Ahead of GROUPLOVE’s BeachLife Festival performance, drummer Ben Homola breaks down his hybrid setup, the gear that keeps him consistent, and more.
Master percussionist and hybrid drummer Karl Vanden Bossche talks DW Drums, Latin Percussion, Roland V-Drums, and grooving with Gorillaz.
Sample a curated collection of lesser-known SP gems, courtesy of Lightfoot, the Boston-based beat impresario.
FEATURES
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Guitarist and keys player Mitch Fountain reflects on the happy accident behind a Roland‑driven single, his evolution from guitar to keys, and why continual learning fuels his creativity.
Learn how Project LYDIA Phase II reflects what Roland Future Design Lab and Neutone learned from feedback and how the project is progressing.
Drift through the sonic waters of Julianna Barwick’s ethereal vocal loops on a journey from her Los Angeles kitchen to the waterfalls of Iceland and the sun-soaked walkways of Paris.
LISTENING GUIDE
Submerge yourself in this starting point for an experimental genre of rock music that floats, swirls, and unfolds.
Find out how 9th Wonder helped reshape the rules of sample-based production in the 21st century with this selection of classics.
Before hip-hop was the world's most dominant musical genre, several groundbreaking women blazed a fiery trail for others to follow.
From droning electronic pieces to spiritual soundscapes, these records offer a beautiful entry point into this immersive genre.
The trailblazer combined synthesizers, tight songwriting chops, and an evolving glam sci-fi image. Probe the outer limits of his discography.
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Discover performance-ready SP-404MKII effects that let you shape unique sounds, energize your live sets, and expand your studio creativity.
Sample the worldwide scope of 404 Day 2026 with this overview of community-driven SP-powered events, showcases, workshops, and more.
Centuries-old crafting techniques inform the look and feel of KIYOLA. Learn about the design and creation of the KF-20 and KF-25.
KIYOLA is the ultimate expression of a collaboration between Roland and furniture maker Karimoku. This is the story of how it happened.
SOUND BEHIND THE SONG
Join us on a walk through the mysterious sycamore trees of Twin Peaks, as we unveil the secrets behind the show’s legendary opening theme.
Doctor Who, the sci-fi phenomenon, has taken many forms—and so has its theme. Discover how the 1980 version became a definitive classic.
Find out how David Bowie and Iggy Pop created a slapback-saturated swing that takes the listener on a hazy nighttime stroll through Berlin.
The cultural ramifications of "Big Fun" are difficult to measure. Inner City drafted the sonic palette for a movement.
TR-1000 Rhythm Creator
Roland Future Design Lab
Project LYDIA Phase II: Neural Sampling Evolved
Learn how Project LYDIA Phase II reflects what Roland Future Design Lab and Neutone learned from feedback and how the project is progressing.
Roland’s New Global Headquarters: Inside the Inspiration Hub
Roland has unveiled a new headquarters in Japan that unites R&D and administration staff under one roof in an inspiring workspace.
A Look Inside Roland Future Design Lab
Roland Future Design Lab lead Paul McCabe, Senior Vice President of Research and Innovation, discusses the group’s mission and future.
Introducing Project LYDIA
Discover the exciting audio effects Technology Preview from Roland Future Design Lab and Neutone.
DRUMS
The “Walk This Way” beat dances around the guitar and vocal rhythms to create one of the most memorable grooves in rock and hip-hop.
Learn to use the Roland TD-17's rich features to improve your drumming in a clear and simple way with this Ultimate Guide.
Noah Hyppolite discusses hybrid hip-hop drumming and how he navigates the intersection of touring with Mick Jenkins and a career in aerospace.
The V-Drums Acoustic Design (VAD) series combines the Roland technology drummers love with classic acoustic drum set styling.
Electronic drums are easy to use, fun to play, and supply built-in learning opportunities. Learn all about why new drummers love them.
Our Contributors
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Expatriate Detroiter Mike Rubin is a writer living in Brooklyn. His work currently appears in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Men’s Journal, Red Bull Music Academy, and Victory Journal. Since 1987 he has been one of the editors of Motorbooty, a Detroit-based, independently published satirical journal. He is currently at work on his first book.
Harold Heath is a former DJ and producer who writes about music for DJ Mag, Mixmag, Attack Magazine, and others.
Eric is a freelance pop culture blogger with bylines in Rolling Stone, Vice, Pitchfork, and Nylon. He is also a DJ, producer, and pro-wrestling critic.
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.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
The Grammy Award-winning producer behind scores of massive hits traces his signature sound to his Roland beginnings.
Brooklyn trio Nation of Language demonstrates how its '80s-synth pop credentials are not just future past but future present.
Few names are more synonymous with New York house than Roger Sanchez. The legendary DJ talks about process, philosophy, and Roland Cloud.
The brainchild of housemates recording late-night jams onto cassette, Night Tapes explains the process behind their atmospheric dream pop.
Born in Puerto Rico and based in Los Angeles, Pachyman creates hypnotic tracks that take the listener on a pilgrimage to an unusual space.