Mike WiLL Made-It, the renowned American record producer, DJ, and songwriter, has been a driving force in the music industry for over a decade. With a diverse discography that boasts collaborations with top artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, and Miley Cyrus, Mike WiLL has solidified his position as a versatile and innovative producer. One of the key factors contributing to his success is his proficiency in using digital audio workstations (DAWs). In this article, we will delve into the world of Mike WiLL Made-It and explore the DAW he uses to craft his chart-topping hits.
The Evolution of Mike WiLL Made-It’s Music Production Journey
Mike WiLL Made-It’s music production journey began in the early 2000s, when he started experimenting with music production software. During this period, he was heavily influenced by the likes of Dr. Dre, Timbaland, and The Neptunes, who were all known for their innovative production techniques. As he honed his skills, Mike WiLL began to develop his unique sound, which blends elements of hip-hop, electronic, and pop music.
Early Days: FL Studio and the Rise of Mike WiLL Made-It
In the early days of his career, Mike WiLL Made-It relied heavily on FL Studio (formerly known as FruityLoops) as his primary DAW. FL Studio, developed by Image-Line, is a popular music production software that has been widely used by hip-hop and electronic music producers. Mike WiLL’s early work, including his debut single “Tupac Back” by Meek Mill, was produced using FL Studio.
However, as Mike WiLL’s career progressed, he began to explore other DAW options to expand his creative possibilities.
The Switch to Ableton Live: A Game-Changer for Mike WiLL Made-It
In an interview with The Pro Audio Files, Mike WiLL Made-It revealed that he made the switch to Ableton Live in 2012. This decision marked a significant turning point in his career, as Ableton’s unique workflow and features allowed him to push the boundaries of his music production.
Ableton Live, developed by Ableton AG, is a professional DAW that is widely used in the music industry. Its flexibility, intuitive interface, and vast library of instruments and effects make it an ideal choice for producers who want to experiment with new sounds and techniques.
Ableton’s Impact on Mike WiLL’s Music Production
The switch to Ableton Live had a profound impact on Mike WiLL’s music production. With Ableton, he was able to create more complex and layered soundscapes, which became a hallmark of his production style. The DAW’s ability to seamlessly integrate with external hardware and software instruments also allowed Mike WiLL to expand his sonic palette.
One of the key features that drew Mike WiLL to Ableton was its live performance capabilities. As a producer who often performs live, Mike WiLL appreciated Ableton’s ability to allow him to manipulate and rearrange his tracks on the fly.
Mike WiLL’s Favorite Ableton Features
In an interview with MusicRadar, Mike WiLL revealed some of his favorite Ableton features, including:
- The Simpler instrument: Mike WiLL praised the Simpler instrument for its versatility and ease of use. He often uses it to create unique textures and sounds.
- The Drum Rack: Mike WiLL is a fan of the Drum Rack, which allows him to create complex drum patterns and manipulate individual drum sounds.
- The Looper: Mike WiLL uses the Looper to create and manipulate loops, which is a key element of his production style.
Mike WiLL’s Studio Setup: A Glimpse into His Creative Space
Mike WiLL’s studio setup is a testament to his creativity and attention to detail. His studio, which is located in Los Angeles, is equipped with a range of hardware and software instruments, including:
- Ableton Live: Mike WiLL’s DAW of choice, which is the central hub of his studio setup.
- Akai MPC X: A standalone music production center that allows Mike WiLL to create and sequence beats.
- Roland TR-808: A classic drum machine that is a staple of hip-hop and electronic music production.
- Korg Minilogue: A compact analog synthesizer that Mike WiLL uses to create unique sounds and textures.
Mike WiLL’s Approach to Music Production
Mike WiLL’s approach to music production is centered around experimentation and creativity. He is known for his ability to blend different styles and genres, which has resulted in some of his most iconic productions.
In an interview with The Fader, Mike WiLL revealed his approach to music production: “I’m always trying to push the boundaries of what’s possible. I’m always trying to create something new and innovative.”
Conclusion
Mike WiLL Made-It’s success can be attributed to his dedication to his craft and his willingness to experiment with new sounds and techniques. His switch to Ableton Live marked a significant turning point in his career, allowing him to push the boundaries of his music production.
As a producer, Mike WiLL’s approach to music production is centered around creativity and experimentation. His use of Ableton Live has allowed him to create complex and layered soundscapes, which have become a hallmark of his production style.
Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting out, Mike WiLL Made-It’s story is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in music production.
What DAW does Mike WiLL Made-It use for music production?
Mike WiLL Made-It primarily uses Ableton Live as his digital audio workstation (DAW) of choice. He has been known to experiment with other DAWs, but Ableton remains his go-to platform for creating beats and producing tracks. Ableton’s flexibility and live performance capabilities make it an ideal choice for Mike WiLL’s creative process.
