopped by with his Iotine Core. Analog filter with great control.  I look forward to hooking up with him again soon. People are building cool as all heck stuff in our area!!!

Again, I would like to remind everyone that the gap  between DJ tools and Ableton are closing.  I read some passing blurb about a formal announcement scheduled for Winter NAMM. So, I have been looking into Traktor / DJ Tool crossovers with Ableton.  There is a presentation in the making on this topic.

I am always looking for new ideas and speakers.  There are a few people who need to send me an email still who I met.

I am sorting through a back log of RSS feeds, I will pop stuff on line as I find it.

Any good shows happening? Send them through…

Thanks, warp hard.

–Marc