Novation Launchpad

Lore & Background

The lore of the Novation Launchpad is inextricably linked to Madeon's rise. On July 11, 2011, Leclercq uploaded 'Pop Culture' to YouTube, a clip where he performed a mash-up of 39 popular songs using only the device. The video received millions of hits within its first few days, propelling him from an unknown producer in Nantes to global recognition. According to a Reddit AMA hosted by Madeon in November 2019, the entire concept was executed in a single day: he purchased the Launchpad, conceived the idea, and recorded the performance all on the same date. This rapid execution demonstrated the device's potential for real-time creativity, turning a simple grid of buttons into a vehicle for viral fame.

In Their Own Story

In April 2011, Leclercq made his first live appearance in Paris as a support act to Yelle, utilizing the Launchpad alongside other gear. By July, he uploaded 'Pop Culture,' featuring samples from thirty-nine songs mixed on-the-fly. The clip went viral immediately, reaching over six million views in just a few days. This success led to further opportunities, including remixing Pendulum's 'The Island' and performing for Pete Tong on BBC Radio 1. During these early performances, apart from the Launchpads, he integrated Allen & Heath's Xone:K2, Novation's Launch Control XL, and Ableton Live. The device became his signature tool, allowing him to deconstruct tracks live and rebuild them dynamically, a technique that defined his early career and distinguished his style in the electronic music scene.

Reader's Guide

Madeon's workflow with the Novation Launchpad involves using it as the primary interface for triggering samples and managing sequences during live performances. In 'Pop Culture,' he mixed 39 songs simultaneously on-the-fly, demonstrating a high level of precision and timing. For his live sets, he combines multiple Launchpads with other controllers like the Xone:K2 and Launch Control XL, all running within Ableton Live. The device allows him to control specific elements of a track, such as drums or vocals, by tapping the corresponding pads. This setup enables non-linear performance styles where loops can be extended or cut instantly. While he initially used it for mash-ups, his live performances evolved to include original material, with the Launchpad serving as the central hub for manipulating audio and MIDI clips in real-time.

Did You Know?

• Madeon purchased the Novation Launchpad, conceived the 'Pop Culture' mash-up idea, and recorded the entire video all on the same day.
• The viral 'Pop Culture' video featured samples from exactly 39 different popular songs mixed in real-time.
• 'Pop Culture' reached over six million views within just a few days of its release on July 11, 2011.
• Madeon made his first live performance using the Launchpad in Paris in April 2011 as an opening act for Yelle.