Throwing away my music gear and learning Ableton

This video is not sponsored. Thanks to my Patrons for making videos like this happen.
Big thanks to ‪@badsnacks‬ for spending the weekend at my studio.
/ emilyharpist
Download the track here! Post a video of playing over it with #harpsnacks!
emilyharpist.b...

[@badsnacks]

Thank you guys so much for having me!!!! :') This was seriously the most fun thing ever.

[@evilotis01]

yay two of my YT favourites!

[@sov777]

It was fantastic!🎉 Hopefully we get to see you all together again!😎🤙

[@inopes3628]

False advertisement. All snacks were in fact, not bad.

[@ix8750]

That was so cool you alpha sampled K.K sliders voice when I was thinking the whole vibe of her beat sounded like one of the songs from the og animal crossing. As for the second song I felt a breakcore song that no pun intended wanted to break out lol

[@ZarniwoopIII]

Your violin solo was so incredibly powerful and moving. It's going to echo in my head for days.

[@travisnorman]

This video demonstrates precisely how much fun we can have just playing around with our music toys in the studio. Which is another reason why pedals are fun! Pedals, patches, they all have their place in this art form.

[@flutechannel]

I was totally gonna say this as well travis!

[@emilyharpist]

Yes!!!

[@markwyman6753]

Yea pedals let you stay connected with your instrument and stay in the moment. I know for me, once there's a computer involved, things don't flow as naturally. But I'm also a huge computer dork, and use them to improve my work life. Creative-space is tricky~

[@achanonymous]

Yes this! I love sitting down in the studio and playing with plugins to create new things that wouldn't otherwise be physically possible, but on the other hand there's nothing quite like the immediacy you can get from tweaking knobs and switches on pedals and other hardware. That's why I have a decent collection of both!

[@FrankDux-uo7ig]

Also it’s way more fun to watch someone do this on a stage with pedals and practical stuff as opposed to just having someone make it ahead of time and just pressing play and standing on a stage nodding like yeaaaahhh

[@CALKULTIK]

At 9:13 it went from “they’re makin something pretty bouncy and chill, I like it” to pure magic. I’m honestly floored

[@dougbeacon9760]

Bad Snacks is an amazing artist

[@cam5154]

OK...You said she was an amazing string player but I was NOT ready for brain melting stringblast she dropped. INCREDIBLE stuff again guys and soooo much fun. CHEERS!!!

[@MrMegaManFan]

"Let us two white women make a reggaeton beat" made me smile from ear to ear!

[@LePetitNuageGris]

Lol same. Their energy is so great together, and they’re hilarious.

[@thedoad6211]

i think you have a bad takeaway here, but you do you.

[@Cloudjump3r]

Snack Pack! Bad Snacks is my grow up childhood hero! This was so much fun to watch

[@oriusnex]

Holy crap! At first I was like "where are they going with this? I'm not too sure" but then as more and more layers came in it started taking proper shape, and the end result was sooooooo good! Great job, you two

[@emilyharpist]

Thanks so much!

[@matthewdaniel9152]

Two of my favorite female musicians and KZbinrs totally DOMINATING!!! We need more of this!!!

[@VinceFinemMusic]

Bugsnax totally wrecked the Andrew Huang challenges too. Others didn't even really come close.

[@JGlassy]

Yes! I’m a huge admirer of Bad Snacks, so it’s great to see you two in the same room, creating music in whatever way you evolve to!!

[@davidcunningham5485]

I love how this video went from being funny to full " " . This is a good representation of the essence of this channel ❤✨

[@andrewsalazar6436]

Holy shit this is incredible. Those harp retriggers over the drums are exactly what I needed in my life

[@ericm8811]

Hey Emily Hopkins and Russ and bad snacks! Thanks for being positive energy! Ride ride ride!

[@emilyharpist]

Ride ride ride!

[@stevedaymusic]

‘Do whatever’ - absolutely! ❤

[@angelapianomusicstudio3816]

I always love your curiosity and creativity. There are so many ways to make music. Almost everything I write is acoustic piano, woodwinds, and vocal. And that’s fine. We all find what works for us. Keep making. Keep sharing. Keep being amazing.

[@dylanbaird3740]

Thanks!

[@emilyharpist]

Thank you so much Dylan! Have a great day!

[@ViktorSarge]

The humor, the joy of inspiration and the wonderful end result. This video was a treat.

[@Penfriendrocks]

Holy shit, this went very epic!! Wonderful collaboration, thank you both :)

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

Oh my God, Emily, once Bad Snacks started playing the violin I got chills. Emotions ran deep on that one__still wiping the tears. 😭 I noticed she, also, was emotional at the very end. 😢 Sometimes, two Energies come together with just the right balance to manfest that awesome mix of 'flavors'__you, two made that happen here. 🙏😇 There's nothing more satisfying than experiencing creativity flowing freely, just jammin'! What else is there to say besides, AMAZING! Thank you. 💖 Love, Light, and Harpy Blessings. 🙏😇🌱🌿🌻🐝🌳🌎💖🙌😺

[@Meshuggah333]

Bad snacks part with the violin sounds like video games music, like from an indie 2D JRPG or Metroidvania.

