Keigo Oyamada, aka Cornelius, reflects on YMO’s influence, his bond with Ryuichi Sakamoto, and his new album, Refractions.
Joseph Butler IV and Torrence Thomas discuss how the SPD-SX turned a three-piece band into a full production, blending tracks and live playing.
From Coachella to record-breaking stadium tours, the woodwind virtuoso discusses life on the biggest stages, behind-the-scenes creativity, and expanding her sound with digital instruments.
FEATURES
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The Malawian DJ and producer discusses her multifaceted career at the intersection of art, activism, and the sound of heritage.
Go inside Daramola's studio sessions with Shakira, Marc Anthony, and others to see how Roland synths form the secret architecture of modern Latin hitmaking.
Travie McCoy’s Gym Class Heroes answered the call to return with new music. Learn about the motivation and gear behind their beats and why love is the universal language.
Chuck Comeau and Jeff Stinco discuss their favorite Roland and BOSS gear, the key to the band’s longevity, and the thriving pop-punk scene.
From music shop beginnings to Gorillaz and The Prodigy: Tom “Woody” Wood reveals how passion, knowledge, and relationships built his career.
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.
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.
Explore the pioneering Jazzie B of Soul II Soul—from bona fide classics to fresh collaborations and all points in between.
Learn
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The iconic singer opens up about her career journey, the power of pop music, and how she stays in the flow state when playing piano.
After his Warped Tour set, Gross discusses his hybrid setup, essential Roland gear, and the importance of family and giving back.
From Detroit to dance floors worldwide, dig into the 909 Day celebrations honoring the TR-909's enduring legacy through workshops, film, and community.
Set yourself up for ongoing musical success with these step-by-step quick-start guides to the FP-40 and Piano Sphere.
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.
FP-40 with Piano Sphere
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
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.
Hybrid drumming blends acoustic and electronic elements. Frank Zummo discusses his approach and gear during the final Sum 41 world tour.
Meet the man on the throne for the Josh Homme supergroup and learn how he uses V-Drums with traditional percussion to create sonic landscapes.
On the eve of Rihanna's Super Bowl performance, Mike Reid discusses his history, lessons from artists, and the power of hybrid drumming.
The drumming on the eternally funky “Let’s Groove” demonstrates how powerful disco rhythms can make listeners get up and move.
Our Contributors
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Brandon is Global Strategic Product Marketing Manager at Roland. He has a long career in music technology and more gear in his personal collection than many commercial studios.
Shannon Harp is the Marketing Operations Senior Specialist for Roland. She lives in Southern California where she regularly performs and records as a saxophonist and composer under the name Shannon Kennedy.
Kaori is a music teacher and ex-Roland designer of digital pianos and auto-accompaniment systems.
Clementine is a drummer, writer, and founding member of Zepperella. Her work appears in Modern Drummer and elsewhere.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
Jamie Stewart, the confessional frontperson of experimental rock band Xiu Xiu, explains their love for Roland drum machines.
Step into the elemental musical landscape of Talulah Ruby and discover how environment, consciousness, and Roland gear shape her sound.
The Canadian DJ discusses how he infuses his EDM sets with a raw punk rock edge, blending high-energy beats with live drumming on V-Drums and an SPD-SX.
Ali Stone's new single "Crudo," featuring ZENOLOGY, refers to a love that's pure, sincere, and gets better with time.
Daktyl is turning heads with his distinctive beats. The self-proclaimed gearhead discusses his influences, sample arsenal, and collabs.