Apocalyptic Music
When I say apocalyptic, I mean revelatory. Not the association most have, but a long-standing linguistic mode of language in modern civilization.
Hang out here to get a healthy dose of Ableton at scale. Stable, reliable, stage-ready, and integrated not only with a larger framework of gear and processing, but also venue-ready from a coffee shop to Red Rocks.
Warning: It’s all for fun
Tsar Bomba project is a restart of work I put on pause in 2013. Back then I was very busy working in startups in NYC, and the music business was getting on my nerves.
I went by the “handle” DJNSM aka “DJ Not So Much” as I had a past time of pissing off DJs - the work included the “scratch box” - an all-analog processing rig modified to allow scratching in real time.
The above video dates to 2010, when I was just finishing the first prototypes and will be documented here (it’s actually very simple). From here I took my Ableton work and Scratch Box around the US, performed at SXSW, delivered prototypes to San Francisco, and performed with numerous bands and projects.
I have decided to recreate my hardened and well-known approach and give all the knowledge away for free. In this version 2, I am sending out the most stable and performance-ready template and technological overview possible.
Although the template will only operate for certain scenarios and equipment, the theory, approach, and methods are evergreen and will serve anyone who has the knowledge and potential to tear down and rebuild using what this project outlines as best practice.
I used this technology for years for my live shows. At one show I played, the opener said, “holy shit! I am using your template” (back when I kept an APC version available for download).
I have 2000 hours invested in the original, and Version 2 is looking even stronger!
Welcome to the (growing and soon-to-be largest) cache of Ableton performance knowledge on the planet.
A note about AI
AI is creeping in, and I'm betting people will be interested in music generation, remixing, and performance once again. I offer the knowledge as a portal to live performance.
Also, there will be no AI-generated posts, music, or content. I am betting on the humans.
Topics
Refer to the Table of Contents for actual content and links
My music
Combining live and laptop performance
Ableton template design and use
Controller programming and theory
Ableton Python control scripts
Interfacing in small and large venues
Tricks and tips to take things to the next level
Key gear and proper usage
Scratch Box
Whoami?
20 years Ableton, invited and “declined” certified training despite frequent collaboration
Former active live performer with 1000+ shows and collaboration with international acts
Professional musician (retired) with stage time on piano, synth, organ, vibraphone, bass, tabla, gatam, and drums/percussion
Software engineer by trade
Currently operating in tech advising and investing; this is a passion project
