March 31, 2017

Ableton, the Berlin-based source for the products that contemporary musicians, producers, and DJs utilize when creating and performing their music, is visiting Westphal as part of their 2017 University Tour, bringing a series of presentations that will inspire experienced musicians and novice music-makers alike. Ableton is well known for their industry changing software and hardware; Live, software that turns the music studio into an instrument; Push, a hardware instrument for playing and composing with Live; and Link, a technology for playing in time together. Founded in 1999, they released the first version of Live in 2001 and have since attracted a global community of dedicated users. 

In the afternoon, students will be invited to attend a session with Ben Casey, a Brooklyn-based electronic musician and Ableton Certified Trainer, who will be demonstrating the creative potential of Ableton Live. In the evening, the public is invited to a presentation and performance with Photay, the solo musical endeavor of Evan Shornstein, who juxtaposes the analog and digital, the natural and synthetic within his work. Early arrivals to the evening event will be welcomed with appetizers, swag, and a short movie screening. Following Ableton, a student producer showcase organized by Music Industry Professor, Ryan Schwabe, Mad Dragon Music Group, and Flux! will take place in the URBN Annex Lobby. The showcase will feature five student producers; Richfellow, Oddkidout, Hazey Eyes, Godchild, Arno, and Out There, each playing songs on the impeccable Flux sound system in a round robin fashion. There will also be a remix competition for the artist Richfellow, with the winner awarded headphones and a music production book written by Ableton. "I thought it would be a great idea to couple the Ableton University Tour with a producer showcase highlighting the electronic and pop music producers who are starting their career at Drexel University.  Its a strategic alignment between a major brand in music production, Flux!, MDMG and Drexel University students," noted Schwabe.

Mon. April 17

Public Presentation & Workshop // 6-8PM // URBN Annex Screening Room