#104 - Happy Holidays; Free Gifts

In this two-part episode recorded at Ableton's U.S. Headquarters, Dan Giffin sits down with Tony McCall and Alberto Chapa to explore the company’s direction, leadership, and vision for the future. In the second half, a panel of producers—Chuck Sutton, Au5, Underbelly, and Louis Futon—answer rapid-fire questions from a live audience. Topics include mixing loudness, creative workflow hacks, project organization, and their thoughts on AI and sound design.Follow the Guests Below:Tony McCall (Managing Director at Ableton)Alberto Chapa (Business Development at Ableton)https://www.instagram.com/musicalguestAu5www.au5music.comChuck Suttonwww.instagram.com/chuck_suttonUnderbelly www.instagram.com/underbellybeatsLouis Futonwww.louisfuton.coGrab limited-edition Producer Merch & save 10% with the code "podcast":https://abletonpodcast.com/merchJoin the newsletter to get free downloads, early episode access, and upcoming events.https://www.abletonpodcast.com/newsletterSchedule a visit at Ableton's Showroom:https://www.ableton.com/pasadena-spaces

We dive into everything new in the Ableton Live 12.3 update. From built-in stem separation and deep Splice integration to Push 3’s expressive XYZ layout, this update is packed with workflow upgrades and creative tools for sampling, sound design, and live performance. If you use Live for production or DJing, this breakdown is for you.Grab exclusive Ableton Podcast swag from the new Merch Store:https://abletonpodcast.com/merch(Use discount code: podcast)Join the newsletter to get free Ableton content + early episode access:https://www.abletonpodcast.com/newsletter

In this episode, Louis Futon dives deep into his journey from college dropout to rising producer and performer. He shares how his sound evolved, collaboration experiences producing for artists like Cherub and Armani White, favorite production tools, and much more.Louis Futon (Tyler Minford) is a Philadelphia-born, LA-based producer known for seamlessly blending live instrumentation with electronic production. He’s performed at major festivals like CRSSD and Splash House, toured with ODESZA, GRiZ, and earned 45M+ streams. His collaborators include Masego, Anderson .Paak, Duckwrth, Alison Wonderland, and many more.Follow Louis Futon Below: https://www.instagram.com/louisfutonhttps://twitter.com/louisfutonbeatshttps://tiktok.com/@notlouisfutonhttps://facebook.com/Louisfutonbeatshttps://www.twitch.tv/louisfutontvGrab Ableton Podcast swag from the new Merch Store: https://abletonpodcast.com/merchJoin the newsletter to get free Ableton content + early episode access:⁠⁠⁠https://www.abletonpodcast.com/newsletter

In this episode, Au5 dives deep into the intersection of sound design, creativity, and production workflow—sharing his philosophy of music as a transformative art that bridges science and spirit. He breaks down his process behind the new Emberwake EP, discusses the evolution of his vocal work, and offers production tips for breaking out of loop hell, mastering dynamics, and designing powerful bass textures in Ableton Live.Au5 is a renowned electronic artist, producer, and educator celebrated for blending intricate sound design with emotional and spiritual depth. His discography includes releases on Monstercat, Armada, OWSLA, and Wakaan, alongside collaborations with BT, Tritonal, and Seven Lions. Beyond performing and touring globally, he teaches music production and sound design through his School of Bass masterclass series and free tutorials.Follow Au5:https://www.au5music.comhttps://www.instagram.com/au5_officialhttps://discord.com/invite/au5omeSPONSORED BY BABY AUDIO:Tekno by Baby Audio is a new drum synthesizer plugin with 18 engines ranging from vintage machines to modern percussion. Generate unique, organic drums with its Humanize function or get instant inspiration using the preset randomizer.Currently on sale & free demo at: https://babyaud.io/teknoUse code ABLETONPODCAST for an additional 15% off.Quickly grow your skills and learn with Abe, the Ableton AI Chatbot:https://www.abletonpodcast.com/ableton-chatbotJoin the newsletter to get free Ableton content + early episode access:https://www.abletonpodcast.com/newsletter

In this episode, Jason Huber from Cherub dives deep into the duo’s 15-year journey—sharing how they built their sound, evolved their live show, and continue to innovate using Ableton Live. He talks about slimming down their touring rig, producing with modular synths, crafting custom effects with stock plugins, and how the band keeps everything stable even after hundreds of shows.Cherub is a well established electro-pop duo made up of Jordan Kelley and Jason Huber, known for their viral hit “Doses & Mimosas” and energetic, guitar-driven live shows. Since forming at Middle Tennessee State University, they’ve released multiple albums including Year of the Caprese, Bleed Gold, Piss Excellence, and their latest record Everything Changes and That’s Okay. Blending funk, indie, and electronic vibes, Cherub remains a big name in the festival and touring scene.Follow Cherub Below: cherublamusica.com instagram.com/cherublamusicaSPONSORED BY BABY AUDIO:Tekno by Baby Audio – a new drum synthesizer plugin with 18 engines ranging from vintage machines to modern percussion. Generate unique, organic drums with its Humanize function or get instant inspiration using the preset randomizer.Currently on sale & free demo at: ⁠https://www.babyaud.io/tekno⁠Use code ABLETONPODCAST for an additional 15% off.Quickly grow your skills and learn with Abe, the Ableton AI Chatbot:https://www.abletonpodcast.com/ableton-chatbotJoin the newsletter to get free Ableton content + early episode access:https://www.abletonpodcast.com/newsletter

