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How to Play Live Electronic Music

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Becoming a live electronic performer lets you bring your music to life, creating a deeper, more emotional connection with your audience. It’s a chance to transform your studio work into unique, unforgettable experiences. This article dives into the "why" of live performance and shares practical tips on gear, setups, improvisation, and techniques to help you craft performances that truly resonate.


Man wearing a striped beanie and glasses passionately singing into a microphone on stage, with blue lighting and glowing background.
Room Elephant at the Evolved Movement Arts fundraiser on November 11 2023.

Why Perform Live Electronic Music?

Many artists start by DJing their tracks in clubs, but live electronic music offers a different level of control and connection with the music. Traditional computer interfaces can feel limiting during production. Transitioning to hardware allows for a more tactile connection with the music through direct physical interaction. This connection translates beautifully into live performances, enabling artists to channel their instincts into their sound.


Building a Cohesive Setup

One of the biggest challenges for live performers is organizing disparate pieces of gear into a cohesive and playable setup. For beginners, this often involves understanding complex signal flows, syncing devices, and mastering the unique quirks of each piece of equipment. Experienced performers may face different challenges, such as refining workflows for efficiency or integrating new gear into an established setup without disrupting their performance style. Here are some strategies:


Choosing the Brain of Your Live Setup

A master sequencer is vital in modern music production and live performance, synchronizing hardware and software instruments for seamless transitions and complex arrangements. Popular options include a laptop with Ableton Live or Elektron devices like the Octatrack or Digitakt 2.


Synchronization of Gear

The master sequencer transmits tempo through a MIDI clock signal and is capable of sending start and stop commands to other devices.


Handling Pattern Changes

Pattern changes involve switching between sequences of notes and rhythms:


  • Real-time Control: Software like Ableton Live enables real-time pattern changes using MIDI controllers or shortcuts for dynamic performances.


  • Scene Management: Ableton Live allows quick scene launches for fluid performance transitions.


  • Pattern Banks: Devices like the Octatrack and Digitakt store and recall multiple patterns on the fly.



Diagram of music gear setup with Waldorf Blofeld, Octatrack, Novation Peak, and others connected by color-coded lines. Text labels each item.
Studio setup diagram from the Elektronauts forum, showcasing connections between an Octatrack, Waldorf Blofeld, Novation Peak, Analog Rytm MK2, Livid DS1, and external modular FX for advanced audio processing. [Source](https://www.elektronauts.com/t/octatrack-hardware-studio-recording-setup/57320)

Essential Gear for a Live Setup


When setting up for a live performance, the range of equipment you might consider can be extensive. However, it's important to remember that you don't necessarily need every piece of gear available. Depending on your style and requirements, you can create an effective setup with just a few essential items.


DJ in a patterned shirt mixes music on electronic equipment. Psychedelic visuals on screen behind, colorful and vibrant mood.
Lokey performing live at Congress Coffee in January 2024, utilizing a versatile setup with MIDI controllers, including a Touche and LinnStrument, and an iPad Pro as the master sequencer.

Core Equipment


  • Controller: A controller, such as the Ableton Push, is a fantastic starting point. It allows you to manipulate your music software, like Ableton Live, and can serve as the centerpiece of your setup.


  • Audio Interface: An audio interface is crucial for connecting your instruments and controllers to your computer. It enhances sound quality and reduces latency. Consider options like the Focusrite Scarlett series for reliability.


  • Computer: A reliable computer is essential for running your music software and managing your audio tracks. Ensure it has enough processing power to handle your performance needs.



Close-up of a sound mixing board with various cables and knobs, blue cables stand out. Blurred background suggests a concert setting.
A complex array of audio cables and connections plugged into a sound mixer, highlighting the intricate setup required for a live music performance.


Mixers

A mixer is an important addition to any live setup, especially if you are working with multiple synths and drum machines.


  • Audio Mixer: Choose a mixer that allows you to route audio from different sources. Consider one with built-in effects to add depth to your sound, like the Allen & Heath ZED series.


  • DJ Mixer: Alternatively, a DJ mixer can be a great option, especially if you plan to blend tracks and manage transitions smoothly. The Pioneer DJM series is a solid choice.


Effects Units

Incorporating effects into your live performance can elevate your sound significantly.


  • Standalone Effects: Look for effects units that are performable, such as Eventide H9 or Strymon pedals. These can add unique textures and dynamics to your live set.


  • Specific Effects: Consider including units like compressors (e.g., DBX 166XS) and equalizers to shape your sound. These tools can help you manage dynamics and enhance tonal quality.



