A Q&A with Max for Live expert Phelan Kane

Music Hackspace tutor Phelan is a Berlin & London-based music producer, engineer, artist, developer and educator. He currently runs the electronic music record label Meta Junction Recordings and the audio software development company Meta Function.  As the course leader for our new Certified Courses program Learn Max for Live, we asked him to answer a few questions about Max for Live. 

We’re delighted to be featuring your Certified Course on Max For Live, tell us a bit about who you are and how you’ve developed as a producer and sound designer?  

My name is Phelan Kane and I am a Berlin and London-based music producer, engineer, artist, developer and educator. For almost thirty years I have been active in both the music industry and the contemporary music education sector, with a focus on electronic music and alternative bands. I have worked on music for artists such as Placebo, I have supported Depeche Mode on a European tour as part of the Fad Gadget band and I have taught music tech to members of Radiohead. I am one of the first Ableton Certified Trainers in the world and since 2021 I have been one of only three dual Ableton and Max Certified Trainers. I have released music on the labels Bulletdodge and Meta Junction Recordings and I currently run the audio software development company Meta Function.

Where did it all begin for you and how did you get your first break? 

Back in 1994, my Tutor at Audio Engineer College recommended me for an assistant engineer position at a studio owned by a band member of his. From there I went to work on lots and lots of music with projects at big studios in the UK such as Townhouse, Mayfair, Livingston, Metropolis, Rockfield, Monnow Valley and for labels such as Universal, WEA, Polygram, Mute etc etc.

So tell us about this course what will you be covering? 

This course will explore how to make your own sound design, synthesis and sampling devices in Max For Live via Ableton Live Suite. With these tools, you can create novel devices/plug-ins that no one else has access to which will empower you to create unique electronic sound for music, game and media projects.

What are some of the most salient bits of career advice you’ve been given along the way? 

Explore as many tools and techniques as you can. Be open-minded and absorb all types of music and media.

Why did you choose to teach a live online course over a click-and-watch pre-recorded one? 

Live online courses are much more rewarding for the students. They can ask questions and receive mentor support through their learning journey. 

So what can students expect to learn from the course and the experience of studying with other peers online?

They will learn the necessary latest skills, techniques and first-hand industry insight into the methodology, workflow and tips and tricks to create unique devices and patches in Max For Live.  

Check out Phelan’s certified course Learn Max for Live