#199 - STVSH: Sound Design, Foley, & Building a Unique Music Identity

In this episode, we dive deep into advanced Ableton sound design, resampling techniques, and creative workflow strategies with Leotrix and eliderp. The conversation covers everything from using Melodyne for unique bass design, building fat racks, and pushing stock Ableton devices to their limits, to unconventional sampling methods that spark new ideas.Leotrix is an Australian bass producer known for his original sound design, melodic future riddim style, and explosive live sets, with support slots alongside Excision, Zeds Dead, NGHTMRE, Kayzo, Virtual Riot, and Marshmello, plus appearances at Bassrush, Red Rocks, and Lost Lands. Eliderp is a producer, visual artist, and film/game composer whose detailed sound design has led to collaborations and releases with artists like Mr. Bill, The Widdler, Knoir, JoeB, and DABOW, including a Virtual Riot remix with Mr. Bill.Follow Leotrix and eliderp Below:https://linktr.ee/eliderphttps://linktr.ee/leotrixGrab 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/newsletter

In this special 200th episode, Dan Giffin (Philia) gets interviewed and reflects on what he’s learned from 200+ conversations with producers, artists, and industry pros on the podcast. He talks about how his approach to music has evolved over the years, practical Ableton tips for file management, faster workflows, favorite max for live devices, and building a live performance setup.Dan Giffin is an Ableton Certified Trainer, producer, performer, and educator based in Denver, Colorado. He teaches Ableton Live through AbletonPodcast.com, hosts the Ableton Music Producer Podcast, and produces under the artist name Philia. Dan has taught Grammy-winning artists, led workshops at SAE Institute and Sweetwater, and has collaborated with major label artists including Mac Miller, Machine Gun Kelly, and more. As Philia, he blends jazz-infused bass music with live drums, keys, improvised DJing, and has shared the stage with artists including Tiesto, Slushii, Daily Bread, Blookah, Beats Antique and others. Follow Philia Below:https://linktr.ee/philiamusichttps://www.tiktok.com/@philiamusichttps://www.philia-music.comhttps://www.facebook.com/PhiliaMusichttps://www.instagram.com/philiamusicGrab limited-edition Producer Merch & save 10% with the code "podcast":https://www.abletonpodcast.com/merchJoin the newsletter to get free downloads, early episode access, and upcoming events.⁠https://www.abletonpodcast.com/newsletter**Thanks to Brennan & Ben for interviewing this episode:Brennan Forrester:http://instagram.com/brennanplayskeyshttps://www.instagram.com/8_of_spades_dnbBen Spilker:https://www.instagram.com/spilkerbenhttps://github.com/benspilker

In this episode, STVSH breaks down his approach to bass music production, sound design, and how his background in film and Foley work has shaped his unique sonic identity. We dive into Ableton workflows, creating “mud pies,” resampling techniques, and why simplifying your process can actually level up your music.Nathan Lienau, aka STVSH, is a rising bass music producer and DJ from Atlanta, Georgia. Known for blending raw hip-hop influences with gritty, urban textures, his sound is deeply inspired by the “sonic architecture” of his city. With a background in sound design for film and visual arts like graffiti and illustration, STVSH brings a multi-disciplinary approach to music. His career highlights include performing at Red Rocks Amphitheater, playing Lost Lands, collaborating with Mersiv, releasing on UKF, and completing his first headline tour.Follow STVSH Below:https://linktr.ee/stvshGrab 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/newsletter

In this episode, Tom Cosm talks about building Orchid with Telepathic Instruments, getting back into live performance, brainwave-driven music experiments, and creative workflows in Ableton Live. He shares thoughts on AI for producers, live set design, sound design, and how technology can remove friction without replacing creativity.Tom Cosm is a New Zealand–born producer, technologist, coder, and educator who has been pushing the boundaries of music and sound for over two decades. Known as an “audio mad scientist,” his career spans global tours as an electronic artist, pioneering music tutorials on YouTube, and building custom creative software that fuses sound, code, and biometrics. As Technical Director at Telepathic Instruments, Tom built the first prototype of Orchid alongside Kevin Parker from Tame Impala, and now oversees its development, bridging code, electronics, and design.Follow Tom Cosm Below:https://www.instagram.com/tomcosm/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyiC_SKm-R5WLVMYmxuMXxAhttps://www.cosm.co.nz/Follow Telepathic Instruments Below:https://telepathicinstruments.com/https://www.youtube.com/@telepathic.instrumentshttps://www.patreon.com/cw/telepathicinstrumentshttps://discord.com/invite/UY8PpbQaXzhttps://www.tiktok.com/@telepathic.instrumentshttps://www.instagram.com/telepathic.instruments/Grab limited-edition Producer Merch & save 10% with the code: podcasthttps://abletonpodcast.com/merch⁠Join the newsletter to get free downloads, early episode access, and upcoming events.https://www.abletonpodcast.com/newsletter

Tim Linetsky (Underbelly) is the creator of You Suck at Producing— he shares about Ableton Live 12.4 updates, building an educational music brand, AI tools, royalties, live performance, and making EDM (emotional dance music). Dan and Tim break down their new collab “Home,” discuss stem separation, Splice’s new AI features, and what it takes to suck less as a producer.Tim Linetsky produces as Underbelly and is an Ableton Certified Trainer best known for his hilarious and educational YouTube channel You Suck at Producing, which has over 400k subscribers. He’s created tutorials for DJ Tech Tools, Earmark, and Pyramind, and has collaborated with artists like Lido, Tchami, Keys N Krates, Giraffage, and San Holo. Tim is also building a new interactive learning platform designed to help producers level up directly inside their DAW.Follow Underbelly:https://www.youtube.com/@yousuckatproducinghttps://www.instagram.com/underbellybeatshttps://yousuckatproducing.comGrab 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/newsletter

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