#186 - Big Nut Chuck (Kyral x Banko): Sound Design, Mixing & Squirrels

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

In this episode, Helmuts Bems, CEO of Sonarworks, shares deep insights into the company's journey, the science of calibration, and how AI is reshaping the future of music production. We explore the evolution of studio environments, the shift toward minimal hardware, and the integration of AI tools in creative workflows.Helmuts Bems co-founded Sonarworks in 2012 and has grown it into a global leader in sound calibration technologies, used in over 170 countries by Grammy-winning engineers and producers. Under his leadership, the company has expanded from high-end studio solutions to consumer-level products, and more recently, Voice AI tools. He brings a visionary perspective on the future of audio, technology, and human creativity.Follow Sonarworks:https://www.sonarworks.comInstagram: @soundidcreators Facebook: @soundidcreators LinkedIN: @SonarworksYoutube: @SoundIDCreatorsQuickly 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

In this episode, Collin Burdick (Big Nut Chuck / Kyral x Banko) shares sound design workflows, producer practices to consider, and more. Dan and Collin also explore music royalties and publishing rights, mixing & mastering techniques, sidechaining tips, and insights for DIY artists.Big Nut Chuck is a Denver-based producer known for his intricate bass-driven sound design. Formerly half of the duo Kyral x Banko, he’s performed at major festivals across the U.S. and released music on several labels including Wakaan. A classically trained saxophonist and clarinetist, Collin blends technical know-how with playful branding—centered around squirrels, creating a memorable artist brand.Follow Big Nut Chuck:https://www.instagram.com/bignutchuckhttps://www.tiktok.com/@bignutchuckbeats Quickly 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

In this episode, Mux Mool discusses the evolution of sampling from vinyl digging to digital libraries, shares his take on AI in music, details his Ableton Live workflow and live setup—plus offers career advice for producers.Brian Lindgren, aka Mux Mool, is an American electronic producer and visual artist known for his funky, bass glitch hop. A longtime Ableton user since version 4, Brian came up with early tracks featured on iTunes' best-of lists and releases on Adult Swim. He's performed on Conan O'Brien, joined Pretty Lights on tour in 2015–2016, co-founded Super Best Records, and continues to innovate while being based in Denver, Colorado.Follow Mux Mool Below:https://www.instagram.com/muxmoolhttps://www.facebook.com/muxmool SPONSORED BY MAGIC MIND:Magic Mind is a productivity drink. It gives you all the mental clarity and focus you need without the unhealthy effects like other energy products. One shot gives you the perfect combo of nootropics, adaptogens, and functional mushrooms in a high quality drink.Use code ABLETONPODCAST60 for 60% off your Magic Mind subscription:https://www.magicmind.com/abletonpodcast60Quickly 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

Chase Dobson shares insights from 15 years as a touring Ableton programmer and synth tech, working with acts like Rüfüs Du Sol, Pretty Lights, Logic, M83, Rihanna, and others. He discusses building fail-safe live setups, studio gear and favorite software, and producing his album.Chase Dobson is a Denver-based musician and engineer with 15 years of experience in the music industry and currently serves as a touring tech for Rüfüs Du Sol. Known for his expertise as an Ableton programmer, synth tech, and playback engineer, Chase also produces and co-produces for industrial artist Curse Mackey, and released his own album, The Mechanics of Time and Travel. He’s a trusted consultant for complex live setups, including building redundant systems for high-pressure shows.Follow Chase Dobson:https://www.instagram.com/chasedobson/https://youngheavysouls.com/chase-dobson SPONSORED BY MAGIC MIND:Magic Mind is a productivity drink. It gives you all the mental clarity and focus you need without the unhealthy effects like other energy products. One shot gives you the perfect combo of nootropics, adaptogens, and functional mushrooms in a high quality drink.Use code ABLETONPODCAST50 for 50% off your Magic Mind subscription:https://www.magicmind.com/abletonpodcast50 Quickly 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

In this episode, Able Grey shares his approach to production, the challenges/ benefits of running his label Ex Medias, his live setup, AI, and favorite music making tools.Able Grey is a Chicago-based producer, live performer, and DJ known for blending emotive melodies with bass-driven electronic music. He’s the founder of Ex Medias, a collective and label supporting emerging artists, with performances at major venues and festivals like Red Rocks, North Coast, and Beyond Wonderland. Able Grey has supported acts like CloZee, GRiZ, and Apashe, and is set to release his new album "Greymatter" this year.Follow Able Grey Below:https://linktr.ee/ablegreyQuickly 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

Dan Giffin and Brian Funk talk about new features in Ableton Live 12.2, including browser upgrades, bounce in place, Auto Filter updates, Expressive Chords, etc, and the growing role of AI in music production and education. Watch the video to follow along as they chat about these updates. Brian Funk is a songwriter, producer, and Ableton Certified Trainer from New York.  Brian hosts The Music Production Podcast and teaches music production for Berklee Online. Sounds from Brian’s Ableton Live Packs are used by producers all over the world. He's also the author of The 5-Minute Music Producer: 365 Music-Making Activities, which gives songwriters and producers short activities to overcome writer's block and develop professional workflows.Follow Brian: brianfunk.com YouTube.com/brianfunkmusic instagram.com/brianfunkmusic Soundcloud.com/brianfunkQuickly 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