Live-set
A live-set, also sometimes stylized as "liveset" or "live set," refers to a musical performance where the music is created and performed in real-time, typically using electronic instruments, software, and other audio processing tools. Unlike a DJ set, where pre-recorded tracks are mixed together, a live-set involves the construction and arrangement of musical elements from scratch, or the significant manipulation and re-arrangement of pre-existing stems and loops, during the performance itself.
The core distinction lies in the element of real-time creation and improvisation. A live-set artist is actively building and shaping the music as the audience listens, often using synthesizers, drum machines, samplers, effects processors, and computer software like Ableton Live or similar DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations). The performance is dynamic and can vary from show to show, depending on the artist's choices and the interaction with the audience.
Key characteristics of a live-set include:
- Real-time creation: Music is generated and manipulated live, not simply played back.
- Improvisation: Artists often improvise and experiment with sounds and arrangements during the performance.
- Hardware and software: Live-sets commonly utilize a combination of physical instruments and computer-based tools.
- Unique performance: Each live-set performance is typically different, offering a unique experience for the audience.
- Active performance: The artist is actively engaged in the creation process, manipulating knobs, tweaking parameters, and building the music in real-time.
Live-sets are common in various electronic music genres, including techno, house, ambient, IDM, and experimental electronic music. The complexity and style of a live-set can vary widely, from minimalist performances using a single synthesizer to elaborate productions involving multiple instruments, sequencers, and visual elements.