This legend was around at the start of the Los Angeles rap game. The self-proclaimed Willy Wonka talks N.W.A, 808s, and his own futurism.
The prolific UK producer discusses Roland gear, mysterious vinyl releases, and collaborating with Thom Yorke and Jonathan Zawada.
Born in Puerto Rico and based in Los Angeles, Pachyman creates hypnotic tracks that take the listener on a pilgrimage to an unusual space.
FEATURES
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From Joni Mitchell to Steely Dan, Tom Scott reflects on unforgettable moments from iconic collaborations that shaped his career—and left a lasting impact on the musical landscape.
The keytar-wielding hockey organist talks about his unusual music journey, building a brand, and lending piano chops to a hit HBO series.
The wandering artist speaks about early musical memories, capturing fleeting ideas, and how a sense of place influences her writing.
Members of the Glastonbury Class of 2025—Colm Conlan, Dani Bernard, and Will White—give us the inside scoop from the festival this year.
LISTENING GUIDE
Explore trip-hop from its early days to the current renaissance centering on a new generation of artists mining the genre's laidback beats.
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.
Synthesizers in music production brought about a massive cultural shift. Take a trip into this groundbreaking genre.
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.
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Top keyboard players and music directors convene in the capital to discuss their careers and how V-STAGE helps them stay in the moment.
Learn how to take your soft synths into uncharted territory by pairing them with the Roland Cloud BOSS Effects Pedals plug-in.
The TR-707 and TR-727 drum machines are more than just coveted vintage units. Learn about the ways in which modders have made them their own.
Learn the origin story of vocal harmonizers and processors and explore the science behind creating vocal harmonies with music technology.
SOUND BEHIND THE SONG
The Roland TR-808, used on Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s alluring 2013 hit, “Drunk In Love,” is an essential bed upon which to create a masterpiece.
Mr. Oizo’s “Flat Beat” was an infectious song written for a Levi's® ad starring an orange puppet named Flat Eric. At its heart was the TR-606.
Explore the mysterious backstory of “Pump Up the Jam,” a worldwide electronic music smash and tale of mistaken identity.
The TR-808 pattern at the center of “Hangin' on a String” elevates the moody groove.
V-STAGE SERIES
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
On the eve of Rihanna's Super Bowl performance, Mike Reid discusses his history, lessons from artists, and the power of hybrid drumming.
With Prismatic Sound Modeling, V-Drums have reached unprecedented realism and detail. Learn about the innovative modeling engine.
For a top-of-the-line electronic drum kit, look no further than the TD-50X series. Every element combines for a superb drumming experience.
Hybrid drumming blends acoustic and electronic elements. Frank Zummo discusses his approach and gear during the final Sum 41 world tour.
From the Glastonbury Festival grounds, hybrid drummers share their setups and offer advice to aspiring musicians.
Our Contributors
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An MI veteran, Clint was one of the founders of Emagic North America and worked at both Apple and Line 6. A passionate music fan, he heads The New Music Collective.
Jordan Blum resides in Philadelphia and holds an MFA in Fiction. He’s Editor-in-Chief of The Bookends Review, author of Jethro Tull: Every Album, Every Song and Dream Theater: Every Album, Every Song, Associate Editor at PopMatters and a contributor to CoS, Kerrang!, Metal Injection, and PROG.
Based in Bath, United Kingdom Stuart is a veteran music tech journalist for outlets like Music Radar, Total Guitar, and more. In addition to his many publication credits, he was the editor of Rhythm.
Christian is Director of Global Digital Marketing at Roland Corporation. If he had a professional memoir it would be titled, From Organic Chemistry to Organic Engagement. He lives in LA with his wife and daughter.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
A legend of house music’s second wave, Roland instruments have been fundamental to Todd Terry’s genre-hopping career for the past 35 years.
Youngr has amassed a worldwide audience with his viral one-take video performances. The multi-instrumentalist discusses family ties, his new album, and essential Roland gear.
Badflower is a band where chemistry is paramount. The members speak from the studio where they're working on their sophomore release.
Rarelyalways opens up about his eclectic influences, the unpredictable ways inspiration strikes, and how he sometimes denies his identity.
As a founder of 1500 Sound Academy, multi-instrumentalist/producer/writer Rance Dopson uses his experience to help young musicians grow.