Poppy Ackroyd

Let’s start at the very beginning. Can you tell us how you got involved in composing, and what was your very first piece of gear? My first piece of equipment was an Electro Harmonix 2880 super multi-track looper. It looks really simple but is surprisingly versatile. I wrote the original version of my track ‘Grounds’ […]

My live setup currently consists of Ableton Live with the APC 40 Mkll. On the piano, I use a Helpinstill pickup and DPA 4099P microphones – the combination of the two sound great together. I use the pickup to create a strong bass sound, and the mics for a more natural sound with some definition.** I also have a lovely acoustic violin, but when performing live I tend to use a Starfish electric – which was made for me, built with exact same dimensions as my acoustic**. I put it through an Art Preamp and TC Electronic Nova System.

I’m very excited by my new Helpinstill piano pick up. I’d been using an older model for the past few years which was great, but recently I used a newer model at a gig and the sound was incredible, so I have upgraded. For looping live the pick up is invaluable. It also enables me to get a really nice rich bass sound from the piano.

My live setup currently consists of Ableton Live with the APC 40 Mkll. On the piano, I use a Helpinstill pickup and DPA 4099P microphones – the combination of the two sound great together. I use the pickup to create a strong bass sound, and the mics for a more natural sound with some definition. I also have a lovely acoustic violin, but when performing live I tend to use a Starfish electric – which was made for me, built with exact same dimensions as my acoustic. I put it through an Art Preamp and TC Electronic Nova System.