[@flipnap2112]

I was in my place for 10 years and gathered SO much gear. When I moved I had to sell it all and it was heartbreaking. When I got into my new place I had my laptop and a pair of VSX phones for mixing. it was amazing how well I got along. that sent me on my path and started limiting my tracks to no more than 16. I stripped all of my plugins and only brought one or two back in for weeks at a time. I was forced to learn them inside and out. suddenly the other 5 millions plugins weren't really needed. It brought me back to the days of tracking on my tascam on a 4 track cassette. When the time came and you needed another track, you bounced and that was it. Your choices had value because they had consequences. it forced me to actually take time to think about my choices. I bought back my analogue outboard gear because I need buttons and knobs

[@AzuriumOfficial]

Just speechless. When you suddenly feel the inspiration and give it all, that's relatable. The authenticity and openness is plucking the notes of my, and hopefully everyone else's hearts. Happy to be here!

[@ET-bm5ku]

Aaaaah, the old hardware vs. software discussion. I use both. As I like twiddling knobs, and also like the way audio interacts with transformers, and stuff like that, my outboard gear isn't going anywhere anytime soon. But I also enjoy the flexiblity, automation possiblities, and convience of plug-ins. It is a wonderful time to be an "audio creator". We have so (too?) many options. Keep on rockin' Russ and Emily.... and pass me that patch cable over there....

[@uhhhclem]

How you can tell Bad Snacks is a teacher: "If it was terrible, would you tell me?" "Not at this moment."

[@davidpetersonharvey]

Yeah! Bad Snacks is an awesome composer/producer! What a teamup! I'm inspired now and headed into the studio! Thank you!!!

[@a_w_young]

Always love this channel. A bit about my journey on the subject at hand - I've used Ableton for years and arrived at a place where I truly felt like I could do/make any sound I wanted to (even with just the included devices let alone VSTs etc), and am often a proponent of "it's enough" for people who would otherwise just start buying a bunch of gear with no destination. However, finally being at a place where I could dive into hardware has made me better at the software stuff. There is no "wrong way" but I'm grateful I've had the opportunity to get intimate with both approaches, and both are rewarding the more time you spend and make you better at both. As far as live performance goes, touring with a laptop and controller that could fit in carry on was a lot of fun in the past and I think it's as exciting as you make it to be, but getting more into modular and having more knobs and patch cables at my finger tips is inspiring and what I probably always wanted performing to be before I got involved decades ago. TLDR for people still trying to figure out what they're doing: have fun and find your own way, you can always meet halfway in the middle with other approaches, don't let people tell you how to express yourself, but also - don't miss out on trying new things either. This might sound like cliche generic advice but this took me years to realize.

[@kaitlyn__L]

I’m inspired by assembling drum beats directly in the timeline, I’ve been doing it the “Ableton Approved” way by loading all my samples into a drum rack and then playing rhythms as MIDI with my big keyboard. But that’s a lot of extra steps before getting to the creation stage, and sometimes my ADHD slides off it. I should think about doing it like this more often.

[@lilwombat]

don't be afraid to play around with how you make things thats part of art imo

[@shatazer]

Wow what that all came together as at the end was very beautiful. Could feel that fiddlin'! 🙏💗

[@seanwick1076]

I love Bad Snacks. I first saw here on Andrew Haungs channel. She’s super talented!

[@emilyharpist]

She’s so amazing! I first saw her from her Meris Hedra video!

[@seanwick1076]

@@emilyharpist oh I need to find that! The Hedra is awesome!

[@emilyharpist]

I think she has some stuff with the Hedra too! @@seanwick1076

[@model_number_band]

@badsnacks has super legit chops, both production and creation - badass!

[@CVinyl]

It's not about the GEAR it's about the EAR 👂

[@jcortese3300]

I'm not kidding. I need to get Ableton now. This "start from scratch" sort of introduction is exactly what I needed.

[@Bread_Bug]

It’s so awesome seeing two artists I’ve been a fan of for years collab!! Great vid

[@emilyharpist]

Thanks so much! This was so much fun

[@Zen_and]

This video was so much fun! You guys make a great team.

[@MattTee1975]

Great teamup! I could watch you two all day.

[@aaronl3460]

Saucy harp snacks! Amazing job, and ❤ the on brand improv humor & silliness. Boom, chaboom cha boom, chaboom cha

[@emilyharpist]

Now this is epic

[@bastien-]

It's like digital photography. You can take hundreds of pictures to find the "best" one, then do anything to it in photoshop... but the sheer amount of options can actually stunt creativity. You can get bogged down in choices and end up unhappy with the process and result. Or you can take just a handful of shots and do minimal processing and let the art find itself. Whichever process works for you is the right process.

