ROLI’s Piano M Hits the Streets: Urban Beatmaking Reimagined

The video opens with Ari at Home introducing his unique approach to music-making—improvising with strangers on the streets of New York City. The ROLI Piano M emerges as the centerpiece of this portable setup, designed to thrive in dynamic, unpredictable environments. Ari’s workflow is built around minimizing technical friction, aiming for a streamlined rig that can be quickly deployed and adapted to any location.

He discusses the challenges of managing multiple components and the importance of simplifying his gear for street sessions. The Piano M’s lightweight, compact form factor is crucial here, allowing Ari to carry his entire production setup with ease. This portability is not just a convenience but a creative enabler, making spontaneous jams and beatmaking possible wherever inspiration strikes.

Ari’s setup leverages the Piano M’s robust MIDI capabilities, seamlessly connecting hardware and software for a fluid creative process. He demonstrates how the Piano M is more than just a keyboard controller—it’s a central hub for triggering drum sounds, controlling loops, and interfacing with Ableton Live. The use of MIDI remote scripts like Cliff-X streamlines communication between hardware and software, reducing the need for tedious menu-diving or mouse clicks.

This integration is particularly vital in outdoor, live-streamed contexts, where quick access to sounds and parameters is essential. Ari highlights how he can cue up drum racks or instruments by simply entering a number, bypassing the usual friction of software navigation. The result is a system that supports both rapid improvisation and complex beat construction, tailored for the demands of live performance and mobile production.

Ari’s creative process thrives on collaboration, often inviting strangers to contribute ideas or vocals on the spot. The Piano M’s adaptability is showcased as Ari incorporates suggestions from passersby, shaping beats that reflect the collective energy of the moment. This open workflow encourages musical input from anyone willing to participate, blurring the lines between performer and audience.

The video captures moments where Ari starts with a blank slate, letting the vibe or style suggested by collaborators dictate the direction of the music. Whether it’s a request for a specific genre or spontaneous lyrical input, the Piano M’s flexibility allows Ari to pivot seamlessly, building tracks that are truly co-created in real time. This approach not only demonstrates the instrument’s versatility but also its role as a catalyst for social musical experiences.

Beyond its sonic capabilities, the Piano M’s visual design plays a key role in Ari’s performances. The instrument’s sleek, glowing appearance not only enhances the stage presence but also piques the curiosity of onlookers. Ari notes how the look of the Piano M has become synonymous with his setup, especially during nighttime sessions when its illuminated keys stand out against the city backdrop.

This visual appeal is more than aesthetic—it actively draws people in, encouraging engagement and participation. As Ari’s public jams gain recognition, the Piano M’s distinctive design helps create an inviting atmosphere, turning urban spaces into interactive musical events. The instrument becomes both a tool and a beacon, signaling that something creative and collaborative is happening.