OscarUnderdog Drops the Beat with Ableton’s ‘Slice to MIDI’ Trick

OscarUnderdog kicks things off with a story-time vibe, sharing their recent sonic fascination with a Fred Again track. They dive into the vocal glitches that Fred Again seamlessly integrates into his music, creating those ear-catching moments that make listeners hit rewind. Oscar feels a nostalgic bond with these stutters, reminiscing about how such effects used to give them goosebumps as a kid. The plan is to unpack this technique using Ableton Live, one of the oldest and most iconic features the DAW offers. It’s a reminder that some tricks never go out of style, and they’re about to show us why that’s true.

Time to roll up those sleeves and dig into the heart of Ableton’s ‘slice to MIDI’ capability. OscarUnderdog demonstrates the ease of recording a spoken phrase, transforming it from ordinary speech into musical slices. Using the ‘slice to new MIDI track’ feature, they capture the essence of what makes this trick so powerful. By slicing the audio by transients, they transform vocal bits into a drum rack saturated with potential. This process isn’t just about technical know-how; it’s about opening up pathways to creativity. The visual of MIDI notes resembling a staircase reveals a roadmap for crafting unique loops and patterns. It’s like watching a DJ break down a mixtape, taking raw material and reimagining it into something fresh.

Oscar muses over how this technique could fade into the backdrop of cluttered minds, overshadowed by newer technologies and trends. It’s a classic that deserves a spotlight for those interested in glitchy, pacey sounds. Oscar recalls first learning it, and how, as time went on, it seemed less relevant. But here, it’s clear the ‘slice to MIDI’ trick still resonates, offering an excellent route for introducing edgy sounds to one’s music. Returning to such foundational techniques can unlock layers of potential sitting just beneath our musical consciousness.

Before wrapping up, OscarUnderdog notes how layering MIDI note effects can embellish the overall audioscape further. They mention shimmer layers, previously covered in another video, and the simple but powerful addition of MIDI note effects. It’s like adding a garnish to an already sizzling dish, elevating glitch aesthetics to an entirely new level. The encouragement here is to play, explore, and let creativity flow while indulging in these sonic possibilities. Like Oscar says, it’s all about sparking creativity and keeping the beat interesting. They urge viewers to take these insights and run with their ideas, ready to craft creations that slap in any setting.