Elektron Digitone II synthesizer with glowing blue screen and numerous knobs on a table, with cables connected in a dimly lit room.
A close-up view of the Elektron Digitone II synthesizer, highlighting its interface with multiple knobs and connection ports, set up on a table for music production.

Incorporating Grooveboxes and Synthesizers

Don't forget to include grooveboxes and synthesizers in your live setup. Whether you prefer synthesizers with or without keyboards, they can significantly enhance your performance. Playing a keyboard can add a dynamic aspect to your live set, allowing for expressive playing and improvisation.




A synthesizer with glowing blue lights and patterned design sits on a dark surface. Various knobs are visible, creating a moody atmosphere.
A close-up of a compact synthesizer with illuminated knobs and keys, capturing the intricate details of its design and the ambient lighting of a music production setup.


Drum Machines

Drum machines are another vital component of a live setup. They allow for precise control over rhythm and can be easily integrated with other gear.


  • Standalone Drum Machines: Units like the Roland TR-8S or Akai MPC One provide powerful sequencing and sound capabilities.

  • Integration with Other Gear: Ensure your drum machine can easily sync with your other equipment for a cohesive performance.


Modular Eurorack Systems

For those looking to create a self-contained live rig, consider using a modular Eurorack case. This allows for immense flexibility and customization in your setup.


  • Modular Synths: Start with essential modules like oscillators, filters, and sequencers to build a unique sound palette.

  • Performance Modules: Incorporate performance-oriented modules such as effects or MIDI interfaces to enhance your live capabilities.


Choosing the Right Equipment

When selecting your gear, it's crucial to choose equipment that aligns with your musical style.


  • Versatile Gear: Instruments like the Elektron Analog Four or the Korg Volca series are well-regarded for their versatility and reliability, making them ideal for live performances.

  • Minimal Setups: Sometimes, less is more. A minimal setup can simplify your performance, allowing you to focus on delivering a powerful show without being overwhelmed by too much gear.


Writing Music for Live Performance

Creating music specifically for live sets involves different considerations compared to traditional studio production. Here are some best practices to enhance live performance compositions:


  1. Work Within Limitations: Simplify compositions to align with hardware constraints, such as using four-bar patterns. This approach helps ensure that the performance runs smoothly and allows for easier manipulation during the live set.

  2. Avoid Overplanning: Focus on creating modular sections that transition seamlessly rather than writing tracks with rigid structures. This flexibility enables performers to adapt to the live environment and audience reactions.

  3. Keep it Flexible: Design music that allows room for improvisation and audience interaction. This not only enhances the live experience but also encourages a connection between the artist and the audience.

  4. Practice Transitions: Ensure that transitions between sections of the performance are smooth and rehearsed. This preparation allows for a more professional presentation while still leaving room for improvisation.

  5. Master Your Technology: Familiarize yourself with the gear and software used in live performances. Mastering your tools can lead to more confident improvisation and creative exploration during the show.

  6. Be Aware of Your Limitations: Remember that you only have two hands. Throughout the set, aim to keep both hands occupied but avoid trying to do too many things at once. It's perfectly acceptable to have some elements preplanned or managed by the sequencer. Choose to perform the elements that bring you the most joy, and make sure to plan and practice what you will be doing on stage.



Hands adjust synthesizer knobs in dim blue light, surrounded by colorful glowing buttons. A laptop is visible in the background.
Room Elephant skillfully operates synthesizers, performing electronic music at Evolved Movement Arts

Balancing Preparation and Improvisation in Live Performance

In the realm of live performance, artists often face the challenge of balancing meticulous preparation with the spontaneity of improvisation. This balance can significantly impact the energy and engagement of a performance. Here are some diverse approaches to live performance preparation:


  • Pre-programmed Performances: Pre-program entire sets to match studio tracks for consistency. This method ensures a polished sound and allows the artist to focus on performance rather than technical issues. However, it requires significant preparation time and may limit spontaneity.

  • Improvisational Performances: Utilize gear’s real-time controls to play, sequence and arrange on the fly. This approach fosters flexibility and spontaneity, allowing artists to respond to the audience's energy and create unique experiences at each performance.

  • Hybrid Approaches: Combine pre-programmed elements with room for live adjustments. This method allows artists to maintain a structured foundation while incorporating creative freedom, enabling them to adapt their performances dynamically.


Transitions and the Art of Live Electronic Performance

Live electronic music performance is built upon a foundation of creativity and spontaneity. One of the cornerstones of this art form is the ability to mix and manipulate musical elements in real-time. Similar to a DJ who skillfully blends tracks, a live performer engages in the intricate process of mixing various patterns, musical ideas, rhythms, and sounds. However, the live performer possesses a unique advantage: they have direct access to every element of their performance. This allows for a level of interaction and customization that goes beyond traditional DJing.


