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
The “Purple Rain” drum parts by Bobby Z. provide a classic example of how to play a power ballad for maximum emotional impact.
Hybrid drumming blends acoustic and electronic elements. Will Hunt of Evanescence explains his approach to the style.
Learn how Blondie drummer Dr. Clem Burke has worked alongside a team of academics to study the physical benefits of drumming.
Clyde Stubblefield's groove is one of the most sampled beats ever. Learn the "Funky Drummer" beat and how to capture its sound with V-Drums.
With so many electronic drum kits to choose from, what’s the best intermediate choice? Roland’s TD-27 series provides the solution.
Our Contributors
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Robert is a writer, designer, and musician based in Cleveland. He maintains the JUPITER-Xpert blog covering tutorials and news related to the JUPITER-X/Xm synthesizers. Robert releases electronic music under the moniker CeeZED.
In addition to being a DJ and music producer, Alexander is key writer for Insomniac.com, the editorial arm of North America's largest dance music event producer.
Kirsten Spruch is based in Los Angeles and works in creator partnerships, with a focus on entertainment and technology. She is also a journalist who has written for Billboard and more, covering stories from emerging trends to new music. When she's not writing about music, she's making her own under the alias Kirsten Izer.
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.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
Salim Merchant has an awe-inspiring career creating music for film. He took the time to talk about his new album Bhoomi 2020 and more.
Daktyl is turning heads with his distinctive beats. The self-proclaimed gearhead discusses his influences, sample arsenal, and collabs.
Brooklyn trio Nation of Language demonstrates how its '80s-synth pop credentials are not just future past but future present.
Italian duo MARNIK discusses '90s inspiration, all-star collaboration, and how their V-MODA headphones can withstand a meteorological event.
The Grammy Award-winning producer behind scores of massive hits traces his signature sound to his Roland beginnings.