[@adrianmcgachie]

Brilliant and always so funny! xx My "go to" for big grins all around, me included!

[@alanhembra2565]

Those haters are jealous. Music gear has a “physicality” that software really can’t reproduce.

[@beatsworksbusy]

Spoken like a true consumer

[@zmitter4844]

@@beatsworksbusy If you're just focusing on production then plugins will do you just fine, but playing instruments with physical stuff is a lot more fun

[@tusharjamwal]

you could get good midi controllers and E-drum kit to bridge the gap

[@elclaudo3763]

excatcly! music is a feeling, it's way more fun creating hands on than clicking and dragging stuff all day.

[@nataliealliepage7155]

I have mixed feelings about that philosophy. Computers are physical, and software is only possible because of physical (specifically electronic) qualities it has. A digital signal is a digital signal, whether it’s converted to analog by a sound card, audio interface, or DAC in a reverb pedal.

[@gapster77]

Wow! That girl can seriously play that fiddle!

[@necroJah]

I love the experimentation. I love the joy! Don't stress at negative waves. Do whatever is a great mantra!

[@joshbarnett]

This taught me more about Ableton than one year of messing around my self. Ya'll rule

[@hasan7786]

This is the best combo ever. You two are great!

[@FloChai]

oh! i love bad snacks too! happy to see 2 of my fav musicians together

[@BobbyDoesMusic]

1) This collab is amazing, and this was a blast to watch! 2) Love to see Bad Snacks wearing the CAAAAAWWW! shirt from Red Means Recording!! 💜💜

[@HomeInMyShoes]

"I don't know what it's called." This is my life. It's some notes I strung together. I don't know. Don't ask me hard questions.

[@Study_Sleep_Chill]

When the violin and the harp kicked in together, that's when I hit the like button.

[@jprnn]

Such a fun session! Love to see these two talented people create magic together 💫

[@xandergee]

Please tell us there’s at least an EP coming in the future, you both make such fun and compelling content and music

[@davidsteinhour5562]

I first heard of @badsnacks from 4 Producers 1 Sample, and I've been a fan ever since! This was the collab I wanted but could never conceive of!

[@fionnagrant6636]

I enjoyed every single second of this video. Really illustrates the joy of creative collaboration. 100% would ride again.

[@fionnagrant6636]

I'm gonna be honest though, I'm on new meds that have an adjustment period, and my brain did not process the introduction *at all*, so I didn't realise that the amazing musician showing Emily digital stuff, and the meaning of drums was BadSnacks. Emily mentioned it again near the end and it was like my brain sneezed. OMG, that's BadSnacks!! 🤯🤯🤯

[@superbaal]

That violin might be a wand, she's casting straight up magic with it

[@nerdebynature]

The track is a bop and the beginning of this video had me laughing so damn hard.

[@fionnagrant6636]

The meow meow meow, thing that she hums at about 4:10 is just like the Duck Tales theme sung by Alvin and the Chipmunks.

[@emilyharpist]

😂

[@robertmyers6518]

This was fantastic! Thanks to both of you for this : - )

[@DysfunctionallyControlled]

This is Peter Schmitt. Just wanted to tell you my friend had your videos recommended to him recently and he loved them. You guys are doing great, keep it up!

[@emilyharpist]

Thank you so much, Peter!! I really appreciate that! 🥰🎶

[@DysfunctionallyControlled]

@@emilyharpist Of course. Chronically online rn, waiting for a course. Lol

[@StephenMcLeod]

Bad Snacks umg :'( What a dream crossover.

[@walrtbstudios5430]

Two of my favourite YTers- both of whom know way more about Ableton than I do. Annoyingly, Ms Bad Snacks also knows more about Modular than I do…

[@fraenkiboii]

When bad snacks pulled out the electric violin I melted in awe. That sounds absolutely stunning and jaw dropping. I’m a guitarist and I’ve never heard an electric violin in such a context. Coolest video I’ve seen at least all day. 🖤🖤🖤

[@atlev]

IKR that solo was amazing!!

[@tetradodeca]

Pure soul in that violin solo ❤

[@LowendNate]

Such a lovely surprise been following snacks and bean for a few years now and i love her music and bean is just adorable!

[@emilyharpist]

Bean is the best! So cute hahaha

[@nope-z5y]

I love the sound of an electric violin more than an acoustic one.

[@cold-momentss]

The two queens of my Gear Acquisition Syndrome coming together ahhhh

[@aftertheendtimes]

Thank you Emily for your presence,..love your creativity,..Love cheers =)

[@ExpatZ266]

Very entertaining and I even learned somerthing! Awesome.

