In The Studio: My Ableton production process
Music isn't just what you hear on the dancefloor. It’s the late nights, the software tweaks, and the magic of mixing roots with rhythm. Here’s a peek at how I craft my sound.
One of the most exciting things about using Ableton Live is the freedom to push creative boundaries. Here I am working on a new set, exploring different sounds and ideas.
A quiet moment in my home studio, surrounded by my gear. This is where the magic happens, where I produce music and prepare for my gigs. What are the green and red flags of the DJ industry?
Watch this space. Here's a look at my home studio setup with Ableton and my Akai APC40, where I craft my live sets and produce new music.
Preparing for an Ableton Live set. This is a behind-the-scenes look at my setup before I head out to play a strictly underground bass music gig.
A closer look at my Ableton Live setup during a performance. I use this to layer tracks, add effects, and create a truly unique live experience for the audience.
A shot from behind, showing my Ableton setup during a live gig. This is where my journey with electronic music production started, inspired by artists like Bandish Projekt.
An overhead view of my Ableton set at Khar Social. It's a great feeling to look down and see the crowd completely immersed in the music.
A quiet moment of focus in my studio before heading out for an international tour. This is where I ground myself and connect with the music.
I just want to take a moment to say thank you for all the support. The growth in my journey and the opportunities I get are all because of you. Here I am in my creative space.
Gearing up to play a pure underground bass music set. This is a look at my setup from a past performance, getting ready to bring the bass.
About In The Studio
Every live set you see is built and remixed in Ableton Live. I don’t just hit play; I trigger custom loops, layer Indian classical vocals over heavy breakbeats, and remix tracks on the fly using my Akai APC40 controller. It’s why no two performances ever sound the same—I am constantly shaping the energy based on the room.
For me, the studio is a sacred space. It is where my heritage meets the modern electronic world. When I sit with my gear, I am not just producing beats; I am trying to translate my roots into something that hits hard.
My hybrid setup relies on Ableton Live and my Akai APC40. This allows me to perform live, improvising with stems and samples rather than just running a pre-mixed track. This is crucial for my 'dnbnaari' sets, where I might blend a Marathi folk vocal sample with a fast-paced Drum & Bass rhythm or a deep Neurofunk bassline.
I treat my production work as an ongoing conversation between the old and the new. Whether I am flipping a classic Bollywood track into a bass-heavy BollyTech edit or integrating sitar and tabla loops, the goal is always the same: authenticity. I want the audience to feel the culture, not just the bass.
Beyond just preparing my own DJ sets, I use this space to teach. I conduct workshops on electronic music production because I believe in sharing knowledge. If you are a fellow producer curious about mixing Indian instruments into your tracks, or a DJ looking to move from standard CDJs to an Ableton-based hybrid setup, I am always happy to discuss the process. Music is about growth, and we grow best when we share what we know.
Smokey
I'm Smokey, a musician and producer from Mumbai. My music is my identity, fusing Indian roots with Drum & Bass, and I pour that same passion into every studio session and live set.
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