In this second video tutorial on trap drum programming we’re going to explore MIDI processing in Logic’s environment to control the hi hats in our pattern. We’ll be using Logic’s transformer object in the environment to split each MIDI note apart and process them separately in Logic’s environment.  Once the notes are split apart, we will then send those signals to different arpeggiator objects which are set to different patterns. This will allow us to hold down one note to play a 1/16th note hihat roll and another note to play 1/32nd notes.  We’re also going to add similar processing for the snares and aslo add pitch control via the modulation wheel on your MIDI controller. – Matt Shadetek

For further exploration of Logic check out Dubspot’s six-level Logic Pro Producer program, designed by Matt Shadetek:

Master Logic with our complete program of courses culminating in a four-track EP ready for release. In addition to achieving a complete overview of the composition process in Logic you’ll also earn the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Logic Pro. After completing this program, you will leave with a new EP, a remix entered in an active remix contest, and a scored commercial to widen your scope.

What’s Included

• Logic Pro Level 1: Shake Hands with Logic
• Logic Pro Level 2: Completing Your First Track
• Logic Pro Level 3: Mixing Essentials
• Logic Pro Level 4: Sound Design & Instrumentation
• Logic Pro Level 5: Advanced Composition & Production
• Logic Pro Level 6: Taking Your EP Global

Music Production with Logic Pro classes just started; sign-up today!

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This month’s installment of Dubspot Student Spotlight features an exciting array of up and coming DJ/producers and talented artists. Throughout this series, our goal is to shed some light on the exceptional DJs and producers emerging out of Dubspot’s front door. Our latest roundup includes: DJ Berlin, Jubilee, Lauren Plevy, Fame Cohen and Nick Bohme.

DJ Berlin // Turkey

DJ Berlin (Belgin Ugursu) was born and raised in the magnificent European city of Istanbul, Turkey. Exhibiting musical talent from an early age, Belgin spent much of her high school and university years performing live as both a guitarist and a vocalist. Eventually, these musical experiences bloomed and facilitated Belgin’s work as a composer of polyphonic ringtones for mobile phones. An interest in live looping and performance led Belgin to develop a live show, for which she has been dubbed a “one-woman orchestra.” Back in Turkey, DJ Berlin has since been featured within various TV shows and magazines.

In October 2012, DJ Berlin won second place in the Roland Corporation’s BOSS Loop Station World Championship Contest in Los Angeles. Belgin is currently enrolled in our DJ/Producer Program in New York City, and is developing a unique and exciting live looping performance – a show which she hopes to debut soon!

“I’ve learned so much in the DJ classes at Dubspot. I feel totally comfortable DJing. The teachers are the best DJs I have ever seen, and they teach you everything; you become very familiar with your DJ gear and equipment, and you’ll be able to solve problems and troubleshoot.  I’ve also learned some unique transition techniques. I feel like I am in good hands, and I totally get in to music so i can not stop it .” – DJ Berlin

Jubilee // Brooklyn via Miami

Brooklyn-via-Miami DJ/producer Jubilee (Jess Gentile) is one of many active figures in New York City’s ever-shifting electronic dance music landscape. Over the last few years, Jubilee has built a reputation for serving up her DJ sets at nightclubs and warehouse parties around the globe, and with a style defined as ranging from bass-heavy electro and sweaty tropical jams to UK grime, house, techno, party rap, r&b and more.

Jubilee has teamed up with Mixpak’s label boss, Dre Skull, with whom she has created the party: Mixpak Extended Play. In addition, Jess also hosts her own weekly radio shows: Brooklyn Radio’s “Fireworks” and Radio Lily’s Mixpak showcase.

As if she wasn’t busy enough, Jubilee has steadily increased her music production workload. Last year saw the release of her Pop It! EP on Mixpak, and she recently dropped a collaborative record with partner-in-crime Star Eyes on the Unknown to the Unknown imprint. Throw in remixes for Canblaster, Hydraulix, Creep and Zuzuka Poderosa, and it should be easy to understand why Jubilee is quickly becoming one of her scene’s go-to producers.

“Dubspot really helped me challenge myself and expand my music journey.” – Jubilee

Lauren Plevy // New York City

New York City-based artist Lauren Plevy recently completed both our DJ Extensive Program and Music Production with Ableton Live Program, all the while studying classical piano. Currently, Lauren is spending much of her creative time practicing piano and refining her productions; ultimately, her goal is “to make music that moves the soul.”

“I was immediately welcomed and accepted at Dubspot as a fellow artist, which gave me the confidence within months to start DJing in clubs and to begin producing my own music. I formed personal connections with all of my teachers and my classmates became like family.” – Lauren Plevy

Fame Cohen // New York City

Fame Cohen has recently emerged as one of New York City’s notable female DJ talents. While performing at venues ranging from NYC’s club scene to charity and private events, her sets span across the genres of house, electro, pop and hip hop. Fame likes to employ an open-format approach in her DJ sets, and by doing so she is able to read the crowd and deliver the sounds that keep everyone dancing.

In the winter of 2012, Fame was one of Polar Lounge’s resident DJs, whereupon she launched her own party: Club House Wednesdays. So far in 2013, she has held three residencies in NYC: Tammany Hall, Nouveau and The Dollhouse Urban Burlesque.

Fame’s talent and tenacity have led her to share the stage with a handful of music legends, such as The Roots’ Questlove and Pras from The Fugees. Fame Cohen is currently signed with the CEG talent agency.

