Behind the Space Bar

Building a Playback rig? Don't make this mistake that I see all too often in new Playback Techs.

The Playback and Playback Tech community is a wonderful community.

I love the trend of sharing rig builds and learning what others are doing.

Seeing the gear others rely on, and what they use to craft their sound is inspiring.

But...

I'm noticing an alarming trend with these

Beautiful, Instagram worthy rigs...

I share my thoughts in todays episode of Behind the Space Bar.

#uglyrigsarebeautiful

If you're just starting out with Ableton or using tracks, you're not a burden-we're glad you're here!

Every month, I hold a call just for From Studio to Stage students.

[Want access? Join me here:
https://fromstudiotostage.com/subscribe ]

This past month, I noticed an alarming trend.

There were multiple people asking questions, and apologizing for how "basic" they were. 

They were apologizing for "being in the way" because they're just starting out. 

I quickly let them know:
-you don't need to apologize and
-you're not in our way. 

You're welcome here...
and we're glad YOU'RE here. 

Don't miss the gift of beginning. 

We've all been there before. 

We're all beginners at something.

Glad you're here!

Want access to Beat Academy Pro + The Ultimate Producer course + my all new How to Create Live Remixes with Zero Production Knowledge course? 

Sign up here: https://fs2s.link/beat-academy [You only get access to my 
How to Create Live Remixes with Zero Production Knowledge course if you use this link]

How to get access to my "How to Create Live Remixes with Zero Production Knowledge" course: 
1) Sign up for Beat Academy Pro here: https://fs2s.link/beat-academy
2) Forward your sign-up receipt/confirmation to [email protected] 
3) We'll reply back with your exclusive link to the brand new course 

I’m no swifty… but T-Swift got it right… I’m the problem.. it’s me.

Do you believe that the next piece of gear will unlock your potential? We'll debunk the myth of external factors and shed light on the internal drive that genuinely propels us forward. 🚀

• Understanding the difference between internal vs. external motivators.
• Personal experiences from years of coaching students on stage performance with Ableton Live.
• Three invaluable tips to help you make real progress in your musical journey.

Whether you're a seasoned musician, a playback tech, or someone new to using Ableton Live on stage, this episode promises insights that can reshape your perspective and accelerate your growth. 🌟

If you're new here, welcome to "Behind the Space Bar"! And to our returning listeners, thank you for your continued support and kind words. Let's keep the conversation going! 🎹

Make sure to subscribe, like, and share if you found this content valuable. Let's make music together!

#BehindTheSpaceBar #MusicianGrowth #AbletonLive

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00:00 - Introduction to the episode and the topic of internal struggles

02:01 - Example of a playback tech's preferences hindering progress

05:28 - Stop letting preferences get in the way of progress

06:25 - Three tips to stop preferences from hindering progress

07:04 - Free Tracks template offer

08:15 - First tip: Audit current systems

09:37 - Second tip: Test assumptions

11:40 - Third tip: Try new things

14:12 - Importance of trying new things and testing assumptions

19:31 - Conclusion and call to action

Are you trying to convince your band to use tracks? Here’s a difference approach you can take.

I get it. You’ve seen the light. You want your band to use tracks. It’s going to improve your sound, make it easier to perform on stage, but you can’t get the rest of your band on board.

I’ve been there. I’ve coached students that are there (or have been there). We can address every objection your bandmates may have…but sometimes you’ve got to take a different approach.

In today’s episode of Behind the Space Bar I share what that approach is, and when it’s the right time to take it!

Want to run tracks like a pro? Download my free tracks template 👇

https://fromstudiotostage.com/template

Sure — anybody can learn how to use Ableton as a software program. But the ones who master using Ableton on stage don’t think of it like that.

What’s the difference between knowing how to use Ableton and using it on stage to put on a killer performance? It’s pretty simple, really. It’s your mindset in how you approach it.

If you only view Ableton as just software, you limit it to being utilitarian. It’s just there to do a job. But I’m going to teach you a different way to approach it — one you’re likely already very familiar with — that will help you level up on stage.

Martin Roberts has had a successful career bringing artists’ records to life on stage (including Shawn Mendes, M83, and others). He’s a playback engineer, music director, system designer, and just an all-around pro.

Watch the interview to hear Martin’s thoughts on live performance, playback, gear & music tech, and what it was like working with Shawn Mendes.

The bands that use backing tracks the best are the ones that do it without anyone noticing. But how do they do it?

Context is everything. EDM, cover bands, acoustic bands — all different types of bands use tracks. But they don’t all put the same stuff in the tracks because, well, it would be ludicrous for an 808 drop to happen in an acoustic set (or would it be awesome, actually?).

Watch for some tips to think through your context and examples of potential types of sounds to put in your tracks.

Brian (Not Brain) Funk teaches a class at Berklee Online Online, hosts the The Music Production Podcast, and creates sample packs for Ableton Live (and is also an Ableton Live Certified Trainer). How in the world does he do it all?

I got to sit down with Brian to discuss his crazy schedule and how he stays productive and creative with so many things to juggle.

This conversation was pure gold, and I learned a ton from chatting with Brian. Not just about Ableton Live, but about creativity, productivity, and life in general.

There’s a lot that goes into a redundant playback rig, and it can feel pretty complex to figure out. So, the natural question is…is it really worth all that time and money?

I break it all down for you in this video so you can know whether or not you really should invest in one or if you can get by without it.