Mmmmaven 2018 Year in Review

Posted on 12.18.18 by David

Much like years past: artists, producers, and DJs related to our world of influence have been awarded and heralded in numerous year-end lists. Here are just a smattering:

The Onion AV Club: Daniel Avery, Jon Hopkins, Helena Hauff, Tim Hecker (#tgthr1!), Laurel Halo, The Field.

61st Annual GRAMMYs
Jon Hopkins, Disclosure, Robyn, Diplo, Sophie, TokiMonsta, Kaskade

RA Best Albums: Leon Vynehall, Anthony Naples, Martyn, Sophie, Hunee, Objekt, Tim Hecker, Kulør (Courtesy)

Mixmag Best DJs of the Year: Hunee, Joy Orbison, Octo Octa, DJ Seinfeld, Mall Grab, Denis Sulta, Midland, Helena Hauff, Objekt

Essential Mix of the Year:

BONUS SOUND: Bradley Zero at The Tate — The Rhythm Section boss man shares one of his most memorable performances of the year.

Coming next year? Preview Make It New January / February here.

Ableton Live Expert Laura Escudé on Being Behind the Sounds on Music’s Biggest Tours

Posted on 11.10.1811.10.18 by David

You might not know Laura Escudé’s name, but there’s a good chance you’ve seen her work. As a live show programmer, she’s collaborated with Kanye West, JAY-Z, Logic and Charli XCX. She’s programmed music for Cirque du Soleil and American Idol.

View this post on Instagram

Here’s a little demo of my fav part of Control! I’ll be doing a LIVE violin bath on Thursday using the melodies from Control. Tune in! 5pm PST. Oh yeah and Control is out on @Spotify. Click that link in my bio and play it loud! 🙏🎼🎧🎹✨ #techtuesday #control #lauraescude

A post shared by Laura Escudé (@lauraescude) on Oct 9, 2018 at 6:08pm PDT

And through her company, Electronic Creatives, she manages an entire team of programmers and playback engineers that’s expanded her client base even further, to include such artists as Drake, The Weeknd, Pentatonix and Harry Styles.

As one of the pioneers in live show programming — especially the use of Ableton Live software, now widely regarded as the industry standard — Escudé has helped reshape how the concert industry uses electronic music and digital playback across virtually every genre of music.

This is it! Perhaps your final chance to take our classes…

Why your brain actually needs music

Posted on 11.01.1811.01.18 by David

Learning to play a musical instrument challenges your brain in a dynamic way, which is enjoyable and fulfilling, but important for your brain’s development.

The neuropsychologist Erik Scherder has found that music triggers a system of recompenses in the brain, which activates feelings of happiness. He says the enjoyment of music is a good way of keeping mentally agile.

WATCH: Why your brain actually needs music

Get Happy! Only a few classes left:

Mmmmaven Project Comes to an End

Posted on 10.26.1810.26.18 by David

In early ’19, the educational initiative will draw the curtain

It is with great cause for celebration that we announce that the Mmmmaven Project–a plan to educate hundreds of people–will conclude with resounding success.

Early in 2019, the project, which is located at 614 Massachusetts Avenue in Central Square, Cambridge will close its doors for good.

We’ve done an amazing thing! For almost seven years, we have kept this project growing. With tremendous support from the community and our instructors as well as the dedication of our students, we’ve been able to give hundreds of people new digital tools to create and mix music.

Our events aren’t going anywhere. The weekly Make It New celebration and annual Together Festival–as well as the other events we produce year round–will continue.

While the physical space will close with honor early next year, the next iteration of this new music movement will take a new form. Stay tuned for the next chapter. It’s coming!

There were many times we couldn’t believe what we had all accomplished together and couldn’t be happier with the many, many people who contributed. We are sure whatever and whoever comes next will be even more awesome. In the meantime, any and all correspondence regarding this future should be directed to alex@mmmmaven.com.

Watch this space. The celebrations and collaborations will continue in perpetuity, and, of course, thank you for the six years of support.

Onward with power,

The entire Mmmmaven Project family

PS: This next round of group classes may be the final chance for anyone looking to expand their talented tool belt with music technology. Is it you? Someone you know? Reach out to become one of the last Mmmmaven Project graduates ever.