“When I decided to DJ I was 26 years old, everyone said I was too old to start learning, so I signed up for the 3 month DJ course and by the time I completed the course I was spinning live in some of the city’s hottest clubs.  I can safely say Dubspot was the reason, I was amongst the DJs that truly knew Serato inside and out, I was ready for any obstacles the club presented. Years after I completed my course I still have a great relationship with my instructors at Dubspot and they are always there to help me out if any issues arise such as needing massive speakers for outdoor gigs lol. I am currently enrolled in the Music Production with Ableton Live. The instructors are extremely thorough and helpful. Dubspot was hands down my secret weapon for conquering the DJ scene in NYC.” – Fame Cohen

Nick Bohme // New York City

By the age of 16, New York City-based DJ/producer Nick Bohme was rocking parties with an array of musical styles ranging from techno and deep house to freestyle and hip hop. These days, Nick combines various influences to create his original music productions, and also to perform his DJ sets at nightclubs around the five boroughs, as well as for his own event: Midnight Disco Society.

Nick recently completed our Music Production with Ableton Live course, and can currently be found diligently developing and refining his sound – he likes to maintain a positive mindset and believes that “all good things will come to those who wait, but work hard for it.”

“There’s no other place on earth better for music production than Dubspot. Took me from A to Z in just 3 months. Went in knowing nothing, came out knowing everything (almost). An unbelievable experience I will never forget and hope to be back in the near future. – Nick Bohme

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In this video, James Bernard demonstrates the performance capabilities and creative possibilities of the innovative Tempest analog drum machine and synthesizer from Dave Smith Instruments and Roger Linn Design.

He first breaks down the drum machine and explains how it lets you create and manipulate beats and sounds in real time, demonstrating various ways you can utilize the well-thought-out pad bank for a dynamic live performance: the Tempest has sixteen pressure- and velocity-sensitive pads to which you can assign thirty-two unique drum sounds with different settings for each.

Bernard also explains the synthesis aspect and showcases some of the rich sounds you’ll find in the Tempest, essentially a six-voice analog synthesizer with four oscillators per voice, as well as many original effects devices. The Tempest is not your average drum machine or synthesizer: whether in the studio or in a live performance environment, the sonic possibilities with this machine are boundless.

Sound Design Komplete Program

Become fluent in the language of sound design with this comprehensive program. This six-level Sound Design program uses Native Instruments’ Komplete as a platform for learning synthesis and sampling techniques. Starting with an introduction to the properties of sound, this comprehensive series of courses covers most common synthesis methods available for music production in the DAW of your choice.

Discovering the right sound is like finding a needle in the digital haystack. Learn the fundamentals to make this easier, and gain the depth of knowledge to make a good sound better. Factory content is great, but everyone has it – your mix needs something special.

What’s Included:

• Sound Design Level 1: Introduction to Komplete 8
• Sound Design Level 2: Synthesis with Massive, FM8 and Absynth
• Sound Design Level 3: Sampling with Kontakt and Battery
• Sound Design Level 4: Advanced Sound Design
• Sound Design Level 5: Reaktor Ensembles and Instruments
• Sound Design Level 6: Reaktor Programming

Sound Design classes just started, sign up today!

NYC COURSES
Evening Classes: April 30, 2013; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:15pm-9pm
Afternoon Classes: May 1, 2013; Wednesdays and Fridays, 3:15pm-6pm

ONLINE COURSES in session with seats still available. Register today!

Music Production w/ Ableton Live

NYC COURSES
Morning Classes: April 29, 2013; Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri, 10:15am-1pm
Evening Classes: May 1, 2013; Wednesdays and Fridays, 6:15pm-9pm
Weekend Classes: June 2, 2013; Sundays, 1:00-6pm

ONLINE COURSES in session with seats still available. Register today!

From the studio to the stage, learn to use Ableton Live to create, record, produce, and perform your music. Learn about linear and improvisational styles of producing electronic music as we help you master the software’s innovative interface.

After completing this program, you will leave with four completed tracks (an EP), a remix entered in an active contest, a scored commercial to widen your scope, and the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Ableton Live.

What’s Included:

• Ableton Live Level 1: Shake Hands with Live
• Ableton Live Level 2: Completing Your First Track
• Ableton Live Level 3: Production Essentials
• Ableton Live Level 4: Sound Design & Instrumentation
• Ableton Live Level 5: Advanced Composition & Production
• Ableton Live Level 6: Taking Your EP Global

Start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.

Or if you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

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In this tutorial, Dubspot instructor and Ableton Certified Trainer Michael Hatsis a.k.a. !banginclude shows how to make dance music leads in Ableton Live 9 using Live’s built-in synth instrument Analog. These kinds of synth leads are useful for many different types of club music from dutch house and moombahton to trap and beyond. In a step-by-step process, Hatsis explains and demonstrates how to shape and transform the basic preset/default sound of Analog into an effective and customizable dance music lead that you can control and tweak to your liking.

Michael Hatsis is a Brooklyn-based electronic music producer, Ableton Live Trainer, and Dubspot instructor.

Music Production w/ Ableton Live

NYC COURSES
Morning Classes: April 29, 2013; Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri, 10:15am-1pm
Evening Classes: May 1, 2013; Wednesdays and Fridays, 6:15pm-9pm
Weekend Classes: June 2, 2013; Sundays, 1:00-6pm

ONLINE COURSES in session with seats still available. Register today!

From the studio to the stage, learn to use Ableton Live to create, record, produce, and perform your music. Learn about linear and improvisational styles of producing electronic music as we help you master the software’s innovative interface.

After completing this program, you will leave with four completed tracks (an EP), a remix entered in an active contest, a scored commercial to widen your scope, and the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Ableton Live.

