Explore the next phase of the 808 with these groundbreaking tracks that stretch, bend, and reshape the sound of the classic drum machine.
Dive into this companion to the first phase of a three-part NTS radio series tracing the TR-808 across continents and cultures.
Meet the music director behind Afrobeats’ biggest names as he discusses his heritage, essential gear, and the genre’s future.
FEATURES
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The DIY legend sheds light on his many artistic endeavors and creative techniques, while exploring how we are truly interwoven.
Explore the second phase of the TR-808’s expanding global influence, from its analog origins into futurist funk and beyond.
Meet Jason Dasent: music producer, accessibility advocate, and the architect of Roland's first dedicated support resources for visually impaired V-STAGE players.
The early MTV icon reveals how he segued into Silicon Valley entrepreneurship and academia while remaining true to his creative impulses.
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.
Learn
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The 25-year-old British singer-songwriter behind one of R&B's most buzzed-about debuts traces his gossamer sound to the vintage synth that defined a generation.
Ahead of GROUPLOVE’s BeachLife Festival performance, drummer Ben Homola breaks down his hybrid setup, the gear that keeps him consistent, and more.
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.
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
Designing Access: An Interview with Jason Dasent
Meet Jason Dasent: music producer, accessibility advocate, and the architect of Roland’s first dedicated support resources for visually impaired V-STAGE players.
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.
DRUMS
Hybrid drumming blends acoustic and electronic elements. Will Hunt of Evanescence explains his approach to the style.
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.
With a wide world of drum gear to explore, get clarity on the type of drum set that will help any new drummer thrive.
Ryan “Rymo” Moran of Slightly Stoopid explores the power of hybrid drumming—bringing records to life onstage with real-time flexibility and unlocking an ever-expanding creative world.
Prepping for a big gig or woodshedding to improve your chops—these V-Drums exercises will help build precision, timing, and more.
Our Contributors
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Jack is Digital Marketing Assistant at Roland Corporation Australia. He is passionate about video games music production and composition, so outside of work, you'll likely find him holed up somewhere playing games or making music.
Evan's work has appeared in a host of print and online publications, including Rolling Stone, Wired, The Fader, and Tenderly.
Jessi Brown is a writer who lives in Seattle and online. She’s been tinkering with technology for over 25 years and never stops thinking about how it’s made and how it affects people.
Dustin Good is Product Manager for Synthesis at Roland Americas. He lives in Wakefield, Quebec where he experiments with all manner of synthesizers and electronics.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
The multifaceted artist discusses his career encompassing everything from jazz-inflected percussion to art installations.
On the eve of the Silver Panda remix of "Lift Me Up," Moby discusses his philosophies on sharing music, collaboration, and much more.
Miss Tahloulah May respects hip-hop heritage while pursuing her vision. She discusses beatmaking, crate digging, and the SP-404.
Multi-instrumentalist and composer Takiaya Reed creates heavy sounds that transcend genre boundaries—and even countries.
As a founder of 1500 Sound Academy, multi-instrumentalist/producer/writer Rance Dopson uses his experience to help young musicians grow.