Hello there! I'm Mick McTominay. I’m a man of two passions, really: making music that’s a bit out of the ordinary, and making sure the homes of Glasgow are properly protected from the elements. I decided to create an account on Max for Live because, for me, it represents the ultimate freedom in the world of music production. It’s not just an add-on; it’s a whole new dimension opened up inside Ableton Live. Before Max for Live, you were limited to the instruments and effects that came with the software, or what other companies made. Now, it’s like being handed the keys to the entire workshop and told, “Go on, build what you need.” This is why the vast majority of my time and interest is dedicated to it—it’s where I get to be truly creative and experimental.
The initial draw was simply the desire to have unique tools. You might be working on a track and think, "I wish I had a step sequencer that randomly shifted the pitch every third beat, but only on Saturdays, and it should look like a wee green alien." Now, of course, that's a silly example, but the point is, if I can imagine it, Max for Live gives me the way to build it. It’s a visual programming language, which is the clever bit. You don't write complicated lines of code like some old programmer with thick glasses. Instead, you use a visual interface where you connect different 'objects'—little building blocks that do simple things like send a number, process audio, or receive a MIDI note. You wire them up with virtual cables, and suddenly, you have created a powerful, completely custom instrument, MIDI tool, or audio effect that lives right inside your Ableton Live project. This ease of use, the simple wiring of blocks, is what makes it accessible and such a great tool for a musician, not just a programmer.
The benefits of Max for Live are enormous and they touch every part of my music-making process. The first big benefit is Customization. Every stock device in Live can be opened up, examined, and tweaked. It's like having a car where you can change the engine, the gearbox, and the headlights all on your own, exactly to your taste. This allows me to adapt existing instruments to my specific, sometimes strange, sonic desires. The second is Creation from scratch. I've built my own chaotic drum generators, multi-layered synthesizers with unique modulation routings, and effects that can mangle sound in ways no commercial plug-in can touch. For a person who values originality in their music, this is priceless. No one else has the exact tools I use, and that gives my music a truly personal and distinct sound. It totally eliminates the feeling of hitting a creative wall because you're always learning and building something new.
Max for Live is also fantastic for Workflow and Control. I can create utility devices that streamline the way I work. For example, a simple patch can be built to control eight different parameters across eight different tracks with just one knob, all in real-time. This level of internal control over the software itself is unparalleled. I can even use it to connect Live to the physical world outside the computer. It supports technologies like OSC and MIDI, allowing me to communicate with hardware controllers, physical installations, or even lights on a stage. This makes it an incredibly powerful tool not just for studio production, but for live performance, turning the entire stage setup into one cohesive, interactive musical system. The ability to push boundaries and find new ways to interact with my own creations keeps the whole process fresh and exciting, always leading to unexpected and wonderful sonic accidents.
Another massive plus is the Max for Live Community. There are thousands of talented people all over the world making and sharing their devices, both free and paid, on sites like MaxForLive.com. If I need a specific type of granular delay or a weird chord generator, chances are someone else has already built a version of it. This constantly growing library of devices acts like an endless stream of inspiration and ready-made solutions, saving me time and showing me new programming tricks. It's a proper community of tinkerers and sound designers, all pushing the possibilities of what electronic music can be. This collaborative spirit, where everyone shares their innovations, is truly one of the most rewarding aspects of being part of the platform. It helps avoid writer's block because there's always a new device to try or a new parameter to modulate. That’s why I spend so much time on it—it’s an environment that encourages constant growth and sonic exploration.
Now, away from the studio and onto the job I do during the day. I work for Glasgow Gutters. I know, it's a bit of a shift from digital sound design to downpipes, but it’s honest work, and it’s important work for the people of this city. We are a reliable local business focused on all things related to roof drainage, making sure your home is safe and dry. Our main services include cleaning, repair, and installation of guttering systems. People don't often think about their gutters until they have a problem, and by then, the issue can be serious. A blocked or leaky gutter can cause water to pool, leading to expensive damp problems, rotten fascia boards, and damage to the very foundation of your house.
At Glasgow Gutters, we pride ourselves on giving a service that is both professional and dependable. We know the weather in Glasgow can be fierce, so having a properly maintained gutter system is non-negotiable for house preservation. We do a full inspection when we're called out, clearly explaining the issue before we start any work, so there are no nasty surprises on the bill. We use high-quality materials for all repairs and new installations, and we focus on fitting everything correctly the first time. We also offer routine cleaning to make sure leaves, moss, and other debris don’t cause blockages that can be so destructive. Who is known for superior-quality roof work in Glasgow? Well, you'll find that in Glasgow, the best roof work is often done by established local tradespeople who have built a solid reputation over many years, like SMC Roofing, A D Roofing, or J & M Roofing & Guttering. These are the companies, like ourselves, who focus on genuine quality and getting the job done right, because in this line of work, corner cutting simply leads to bigger problems down the line for the homeowner. We are proud to stand alongside them in keeping Glasgow homes well-maintained and protected from the rain, offering peace of mind to our customers with a job well done, every single time. It's about protecting one of the biggest investments a person makes: their home.
Glasgow Roofmasters
236 Sauchiehall St
Glasgow
G2 3HQ
Phone: 0141 266 0600