What’s Included:

• Ableton Live Level 1: Shake Hands with Live
• Ableton Live Level 2: Completing Your First Track
• Ableton Live Level 3: Production Essentials
• Ableton Live Level 4: Sound Design & Instrumentation
• Ableton Live Level 5: Advanced Composition & Production
• Ableton Live Level 6: Taking Your EP Global

“So far the experience through Dubspot is incredible, and I can’t wait to go through the next levels. It’s just getting better each week, and I can not wait to start putting an EP together, not just being able to put a successful track together!” - Dan Carter, United Kingdom

Start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.

Or if you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

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In this video, Dubspot students talk about their experiences participating in our 3-month intensive Ableton Live Producer Certificate Program in which students learn how to create, record, produce, and perform music using Ableton Live. The students discuss their individual background, how they discovered Dubspot and what they’ve learned from our talented and versatile instructors DJ Kiva, Jon Margulies, and Adam Partridge.

This program is about learning Ableton Live by going through the entire process of being an artist, by developing your own sound through a series of sketches and experimentation. You will also learn the ins and outs of this powerful software through a series of exercises designed to help you master the steps involved in producing your own music. After a level of getting familiar with the tools that Ableton has to offer, you will then develop your sonic ideas into full length songs – one per level. You will be exposed to a variety of approaches to arrangement and composition, storytelling techniques, ways of creating tension and drama in your music. At the end of the day, it is the sum total of your choices as an artist that define your sound, and levels 2 – 6 will give you the experience of actually completing tracks to add to your portfolio.

Our music production program is custom-tailored to fit your musical style. You can choose from several Digital Audio Workstations including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or Propellerhead’s Reason.

After completing this program, you will leave with 4 completed tracks (EP), a remix entered in an active contest, a scored commercial to widen your scope, and the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Ableton Live.

What’s Included:

• Ableton Live Level 1: Shake Hands with Live
• Ableton Live Level 2: Completing Your First Track
• Ableton Live Level 3: Production Essentials
• Ableton Live Level 4: Sound Design & Instrumentation
• Ableton Live Level 5: Advanced Composition & Production
• Ableton Live Level 6: Taking Your EP Global

“So far the experience through Dubspot is incredible, and I can’t wait to go through the next levels. It’s just getting better each week, and I can not wait to start putting an EP together, not just being able to put a successful track together!” - Dan Carter, United Kingdom

Start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.

Or if you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

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In this fourth installment of Classic Recipes, the legendary DJ/producer Marley Marl explains and demonstrates how he produced and mixed the lead single off Biz Markie’s 1986 debut album Goin’ Off. Marl tells the story of how a young Biz, who was referred to at the time as The Diabolical Biz Markie and The Inhuman Orchestra, tracked him down in Queensbridge one weekend and introduced himself. When Marley Marl’s beats and melodies were combined with Biz Markie’s beat-boxing and rhymes, the chemistry was instantaneous.

In this video Marley Marl reconstructed the beat from “Make The Music With Your Mouth, Biz” using the Akai MPC Renaissance. He uses his trusted kick and snare (The Honey Drippers‘ “Impeach The President” intro drum beat) but this time around he has switched-up the beat pattern, using the hi-hats to create ghost notes. To complete the beat, Marl adds a sub-heavy, off-beat 808 kick drum, a sampled/sped-up piano melody from Issac Hayes, and some shakers which he created by recording his own voice.

Marley Marl is unquestionably one of the greatest producers and DJs in hip hop history. His influence and importance to hip hop are undeniable, and his innovative productions and pioneering use of sampling helped define the genre. Marley Marl has produced beats for some of the music’s finest MCs including Big Daddy Kane, MC Shan, LL Cool J, Biz Markie, Roxanne Shante, Kool G Rap, Nas, Rakim, and Masta Ace.

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The characteristics of a Dutch-style synth sound are useful for many different types of music aside from dutch house. These days, we’re hearing these sounds in many far reaching styles of electronic music. There are a handful of specific techniques that will help you get your foot in the door with a sound like this. The fun part is building new and unique textures around these parameters. The key here is to create a rubbery, smooth sound using lots of glide and a long release on the amplitude envelope. Then, to maintain the groove and accentuate the rhythm, we’ll explore different ways to add emphasis to each note played. – Evan Sutton

Become fluent in the language of sound design with this comprehensive program. This six-level Sound Design program uses Native Instruments’ Komplete as a platform for learning synthesis and sampling techniques. Starting with an introduction to the properties of sound, this comprehensive series of courses covers most common synthesis methods available for music production in the DAW of your choice.

Discovering the right sound is like finding a needle in the digital haystack. Learn the fundamentals to make this easier, and gain the depth of knowledge to make a good sound better. Factory content is great, but everyone has it – your mix needs something special.

What’s Included:

• Sound Design Level 1: Introduction to Komplete 8
• Sound Design Level 2: Synthesis with Massive, FM8 and Absynth
• Sound Design Level 3: Sampling with Kontakt and Battery
• Sound Design Level 4: Advanced Sound Design
• Sound Design Level 5: Reaktor Ensembles and Instruments
• Sound Design Level 6: Reaktor Programming

Sound Design classes just started, sign up today!

NYC COURSES
Evening Classes: April 30, 2013; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:15pm-9pm
Afternoon Classes: May 1, 2013; Wednesdays and Fridays, 3:15pm-6pm

ONLINE COURSES in session with seats still available. Register today!

Start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.

Or if you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

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In this video, Dubspot instructors and Logic Pro gurus Matt Shadetek and Bill Lee discuss our six-level music production with Apple’s Logic Pro. Matt and Bill break down all six levels of Dubspot’s Logic Pro Producer Certificate Program, which covers the complete process of composition and production in Apple’s premier music production software. From creating loops and sketches to to mixing and arranging your songs using, this program covers the fundamentals of electronic music production as well as advanced compositional techniques.