Ableton’s non-linear workflow allows Mike WiLL to easily experiment with different ideas and arrangements, which is essential for his creative process. He can quickly sketch out a beat, add melodies, and arrange tracks in a way that feels organic and intuitive. Additionally, Ableton’s vast library of instruments and effects gives Mike WiLL access to a wide range of sounds and textures to incorporate into his productions.
How does Mike WiLL Made-It approach beat-making in Ableton?
Mike WiLL’s approach to beat-making in Ableton typically starts with creating a drum pattern or groove. He often begins by programming a basic drum pattern using Ableton’s drum rack, and then builds upon it by adding percussion elements and experimenting with different rhythms. From there, he’ll start adding melodic elements, such as synths or samples, to flesh out the track.
Mike WiLL is known for his eclectic and often unconventional approach to beat-making, which involves combining disparate elements to create something entirely new. In Ableton, he can easily experiment with different sounds and textures, and quickly arrange and re-arrange tracks to create a unique sonic landscape. By embracing the flexibility and creative freedom of Ableton, Mike WiLL is able to push the boundaries of what’s possible in hip-hop production.
What role does sampling play in Mike WiLL’s creative process?
Sampling plays a significant role in Mike WiLL’s creative process, as he often incorporates samples into his productions to add texture and depth. He’s known to sample from a wide range of sources, including soul and funk records, hip-hop classics, and even video game soundtracks. In Ableton, Mike WiLL can easily chop and flip samples to create something entirely new.
Mike WiLL’s approach to sampling is all about experimentation and creativity. He’ll often take a sample and manipulate it in various ways, such as pitching it up or down, adding effects, or re-arranging the sample to create a new rhythmic pattern. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with sampling, Mike WiLL is able to create unique and innovative productions that blend the old with the new.
How does Mike WiLL Made-It collaborate with other artists in Ableton?
When collaborating with other artists, Mike WiLL often uses Ableton’s live performance capabilities to create a dynamic and interactive workflow. He’ll set up a basic track or beat, and then invite the artist to contribute their ideas and vocals in real-time. This approach allows for a high degree of creativity and spontaneity, as both Mike WiLL and the artist can experiment and respond to each other’s ideas in the moment.
Ableton’s flexibility also makes it easy for Mike WiLL to share and collaborate on projects with other producers and artists. He can quickly export stems or individual tracks, and then share them with collaborators who can work on the project in their own DAW. This seamless workflow allows Mike WiLL to collaborate with artists from all over the world, and to bring new and innovative ideas to the table.
What are some of Mike WiLL’s favorite Ableton plugins and instruments?
Mike WiLL is known to be a fan of Ableton’s built-in instruments, such as Simpler and Impulse. He often uses these instruments to create unique and innovative sounds, and to add texture and depth to his productions. He’s also a fan of third-party plugins, such as Serum and Massive, which offer a wide range of sound design possibilities.
In addition to these plugins, Mike WiLL also uses Ableton’s effects processors to shape and manipulate his sounds. He’s particularly fond of the EQ Three and Compressor plugins, which allow him to fine-tune his mixes and create a balanced sound. By combining these plugins and instruments, Mike WiLL is able to create a wide range of sounds and textures that are uniquely his own.
How does Mike WiLL Made-It approach mixing and mastering in Ableton?
When it comes to mixing and mastering, Mike WiLL takes a hands-on approach in Ableton. He’s known to be meticulous about his mixes, and will often spend hours tweaking levels, EQ, and compression to get the perfect balance. He’s also a fan of Ableton’s built-in mastering tools, which allow him to prepare his tracks for distribution and playback on a wide range of systems.
Mike WiLL’s approach to mixing and mastering is all about creating a clear and balanced sound that translates well to different playback systems. He’ll often use reference tracks to compare his mixes, and will make adjustments accordingly. By taking a careful and considered approach to mixing and mastering, Mike WiLL is able to ensure that his productions sound their best in any context.
What advice does Mike WiLL Made-It have for producers looking to improve their skills in Ableton?
Mike WiLL’s advice for producers looking to improve their skills in Ableton is to experiment and be creative. He encourages producers to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the DAW, and to try new and innovative approaches to production. He also stresses the importance of practice and patience, as mastering Ableton takes time and dedication.
Mike WiLL also recommends that producers learn the fundamentals of music theory and production, as this will give them a solid foundation to build upon. He also encourages producers to study the work of other producers and artists, and to learn from their approaches and techniques. By combining technical skills with creativity and experimentation, producers can unlock the full potential of Ableton and take their productions to the next level.