Thomas Glendinning - ELPHNT, Sound Designer, Music Maker, Educator

Thomas Glendinning is a music producer, educator, and sound designer. He creates some of the finest Ableton Live and Max for Live devices available at his site ELPHNT. Tom recently released his new album Micro((osmos under the name Conso/e.

Tom joined me for a 3rd conversation on the Music Production Podcast to talk about his new album and some of his latest Max for Live creations, including Essentials. We spoke about the fun and challenges of creating music and devices. Tom shared some great insights from his experiences that will surely help music-makers of all levels. We also spent some time discussing the latest features in Ableton Live 12.1.

This episode is sponsored by Baby Audio, makers of incredible music software. Use the code MPP15 to save 15%! https://babyaud.io 

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

• Tom's Essentials Pack offers simple and focused Max for Live devices that perform specific tasks effectively.
• Tom emphasizes the importance of headroom and organization in mixing, allowing for flexibility and clarity in the mix.
• Shakers and tambourines can add groove and texture to music, serving as both rhythmic and textural elements.
• Distinguishing between creative effects and mix effects helps maintain clarity and intention in the production process.
• Mixing in mono can provide a fresh perspective and help create a balanced and cohesive mix.
• Tom's minimalist approach to music production focuses on using only what is necessary to achieve the desired sound. Playing percussion instruments requires technique and skill, and it's important to have respect for percussionists.
• Imperfection in music production can add a unique and organic sound to the music.
• The new features in Ableton Live 12.1, such as Auto Shift and macro randomization, offer exciting creative possibilities.
• There is a need for reevaluation in the music tech space to focus on tools and content that actively help musicians make more music.
• Limiting your tools and focusing on intentional limitations can enhance creativity and productivity in music production. 

Links:

• ELPHNT - https://elphnt.io
• Essentials Max for Live Pack - https://elphnt.io/store/essentials/
• Micro((osmos - https://consoleconsole.bandcamp.com/album/micro-osmos
• ELPHNT Newsletter - https://elphnt.io/newsletter/
• Freakshow Industries Plug-ins - https://freakshowindustries.com
• Thomas on Music Production Podcast #26 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2017/6/22/26-thomas-glendinning-ableton-certified-trainer
• Thomas on Music Production Podcast #158 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/2020/3/14/tom-from-elphnt-on-finishing-music-and-making-it-a-career-music-production-podcast-158
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc 
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening. 

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don’t forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk