Ableton Forum

So I have my first live set ever coming up on the 13th. Here's the crazy thing about it, I haven't been working on music for a while. So, the set had to be pretty much produced from scratch. On top of that, I was asked to do the show less than 3 weeks ago. So, I've spent the last 3 weeks making clips and samples and such. Now I'm trying to setup my arrangement... This is the hard part. It seems like it's getting way too complicated. I have a lot of little clips, instead of traditional "long" tracks like a dj might want. These are arranged in 8 tracks. Those go to 2 sends only, no master. Then I have a lot of dj effects I'm designing for the 2 sends and master. Send A is on Fader A, send B is on Fader B. Am I going about this all wrong? Is there an easier way to get this done? I'm also worried that i don't have enough content. I'm doing a big-beat set, so I can fill in long gaps with just beats and "one shots". Other than the beats. I have a solid 5 traditional "tracks" for the set. I'm thinking I won't have time to make more. Ugh, I'm so flustered. Any feedback is very welcome. Thanks!

ok, take a deep breath and think about ur set. u are doing big beat, ok.

think of ur set as a story: introduction (set the mood, the characters and the plot)

middle (the excitement, the dynamics) and the end (how do u want to leave? high energy? low energy?) its all up to u. u are the driver.


think positive and u will do well

While you are developing, make some basic mix clips from your arrangements that you like. During performance, trigger the basic base beats as loops and then run some detail swooshing and filter sweeps over the top using voices, white noise, etc.

Make some basic accompany drums mixes to add into your basic beat. Use congas, tablas, or tweaked out drums.

Practice cueing your setup while at home so you are comfortable doing it on stage.

-Terry