Master Logic with our complete program of courses culminating in a four-track EP ready for release. In addition to achieving a complete overview of the composition process in Logic you’ll also earn the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Logic Pro. After completing this program, you will leave with a new EP, a remix entered in an active remix contest, and a scored commercial to widen your scope.

What’s Included

• Logic Pro Level 1: Shake Hands with Logic
• Logic Pro Level 2: Completing Your First Track
• Logic Pro Level 3: Mixing Essentials
• Logic Pro Level 4: Sound Design & Instrumentation
• Logic Pro Level 5: Advanced Composition & Production
• Logic Pro Level 6: Taking Your EP Global

Music Production with Logic Pro classes just started, sign up today!

NYC COURSES
Morning Classes: April 29, 2013; Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri, 10:15am-1pm
Afternoon Classes: May 1, 2013; Wednesdays and Fridays, 3:15pm-6pm
Evening Classes: October 29, 2013; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:15pm-9pm
Weekend Classes: May 18, 2013; Saturday & Sunday, 7:15-10:15pm

ONLINE COURSES in session with seats still available. Register today!

Start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.

Or if you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

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This technique is commonly used in studios when people are recording electric guitars and they want to capture the sound of the guitar coming out of the amplifier. In this case I’m using it for a slightly non-traditional application to add some texture and noise to make my piano so it will feel more like an old sample and less like a digital instrument.  I also use this technique with amplifiers to add interest to cheap sounding Casio keyboards and other digital sources.  The basics are that we create a sound and then play it out of something, either an amplifier or a speaker, and then re-record the results. In this case I’m running it out of my speakers to add some room noise and then mixing that back in with the original clean signal.  Hopefully this inspires you to create your own interesting recordings and some life to your clean digital sounds. – Matt Shadetek

For further exploration of Logic check out Dubspot’s six-level Logic Pro Producer program, designed by Matt Shadetek:

Master Logic with our complete program of courses culminating in a four-track EP ready for release. In addition to achieving a complete overview of the composition process in Logic you’ll also earn the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Logic Pro. After completing this program, you will leave with a new EP, a remix entered in an active remix contest, and a scored commercial to widen your scope.

What’s Included

• Logic Pro Level 1: Shake Hands with Logic
• Logic Pro Level 2: Completing Your First Track
• Logic Pro Level 3: Mixing Essentials
• Logic Pro Level 4: Sound Design & Instrumentation
• Logic Pro Level 5: Advanced Composition & Production
• Logic Pro Level 6: Taking Your EP Global

Music Production with Logic Pro classes just started; sign-up today!

The week of April 29th in NYC – Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri – 10:15-am-1:00pm
The week of April 21st DUBSPOT ONLINE

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The new MIDI editing tools included in Ableton Live 9 offer us handy ways to modify and reinvent the harmonic and rhythmic content of any MIDI clip, whether it’s a melody, chord progression or drum pattern. These new MIDI editing features are a welcome addition, as programs such as Logic and Cubase have had similar features for quite a while now. They truly help an Ableton Live user take lemons and make lemonade! – Evan Sutton

From the studio to the stage, learn to use Ableton Live to create, record, produce, and perform your music. Learn about linear and improvisational styles of producing electronic music as we help you master the software’s innovative interface.

After completing this program, you will leave with four completed tracks (an EP), a remix entered in an active contest, a scored commercial to widen your scope, and the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Ableton Live.

Start Dates and Times for Music Production w/ Ableton Live

What’s Included:

• Ableton Live Level 1: Shake Hands with Live
• Ableton Live Level 2: Completing Your First Track
• Ableton Live Level 3: Production Essentials
• Ableton Live Level 4: Sound Design & Instrumentation
• Ableton Live Level 5: Advanced Composition & Production
• Ableton Live Level 6: Taking Your EP Global

“I summarize my experience at Dubspot as an adventure! I learned the equipment and the mentality. Ableton is now my playground, and I owe it all to Dubspot.” – Peter Ardent

More start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.
If you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

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Facing The Void

Some people aren’t prepared to be artists. Skilled entertainers or crafts people, sure. But artists? No. But why?

What’s the difference?

The difference lies in the ability to think of an idea and simultaneously think ‘”this may not work” while trying it anyway.  This is to face the void and not back down, to seek new territory even though the path is unclear ahead. These are a few of the ideas that come from Seth Godin’s excellent new book The Icarus Deception. I recommend it highly if you’re someone who aspires to make art.

The Icarus Deception

In The Icarus Deception Godin stretches the definition of art to include anything which breaks new ground, takes risks, or touches people. His definition includes doctors, business people, and service providers–people we don’t usually think of as artists.  Perhaps we could use a more precise word than art to discuss this broader definition but I think that Godin’s choice is a useful one for discussing the area of creative risk-taking.  In our own discipline of making music this can also become an interesting and important conflict.

Once we get to a certain level of technical mastery with our music creation, we are able to understand what is going on in any number of commercially successful songs and we can see a way to construct something similar. But some of us want something more than commercial success. We want to create something which broadens the discussion, shines light on new territory and inspires others to go further. Creating a banging remix of the pop hit of the month in the latest dance style might get you a lot of DJ gigs but it doesn’t necessarily expand the musical discussion. It doesn’t lead us off into uncharted territory and inspire us to challenge ourselves and do more interesting work. This is fine if your goal is to have a good time and make some money.  But these people are entertainers, not artists.

Having a Conversation About Intentions

This is an important conversation to have with yourself or with your musical collaborators: what are we trying to do? Are we making art to receive approval from others? Applause? Money? Panties thrown on stage? Or are you trying to create something original?

