Original SP-404 designer Kenji Yamada and current project leader Takeo Shirato discuss the 404 concept, its widespread popularity, and more.
Break down the techniques to create 303-based sounds, complete with step-by-step programming tips and real-world track references.
Roland uses a “V” to indicate instruments embodying a specific set of virtues. Learn about the engineering process culminating in V-STAGE.
FEATURES
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David Bellow, aka Lightfoot, and Michele Darling explain the process of establishing a groundbreaking SP-404 course at Berklee.
Leftfield came from the same primordial soup as the greatest British dance acts. Explore this iconic track and the TB-303's role in it.
Peer inside this idiosyncratic fest with four unique acts from spring 2025 who discuss their artistry and what makes CRSSD so special.
Hailing from Greece, the artist opens up about capturing the attention of Sub Pop and how the Roland INTEGRA-7 helped create her new album.
LISTENING GUIDE
Synthesizers in music production brought about a massive cultural shift. Take a trip into this groundbreaking genre.
Jim Keltner has been a go-to session drummer since the '70s. From ex-Beatles to Bob Dylan to Steely Dan, here’s a taste of the legendary player.
The trailblazer combined synthesizers, tight songwriting chops, and an evolving glam sci-fi image. Probe the outer limits of his discography.
Stones Throw Records challenges perceptions, demonstrating how a scrappy indie can create a deep cultural impact. Explore these essentials.
Broken beat was created by a community of producers with roots in London's various club scenes. Here are some of the genre's foundational records.
Learn
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Join the 404 Day worldwide takeover with community-driven SP-powered events, showcases, workshops, and interactive demos.
The lead designers behind the SP-404MKII provide an exclusive look inside the making of the updated version of the beloved classic.
Add presence, bite and spatial width to synth basses, leads, pads and more with the JC-120 Jazz Chorus guitar amplifier software effect.
If you want your sequences to hit harder and groove deeper this guide will show you how to program, tweak, and automate the 303 like a pro.
SOUND BEHIND THE SONG
"Glimmer” serves as a palate cleanser on Tame Impala's fourth album. Featuring the TR-707, it feels like an old friend in new dancing shoes.
Talk about '80s music, and a-ha's era-defining hit single “Take On Me” comes to mind. Get the story of this classic and the JUNO-60's role.
“Acid Tracks” spread like wildfire from Chicago across the globe. Learn how the TB-303 gave birth to a smiling generation of clubbers.
Josh Wink honed his craft in Philly warehouses. From raves to radio, his TB-303 anthem “A Higher State of Consciousness” became a classic.
SP-404MKII
KDJ Records Limited Edition
Roland Future Design Lab
The Making of Tone Explorer: An Interview with Kazuyoshi Sasamori of Roland Future Design Lab
Learn about the Tone Explorer concept, challenges, and what might come next from Roland Future Design Lab.
Roland Future Design Lab at Audio Developer Conference 2024
Follow the RFDL team recently to the birthplace of trip-hop, Bristol, UK, for the annual ADC 2024 Audio Developer Conference.
Tone Explorer: Technology Preview for GALAXIAS
Tone Explorer is a technology preview from Roland Future Design Lab, made available for music creators to try as a GALAXIAS Labs Experiment.
DRUMS
Rhythm is the root of drumming, but there are many paths to learning basic drum beats and concepts. Let's explore how to rock right away.
From stints in the E Street Band to his current role in one of metal’s most revered acts, Weinberg understands the power of responsive drums.
Hybrid drumming blends acoustic and electronic elements. Will Hunt of Evanescence explains his approach to the style.
Learning a new instrument may seem hard, but drums are a great place to start. Get a foundation in rhythm and find a lifelong love for music.
The “Purple Rain” drum parts by Bobby Z. provide a classic example of how to play a power ballad for maximum emotional impact.
Our Contributors
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Heywood is a lifelong Californian who now splits time between Los Angeles and the high desert. He is co-founder of the record label Chain Letter Collective and founded Chain Letter Press as a publishing home for both his creative output and copywriting. He lives with his spouse and their dog, Scully.
Lyle Crilly works with Roland's Global Artist Relations team and lives in Toronto, Ontario with his wife and new puppy. He enjoys a good shot of caffeine in the morning, yurting, and Cumbia.
Born and raised in Istanbul and now living in New York, SIRMA is a singer, songwriter, and music producer who blends alternative pop with electronica. She is the creator of the Modern Pop Vocal Production course on Soundfly and has a degree from Berklee College of Music. Find out more at sirmamusic.com.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
Italian duo MARNIK discusses '90s inspiration, all-star collaboration, and how their V-MODA headphones can withstand a meteorological event.
Jamie Stewart, the confessional frontperson of experimental rock band Xiu Xiu, explains their love for Roland drum machines.
From '80s synthwave to '90s synth rock, Belarusian post-punk trio Molchat Doma reveals the gear that makes the group tick.
'80s pop icon Nik Kershaw takes a trip down memory lane, revealing the Roland technologies behind hit albums Human Racing and The Riddle.
Energetic, accomplished, and ambitious, BricksDaMane is one of the most prolific and in-demand producers in hip-hop.