In this episode, INZO and Blookah dive deep into their collaborative process behind their album Nexum, sharing how they blend analog synths and sound design. They open up about their collaboration process, favorite synths (hardware and software), drum programming, and their nuanced approach to layering and mixing textures in Ableton Live.INZO is a genre-bending producer and DJ from Chicago, now based in Denver, best known for his viral track “Overthinker,” which has surpassed 50 million streams. He's headlined major venues like Red Rocks, and festivals like Bass Canyon and Wakaan, collaborated with LSDREAM and Blookah, and continues to push sonic boundaries with every release.Blookah is a Chicago and Denver-based producer, multi-instrumentalist, and beat maker known for blending future bass, funk, hip hop, and neo-soul into lush, feel-good soundscapes. A longtime collaborator with INZO, Blookah’s music is rooted in live instrumentation, rich sound design, and groove-heavy production, showcased in their joint album Nexum and his solo releases on labels like Lowly, Wakaan, and SSKWAN.Follow Local Void Label & Remix Contest: https://linktr.ee/localvoidrecordsINZO:https://www.instagram.com/inzomusic/https://inzomusic.com/Blookah:https://www.instagram.com/blookah/https://blookah.comSPONSORED BY BABY AUDIO:Tekno by Baby Audio – a new drum synthesizer plugin with 18 engines ranging from vintage machines to modern percussion. Generate unique, organic drums with its Humanize function or get instant inspiration using the preset randomizer.Currently on sale & free demo at: https://babyaud.io/teknoUse code ABLETONPODCAST for an additional 15% off.Quickly grow your skills and learn with Abe, the Ableton AI Chatbot:⁠https://www.abletonpodcast.com/ableton-chatbot⁠Join the newsletter to get free Ableton content + early episode access:⁠https://www.abletonpodcast.com/newsletter⁠

In this episode, AHEE shares his creative process, sound design insights, Serum tips, and how he's evolved his mixing templates. He opens up about AI tools in production, songwriting techniques that elevate a track beyond “weird sounds,” and balancing his passion for education with a hectic tour life. AHEE is a bass music producer known for his intricate sound design, high-energy tracks, and educational YouTube tutorials, which recently hit over 2.5 million views. With releases on Bassrush, Wakaan, Subsidia, and more, he's supported by heavyweights like Excision and Subtronics. Beyond the stage, he’s become a mentor to thousands of producers through his Ableton racks, tutorials, and sound packs.Follow AHEE:https://www.instagram.com/iamaheehttps://gumroad.com/aheehttps://soundcloud.com/aheehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNNFPGqrCztLAlfTKIJ1uKQVisit Ableton's U.S. headquarters November 9th, 2025 for a live podcast & private networking experience:https://www.abletonpodcast.com/sunday-abletonevent-2025Quickly grow your skills and learn with Abe, the Ableton AI Chatbot:https://www.abletonpodcast.com/ableton-chatbotJoin the newsletter to get free Ableton content + early episode access:⁠⁠⁠https://www.abletonpodcast.com/newsletter

In this episode, SHIMA shares her journey from performing in a famous J-pop group at a young age, to producing bass-heavy tracks and playing major festivals like Coachella and Electric Forest. She dives into her unique production workflows using Ableton Live, favorite devices like Drum Rack, Bouncy Notes, and Resonators, and overcoming mixing issues. SHIMA also talks about her experience interning at Splice, helping build AI-powered sample tagging features.SHIMA is a genre-blending producer, vocalist, and DJ with roots in both Tokyo and the U.S. After launching her career in a major J-pop girl group, she pivoted to producing her own bass-driven electronic music, pulling inspiration from indie, trap, and experimental scenes. With a background in computer engineering and a DIY production ethos, SHIMA brings both technical precision and creative edge to her sound. Her performances include major festivals like Coachella and Electric Forest, and her track “Karma” gained momentum after being played by Zeds Dead at Red Rocks. SHIMA is currently gearing up to release her debut album this fall.Follow SHIMA:https://www.instagram.com/shimamusichttps://x.com/ShimaBanana7https://soundcloud.com/shimamusicofficialQuickly grow your skills and learn with Abe, the Ableton AI Chatbot:⁠⁠https://www.liveproducersonline.com/ableton-chatbot⁠⁠Join the newsletter to get free Ableton content + early episode access:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.liveproducersonline.com/newsletter⁠⁠

Don't miss the 2025 Ultimate Ableton Weekend Retreat, happening November 7–9 at Ableton’s U.S. headquarters in Pasadena, CA. Learn about the stacked lineup of presenters, exclusive tours, hands-on studio sessions, and how to grab your ticket before they sell out. Full weekend passes and Sunday-only tickets are limited for a personalized experience. Learn more and secure a ticket: ⁠https://www.abletonpodcast.com/register2025See you there!

SayWhat?! and Adriance dive into the creation of their new duo project Missing Reflections, blending soul-drenched samples, golden-era hip hop, and distorted basslines. We talk sample chopping with Serato Sample, unquantized drums, max for live devices, mixing tools, and creating nostalgic, imperfect grooves.Adriance – With recent highlights like Pretty Lights’ Yawn Dawn Silent Disco 2025 and upcoming shows with Kapatian, Adriance has racked up 25k SoundCloud plays in 4 months and dropped 15 tracks this year. He’s also launched the Missing Reflections Patreon, pushing boundaries between lofi and experimental bass.SayWhat?! – Known for his shows, performing trumpet, and collaborations with Jason Leech, Sunsquabi members, and more, SayWhat?! dives into his live rig, production mindset, and how reuniting with Adriance sparked a more vulnerable creative approach.Follow & support Missing Reflections:⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/missingreflections⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/saywhatstudiohttps://linktr.ee/AdrianceQuickly grow your skills and learn with Abe, the Ableton AI Chatbot:⁠⁠https://www.liveproducersonline.com/ableton-chatbot⁠⁠Join the newsletter to get free Ableton content + early episode access:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.liveproducersonline.com/newsletter⁠⁠