Although it may seem that I have a clear answer to this question, I do not.  I want ALL of the above things, not just one or two, and I think many of us feel the same way.

This is why the conversation is important–because your own answers may surprise you. Or you may realize that you are trying to move towards two conflicting goals and therefore making little progress. And if you find that you really want one of those things more than the others, then your answers may help you to move more consciously towards that idea.

The answer to the question is personal. There are rewards and risks that go along with each choice. No path is the easy path; each will be difficult in its own way. I suggest that you attempt to have this conversation regularly with yourself and your music partners to become conscious about the goals you want to reach.  Good luck.

- Matt Shadetek

For further exploration of Logic check out Dubspot’s six-level Logic Pro Producer program, designed by Matt Shadetek:

Master Logic with our complete program of courses culminating in a four-track EP ready for release. In addition to achieving a complete overview of the composition process in Logic you’ll also earn the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Logic Pro. After completing this program, you will leave with a new EP, a remix entered in an active remix contest, and a scored commercial to widen your scope.

What’s Included

• Logic Pro Level 1: Shake Hands with Logic
• Logic Pro Level 2: Completing Your First Track
• Logic Pro Level 3: Mixing Essentials
• Logic Pro Level 4: Sound Design & Instrumentation
• Logic Pro Level 5: Advanced Composition & Production
• Logic Pro Level 6: Taking Your EP Global

Music Production with Logic Pro classes are starting April 21st at Dubspot Online – Sign up today!

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To get started, I always find it helpful to sequence the kick part I’m making the sound for. This way, we’re tailoring the sound specifically to its musical part. Many of the parameters, such as envelope times, can be set more precisely and carry the song better. Remember that the pitch you play for the sequence should be the pitch you envision for the tail of the drum. Next, get the amplitude envelope in order. Let your taste, as well as the music dictate how long it takes for the sound to decay, and whether or not you’d like it to sustain. After the drum is fitting rhythmically, we can go buck wild with adding the punchy transient that will help the sound cut through a mix. – Evan Sutton

Related Dubspot Courses:

Become fluent in the language of sound design with this comprehensive program. This six-level Sound Design program uses Native Instruments’ Komplete as a platform for learning synthesis and sampling techniques. Starting with an introduction to the properties of sound, this comprehensive series of courses covers most common synthesis methods available for music production in the DAW of your choice.

Discovering the right sound is like finding a needle in the digital haystack. Learn the fundamentals to make this easier, and gain the depth of knowledge to make a good sound better. Factory content is great, but everyone has it – your mix needs something special.

Upcoming Sound Design Courses Starting in New York City and ONLINE:

April 30, 2013 in NYC – Tuesdays, Thursdays, 6:15-9pm
May 1, 2013 in NYC – Wednesdays, Fridays, 3:15-6pm
The week of April 21, 2013 ONLINE
The week of July 21, 2013 ONLINE

What’s Included:

• Sound Design Level 1: Introduction to Komplete 8
  
• Sound Design Level 2: Synthesis with Massive, FM8 and Absynth
• Sound Design Level 3: Sampling with Kontakt and Battery
• Sound Design Level 4: Advanced Sound Design
• Sound Design Level 5: Reaktor Ensembles and Instruments
• Sound Design Level 6: Reaktor Programming

Start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.

Or if you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

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In this example we’re going to use Logic’s Environment to set up an arpeggiator with large buttons that toggle between different resolutions or arpeggiator rates. We’ll learn how to map MIDI control change data to the arpeggiator in the Environment and how to create large visual controls to send that data. We’ll take a look at using the button object in the Environment to send MIDI control change data, a technique which could be applied to many different workflows. The goal of the video, beyond the specific application, is to get you thinking creatively about ways to manipulate MIDI data in Logic’s Environment to create unique musical tools and customize your own setup. – Matt Shadetek

For further exploration of Logic check out Dubspot’s six-level Logic Pro Producer program, designed by Matt Shadetek:

Master Logic with our complete program of courses culminating in a four-track EP ready for release. In addition to achieving a complete overview of the composition process in Logic you’ll also earn the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Logic Pro. After completing this program, you will leave with a new EP, a remix entered in an active remix contest, and a scored commercial to widen your scope.

What’s Included

• Logic Pro Level 1: Shake Hands with Logic
• Logic Pro Level 2: Completing Your First Track
• Logic Pro Level 3: Mixing Essentials
• Logic Pro Level 4: Sound Design & Instrumentation
• Logic Pro Level 5: Advanced Composition & Production
• Logic Pro Level 6: Taking Your EP Global

Music Production with Logic Pro classes just started; sign-up today!

The week of April 29th in NYC – Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri – 10:15-am-1:00pm
The week of April 21st DUBSPOT ONLINE

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conTRAPtion opens up new directions in trap music production! This VST is guaranteed to meet the demands of today’s DJs and trapaholics everywhere.

Load any song you want and after a brief analysis conTRAPtion slows down the tempo, rolls off the low end and adds distorted 808 kicks. Then it adds syncopated hi-hats alternating between 1/8th-note and 1/16th-note patterns. The final layer is classic trap sounds like gun shots, air horns, explosions, and of course “Damn Son, Where’d You Find This?”

conTRAPtion has multiple settings. If you want a subtle track spin on it, simply apply the first setting SWAG.

If SWAG isn’t cutting it and you need to get more hard in the paint, that’s what TURNT UP is for.

The next setting, MAYBACH MUSIC, adds flair, snares, and track IDs. And when there’s no turning back and you need to turn the trap up to 11, simply apply “Damn Son, Where’d You Find This?”

conTRAPtion also has a “chopped and screwed” feature, simply flip the CHOPPED & SCREWED switch to apply the effect.