Unlike a DJ, who typically plays pre-recorded tracks, a live performer can reach down and make adjustments on the fly. For example, they can tweak the filter cutoff on an individual sound or resequence notes to create a fresh interpretation of their music. This hands-on approach enables the performer to maintain a dynamic and engaging atmosphere, captivating the audience with spontaneous creativity.

Transitioning from one musical pattern to another is a crucial aspect of live performance, requiring careful strategy and thought. A performer can choose to gradually introduce new elements while removing others, creating a seamless flow that keeps the energy alive. This process can involve various techniques that enhance the overall experience.


Transition Techniques


  1. Effects-Based Transitions: High-pass filters (HPF) are crucial in music production for crafting smooth transitions, especially from build patterns to drops, by eliminating lower frequencies to build tension. The process involves identifying transition points, applying the HPF with a gradual increase in cutoff frequency, automating adjustments for emotional impact, and quickly reducing the cutoff at the drop for a powerful effect. Enhancements can be made by incorporating delays and reverbs, applying reverb to higher frequencies, and experimenting with various effects to achieve a cohesive sound. Effective use of HPFs includes experimenting with cutoff frequencies, utilizing resonance control, and adjusting automation curves for a more natural feel, ultimately creating dynamic transitions that elevate track energy.


  2. Layering and Muting: Using unmuting and muting to create a song structure involves strategically introducing and removing elements at specific intervals, such as every 16 or 32 bars, to build a dynamic progression. For instance, you might start with the kick drum to establish a solid foundation, then gradually layer in other elements like snares, hi-hats, and basslines, creating a rich texture over time. If you have multiple machines, you can seamlessly transition by keeping elements from the old pattern playing while bringing in new components from a different pattern. An effective transition could involve muting all melodic elements from the first pattern, leaving just the beat, and then introducing the melodies in the new pattern, which creates a fresh yet familiar sound. This technique of gradually introducing or removing elements helps maintain the momentum of the performance while shifting the musical landscape, allowing for a cohesive and engaging listening experience.


    It’s important to make sure your patterns mesh together harmonically. To achieve this, consider using the Camelot Mixed In Key system. This system allows you to identify compatible keys and ensures that your overall set has harmonic movement without your new pattern clashing with the old one. By following this approach, you can create transitions that feel natural and enhance the emotional impact of your performance.


  3. Dedicated Transition Patterns: Create patterns specifically designed to bridge the gap between tracks, incorporating elements of both the outgoing and incoming sections. These transitional patterns serve as a musical glue, ensuring that the flow remains uninterrupted.


Essential Advice for Beginners

Here are tips for those starting their live performance journey:

  1. Learn Your Gear: Fully understand the capabilities and limitations of each piece of equipment. Read manuals, experiment, and practice.

  2. Prioritize Simplicity: Avoid overcomplicating your setup. Stick to gear that serves your creative goals and ensure you’re comfortable using it.

  3. Invest in Quality: Don’t skimp on essential components like cables and power supplies. Poor-quality gear can disrupt your performance.

  4. Prepare Thoroughly: Practice your set multiple times, recording rehearsals to identify areas for improvement.

Hand adjusting colorful audio cables under blue light, creating an intense mood. Background features electronic equipment.
j.alpinist fine-tunes a modular system during a live performance at Congress Coffee.

Live Electronic Music is Evolving

While DJing currently dominates the electronic music scene, there is a notable surge in interest towards live performances, particularly within the underground community. This shift is fueled by an increasing number of artists and creators embracing the opportunity to showcase their work in a more dynamic and engaging manner. Audiences are drawn to the rawness and authenticity that live sets offer, as they allow artists to bring their creations to life in real time, fostering a deeper connection between the performer and the audience.

Among the artists leading this trend are:


As more musicians and creators venture into live performance, the potential for this trend to take off becomes increasingly viable, suggesting a promising evolution in the landscape of electronic music.


Final Thoughts

Performing live isn't for everyone; it requires a significant amount of work and a broader dedication and skill set than being a DJ. To succeed in live performance, you need to be a composer, a mixing engineer, a mastering engineer, and a performer all at once. However, the live music scene is not as saturated as DJing, making it an appealing option for those who enjoy a challenge. If you are passionate about creating and performing music, it can be incredibly rewarding.

For those aspiring to play live electronic music, we encourage you to join our Discord and connect with the Oscill8 Collective. This community provides valuable resources, support, and networking opportunities to help you on your journey.

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