[@stasiagmz210]

Never laughed so much in my life. This collab was fun to watch 😂😂

[@josker3599]

You're nice people and this is fun to watch. Thanks for this!!

[@josker3599]

Unlucky nonwinner 😅

[@JohannJVR]

My opinion, at the end of the day, pedals, amps, gear, hardware etc are all tools we use to create, just like a painter has a ton of paint brushes, oils and other items to create, so to do musicians have these tools at our disposal, i don't believe we should completely abandon hardware and move completely over to software, we should learn to strike a balance with all these tools, favor not one side but both sides and use it all to better our creative self expression whether that be music, photography, painting or what ever medium you choose.

[@jadensanchez3189]

Absolutely amazing!!!!!!!

[@a11pu1poj]

took an online class hosted by bad snacks a few years ago, learned so much, great video

[@astrodadmusic]

Key takeaway: you can create amazing music with anything. From laptop to harp to violin to kazoo to spoons to armpit farts. All are up for grabs and ready to be utilized through any means available. Create! Thanks for the awesome video, Emily!

[@LdotSdot210]

hell yeah to the Bernie dance when you swapped the instrument for the first time

[@SantiagoGT15]

Ableton is a great tool but there’s no replacement for knob twisting

[@Pear_Trees]

ohhh fuckkk. Ive been keeping up with bad snacks ever since i saw her demo a pedal I was looking into a few years ago. This is a very welcome collab

[@simonpark843]

I love your videos so much - I'm old but I tend to forget that and enjoy seeing the stuff you guys come up with. You always have so much fun and it's so great to watch.

[@rylieriley]

Subbing to this channel is one of the best moves I've ever made. It's so freaking awesome!

[@emilyharpist]

Thank you SO much!! 🥰🥰

[@juliecostello42]

This was fun to watch, thanks for sharing!!!

[@luisostasuc8135]

Wow, from the moment she came in with the violin my reaction was "holy shit!" and then she just went ham on it! Awesome work!

[@briangardner5053]

LOLOL... you have the best sense of humor, Emily. Love your music and use of pedals/gear

[@75YBA]

Another happy landing! Hope you folks are healthy and happy!

[@dillipphunbar7924]

good onya Emily..nice message. Bad Snacks is kewl...haven't heard from her in a while...btw...you're not the only one who is like that with DAWs.

[@spencertorok]

this is the ultimate collab, loved this

[@FoxyfloofJumps]

*curls up in a ball to just loop this* It's so cool.

[@mark6302]

i try to teach myself cubase ever so often i have mad respect for people who knows how to use that stuff.

[@OIP_1]

yay bad snacks! what a great collab, looks like a total blast as well

[@disasterpiece16]

Outstanding sound, both of you!

[@landonewts]

I love this SO MUCH. Thank you.

[@emilyharpist]

Thank YOU for being here!!!

[@DomPalombiMusic]

Actually love the fact Emily's using vgm as BGM for this video, just goes to show video game music is making moves! Great stuff you two!!!

[@andrewbird8624]

😂so jealous of this jam😂😂Improvisation, and ideas don't always come from planning ahead in a daw. Both approaches are needed in a project. Peeps gotta stop devaluing craft.

[@spiritzweispirit1st638]

That's Soo cool a Collaboration! Please More! Btw' Dear god' that solo was beyond Epic! Want Way Much More of That!🎼🖖🤍

[@michaelkonomos]

This was straight up inspiring to watch. Thank you both. Really creative and well done.

[@StevePaulSounds]

omg when bad snacks went on that violin. chills through my body - so epic and beautiful!!! great work. would love to have seen more what plugins she was using...

[@maxmustsleep]

you have the coolest friends! absolutely loved this collab the idea that there's one superior method of making music is so dumb. just let people use the tools they like and stop being an ass about it. I can't say how many times I've watched Mick Gordon's Doom music talk. I'm still amazed how crazy cool his setup was and that's one legendary soundtrack. I like the physicality of it, it's not so clean and perfect every single time and it adds so much character to live performances. Badsnacks was doing an amazing job too though!

[@lemonhscott7667]

Hell yeah I love Bad Snacks

[@hrdcpy]

My dog started scratching himself and I thought it was you adding trap hi-hats to Ableton. 😂 Free sample if you want it.

[@dwsel]

Record that 🐕scratch and sample 🎶

[@rlm2112]

This is an amazing video. It makes me want to explore music beyond just playing guitar

[@JorbLovesGear]

Now this is epic

[@sov777]

He'll Ye'ah!!🤘😎🤘

[@seazenbones6945]

I enjoyed this video and I believe that ‘Yet' is one of the most important words in the english language. It's wonderful to hear you use it.

[@DJ_Tabula_Rasa]

This entire video is one big serotonin boost

[@akuro2685]

Loved this, y’all need to make more music together!