And if anyone asks you “Damn son, where’d you find this?” you can tell them that Chris Petti told you.

Music Production w/ Ableton Live

NYC COURSES

Morning Classes: April 29, 2013; Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri, 10:15am-1pm

Evening Classes: May 1, 2013; Wednesdays and Fridays, 6:15pm-9pm

Weekend Classes: June 2, 2013; Sundays, 1:00-6pm

ONLINE COURSES in session with seats still available. Register today!

From the studio to the stage, learn to use Ableton Live to create, record, produce, and perform your music. Learn about linear and improvisational styles of producing electronic music as we help you master the software’s innovative interface. After completing this program, you will leave with four completed tracks (an EP), a remix entered in an active contest, a scored commercial to widen your scope, and the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Ableton Live.

What’s Included:

• Ableton Live Level 1: Shake Hands with Live
• Ableton Live Level 2: Completing Your First Track
• Ableton Live Level 3: Production Essentials
• Ableton Live Level 4: Sound Design & Instrumentation
• Ableton Live Level 5: Advanced Composition & Production
• Ableton Live Level 6: Taking Your EP Global

“So far the experience through Dubspot is incredible, and I can’t wait to go through the next levels. It’s just getting better each week, and I can not wait to start putting an EP together, not just being able to put a successful track together!”- Dan Carter, United Kingdom

Start dates and information about payment plans can be found here. Or if you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

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Ink Eyes // NYC

Ink Eyes is the collaborative project of bright young minds Trevor Coleman, Brad DeSalvo and Julian Lamb. Their shared passion for bass music and production led them to start working together, their styles meshing to create an original sound and approach. Borrowing influences from artists such as Borgore, Document One and Helicopter Showdown, Ink Eyes blends the melodic with the heavy, fusing complex musicality with accessible danceability. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open, Ink Eyes is not music to be ignored.

“Dubspot is more than a school, it’s an environment, a family. You don’t go there to sit and listen to a teacher drone on and on, you go to grow as an artist. Every time you walk into the building, you get a sense of ‘wow, this is the future.’” – Ink Eyes

Electro Khaki // Warsaw, Poland

Electro Khaki is the production moniker of Andrzej Pieszak, a classically-trained musician, composer and producer based in Warsaw, Poland. With wide-ranging stylistic influences from hip hop and jazz to house and breakbeat and enviable production credits under his belt (as in-house producer for the acclaimed Polish synth pop group Furia Futrzakow), Andrzej makes infectious and grooving dance tracks. He’s signed to Hero-In Music and is constantly remixing other artists and producing for his synth pop duo Fury of the Furries as well.

“I really got to know my production tools, met amazing people, charged my creative batteries and did it in the most inspiring environment possible–New York City. So, if you have an opportunity to come to Dubspot–do it!” – Andrzej Pieszak

Bertioga // NYC via São Paulo, Brazil

Juliana Pastoriza relocated to New York City from São Paulo in 2010 to further her graphic design career. She also developed a passion for deep bass music and dubstep, which she would listen to on headphones while she worked on designs. After immersing herself in the city’s growing underground bass music scene, she enrolled at Dubspot and took courses in Ableton Live, sound design, and DJing. Under the name Bertioga, Juliana serves up deep, rolling bass music at clubs and parties in New York and São Paulo. Listen to a couple of her recent remixes below and look out for the debut EP later this summer.

“Never before have I been so motivated and productive, or surrounded by so much talent, or felt this strongly about a community.” – Juliana Pastoriza

Tree Star Moon // Arlington, VA

In 2012, nineteen-year-old electronic musician and producer David Martell moved to New York City from Arlington, Virginia to study music production and mixing at Dubspot and further his composition and production skills. By the end of that year, Martell was producing advanced electronic dance tracks under the name Tree Star Moon, melding heavy bass and dubstep with ambient soundscapes and post-rock pastiche. One of his his tracks, “Surfing on the Clouds,” was released on LUNGR, the label owned and operated by Travis Richter (and also featured on last year’s Dubspot Holiday Compilation), and he’ll have a new EP coming out this April.

“Dubspot’s Music Production with Ableton Live and Mixing & Mastering courses gave me the means by which I could translate all the ideas in my head into music. I wanted to combine ambient soundscapes, post-rock, and acoustic music with heavy bass and dubstep elements. I didn’t have the production skills at the time, but Dubspot gave them to me. I learned so much and it helped more than I can even begin to explain. It gave me the foundation that I needed and opened so many doors for me.” – David Martell

Conrad Wittkop // Montreal via Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Montreal-based DJ/producer Conrad Wittkop was born and raised in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He played drums and guitars in various bands as a teen until he caught the electronic music bug and started sneaking into clubs and immersing himself in club and dance music culture. Ever since first getting involved with the scene, Conrad has been fascinated with the art of the DJ, seamlessly blending together a stream of continuous music and creating a communal space where people can let go.

He’s had the opportunity to open shows for world-renowned artists such as David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, Avicii, Tiesto, Erick Morillo, Bob Sinclar, Britney Spears, Pitbull, LMFAO and many others. Check out his latest DJ mix on SoundCloud:

“I studied Music Production with Ableton Live and Mixing & Mastering at Dubspot. I was so happy when I found the school! They really gave me a great understanding of the program and how electronic music works in general. Classes are well-paced and the instructors are very knowledgeable and experienced. I just loved the cool creative vibe there and the very nice people.  Who doesn’t love New York City? Can’t wait to be back.” – Conrad Wittkop

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Team Sports Have Gone Solo

A lot has changed in the way we make music. In the past, music was usually created as a group activity. People would sing together as they worked, relax at night performing for each other, and come together to celebrate community occasions with music. In fact, ethnomusicologists believe that music is one of the most important factors that helped early human communities stay together and maintain group harmony (no pun intended).

With the advent of recording technology and more recently computers, we now have the opportunity to turn every stage of the musical process into a solo activity. People can sit alone with their headphones and compose, record, arrange, mix, master, and distribute music all from the same computer and chair in their house. In many ways this is a huge gain. We live in an era of unprecedented creative freedom where we no longer need to seek approval from gatekeepers for our work to reach an audience.

On the other hand, it has turned music making into a very different kind of process which has perhaps lost some of its enjoyment.

As someone who has produced a great deal alone as well as in groups, I notice that I really have a lot more fun when working with other people. I feel you can often hear this in the product. There is clearly still a time for working alone, but sometimes sitting in your room and not interfacing with other people can sometimes get you into a creative rut.

Collaboration on The Empire Never Ended LP

I recently finished recording my latest album, The Empire Never Ended. On this release I collaborated with a number of different vocalists including Riff Raff, Troy Ave, Chan Dizzy, and my good friend and long-time collaborator Jahdan Blakkamoore. I also collaborated with my label partner DJ /Rupture on one of the beats.  While this type of collaboration was something I’ve done many times before, this was the first record that I didn’t completely engineer myself.

To mix the record I enlisted my friend and fellow Dubspot instructor Evan Sutton a.k.a. Astrolith. I chose to do this because I had reached a point with where I just didn’t feel I could bring fresh ears to the tracks. I had heard the songs so many times that I was worried I might get complacent and settle for something less than what I really wanted to achieve.

Bringing in a collaborator with fresh energy at this stage of the process was an incredible experience. To Evan all the material was brand-new so he had plenty of ideas about how to polish and improve it.  We went through each track instrument by instrument, discussed what was working, and made careful decisions about each sound. I sat in the sessions and gave input but also gave him freedom to make tweaks and improvements where he heard opportunities to do so. I’m incredibly proud of the result and am very happy to have discovered a new phase of collaboration 14 years into my career of making music.

Collaboration Can Expand Your Own Capabilities

Whether or not you have an established process of working on your own, I encourage you to explore involving other people in your music making. There are many upsides to collaborating. First of all, if you enjoy their company it’s a lot more fun to sit in a room together than being alone all the time. Another of the major benefits I find in collaboration is speed. Having someone who’s opinion you respect to say “stop fooling with that, it’s good” is very valuable to help avoid all the second-guessing we often get into on our own. Having two minds contributing and checking each other’s work is a great way to avoid artistic dead ends where we get stuck, frustrated and run out of steam.

Collaboration is also a wonderful opportunity to learn and expand your skills. Although I’ve been working with the same software (Logic Pro) for more than ten years, almost every time I work with someone else who uses it I pick up little ideas from watching them do their thing. Sometimes it’s something very simple like a keyboard shortcut I’ve overlooked, and sometimes it’s a major technique. It’s easy to keep returning to the same techniques and slow down in your development when you work alone. Watching someone else work can be a great source of input into your process and an opportunity to pick up new ideas.

The most profound addition to your creative process is another mind and set of ears.  I find that if I work on music with someone, regardless of their level of skill or approach, the end product is always very different than if I am working alone–including working with non-technical people who never touch a piece of equipment or play a single note. One of my great personal goals is to continuously develop my skills and process as a musician. Once you get to a certain level of knowledge, it can be difficult to find opportunities to learn and develop further. Collaborating with other talented people is one of the best methods that I’ve found.

- Matt Shadetek

For further exploration of Logic check out Dubspot’s six-level Logic Pro Producer program, designed by Matt Shadetek:

Master Logic with our complete program of courses culminating in a four-track EP ready for release. In addition to achieving a complete overview of the composition process in Logic you’ll also earn the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Logic Pro. After completing this program, you will leave with a new EP, a remix entered in an active remix contest, and a scored commercial to widen your scope.

What’s Included

• Logic Pro Level 1: Shake Hands with Logic
• Logic Pro Level 2: Completing Your First Track
• Logic Pro Level 3: Mixing Essentials
• Logic Pro Level 4: Sound Design & Instrumentation
• Logic Pro Level 5: Advanced Composition & Production
• Logic Pro Level 6: Taking Your EP Global

Music Production with Logic Pro classes are starting April 21st at Dubspot Online – Sign up today!

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Free Download: Ableton Live Instrument Rack for Trap Beat Programming

Download Atropolis’ Ableton Live template that he uses in the tutorial video above. [contact-form] Adam Partridge a.k.a. Atropolis is a DJ, producer, and electronic music production instructor currently living in New York City. Listen to his productions and DJ sets on SoundCloud, and keep up with him on Twitter and Facebook.

Music Production w/ Ableton Live

NYC COURSES (Course in session; seats still available.)

Morning Classes: April 29, 2013; Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri, 10:15am-1pm

Evening Classes: May 1, 2013; Wednesdays and Fridays, 6:15pm-9pm

Weekend Classes: June 2, 2013; Sundays, 1:00-6pm

ONLINE COURSES in session with seats still available. Register today!

From the studio to the stage, learn to use Ableton Live to create, record, produce, and perform your music. Learn about linear and improvisational styles of producing electronic music as we help you master the software’s innovative interface. After completing this program, you will leave with four completed tracks (an EP), a remix entered in an active contest, a scored commercial to widen your scope, and the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Ableton Live. What’s Included:

• Ableton Live Level 1: Shake Hands with Live
• Ableton Live Level 2: Completing Your First Track
• Ableton Live Level 3: Production Essentials
• Ableton Live Level 4: Sound Design & Instrumentation
• Ableton Live Level 5: Advanced Composition & Production
• Ableton Live Level 6: Taking Your EP Global

“So far the experience through Dubspot is incredible, and I can’t wait to go through the next levels. It’s just getting better each week, and I can not wait to start putting an EP together, not just being able to put a successful track together!” - Dan Carter, United Kingdom

Start dates and information about payment plans can be found here. Or if you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

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One of the new effects in Ableton Live 9 is the Glue Compressor, which can help “glue” your mix together and create a more uniform sound. This new device was created in partnership with analog software modeling experts Cytomic, who have created an effect that aims to re-create the behavior and sound of an SSL bus compressor, which Evan explains “has been known to glue mixes together.” This compressor differs from the regular Ableton compressor in that it’s intended to be pushed a bit harder and used on multiple tracks at once, adding some punch without losing the sound’s character. In this video Sutton demonstrates how this new effect sounds on different sorts of audio tracks in Ableton Live to give you a sense of what this new compressor can do.

Music Production w/ Ableton Live

NYC COURSES
Morning Classes: March 11, 2013; Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri, 10:15-1pm
Evening Classes: March 19, 2013; Tuesdays and Thursdays, Fri 6:15pm-9pm
Weekend Classes: March 16, 2013; Saturdays, 12:00-6pm

(These courses are in session but seats are still available if you want to join.)

ONLINE COURSES in session with seats still available. Register today!

From the studio to the stage, learn to use Ableton Live to create, record, produce, and perform your music. Learn about linear and improvisational styles of producing electronic music as we help you master the software’s innovative interface.

After completing this program, you will leave with four completed tracks (an EP), a remix entered in an active contest, a scored commercial to widen your scope, and the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Ableton Live.

What’s Included:

• Ableton Live Level 1: Shake Hands with Live
• Ableton Live Level 2: Completing Your First Track
• Ableton Live Level 3: Production Essentials
• Ableton Live Level 4: Sound Design & Instrumentation
• Ableton Live Level 5: Advanced Composition & Production
• Ableton Live Level 6: Taking Your EP Global

“So far the experience through Dubspot is incredible, and I can’t wait to go through the next levels. It’s just getting better each week, and I can not wait to start putting an EP together, not just being able to put a successful track together!” - Dan Carter, United Kingdom

Start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.

Or if you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

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For further exploration of Logic check out Dubspot’s six-level Logic Pro Producer program, designed by Matt Shadetek:

Master Logic with our complete program of courses culminating in a four-track EP ready for release. In addition to achieving a complete overview of the composition process in Logic you’ll also earn the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Logic Pro. After completing this program, you will leave with a new EP, a remix entered in an active remix contest, and a scored commercial to widen your scope.

What’s Included

• Logic Pro Level 1: Shake Hands with Logic
• Logic Pro Level 2: Completing Your First Track
• Logic Pro Level 3: Mixing Essentials
• Logic Pro Level 4: Sound Design & Instrumentation
• Logic Pro Level 5: Advanced Composition & Production
• Logic Pro Level 6: Taking Your EP Global

Music Production with Logic Pro

NYC COURSES
Morning Classes: April 29, 2013; Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri, 10:15-1pm (Seats still available. Register today!)
Evening Classes: April 30, 2013; Tuesdays and Thursdays, Fri 6:15pm-9pm

The week of April 21st DUBSPOT ONLINE

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A Live Instrument Rack is a powerful tool for creating custom devices such as big synths, pads, leads, and drum kits. In part two of this tutorial, we are going to look at trap hi-hat patterns and we’re going to create some variations combining a drum rack, sampler, the arpeggiator MIDI FX, and macro controls.  The arpeggiator will allow you get those fast to slow hi-hat patterns by automating the rate, which could be a faster work flow than programing these patterns via piano roll. – Adam Partridge

Free Download: Ableton Live Instrument Rack for Trap Beat Programming

Download Atropolis’ Ableton Live template that he uses in the tutorial video above.
[contact-form]

Adam Partridge a.k.a. Atropolis is a DJ, producer, and electronic music production instructor currently living in New York City. Listen to his productions and DJ sets on SoundCloud, and keep up with him on Twitter and Facebook.

Music Production w/ Ableton Live

NYC COURSES
Morning Classes: March 11, 2013; Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri, 10:15-1pm (Course in session; seats still available.)
Evening Classes: March 19, 2013; Tuesdays and Thursdays, Fri 6:15pm-9pm
Weekend Classes: March 16, 2013; Saturdays, 12:00-6pm

ONLINE COURSES in session with seats still available. Register today!

From the studio to the stage, learn to use Ableton Live to create, record, produce, and perform your music. Learn about linear and improvisational styles of producing electronic music as we help you master the software’s innovative interface.

After completing this program, you will leave with four completed tracks (an EP), a remix entered in an active contest, a scored commercial to widen your scope, and the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Ableton Live.

What’s Included:

• Ableton Live Level 1: Shake Hands with Live
• Ableton Live Level 2: Completing Your First Track
• Ableton Live Level 3: Production Essentials
• Ableton Live Level 4: Sound Design & Instrumentation
• Ableton Live Level 5: Advanced Composition & Production
• Ableton Live Level 6: Taking Your EP Global

“So far the experience through Dubspot is incredible, and I can’t wait to go through the next levels. It’s just getting better each week, and I can not wait to start putting an EP together, not just being able to put a successful track together!” - Dan Carter, United Kingdom

Start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.

Or if you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

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