After his Warped Tour set, Gross discusses his hybrid setup, essential Roland gear, and the importance of family and giving back.
Discover how the Reading-based music charity is introducing vintage electronic instruments to a new generation.
Set yourself up for ongoing musical success with these step-by-step quick-start guides to the FP-40 and Piano Sphere.
FEATURES
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As a member of SML, collaborator, and solo artist, Chiu’s unmistakable synth thumbprint is at the center of contemporary experimental music.
From music shop beginnings to Gorillaz and The Prodigy: Tom “Woody” Wood reveals how passion, knowledge, and relationships built his career.
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.
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.
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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From Detroit to dance floors worldwide, dig into the 909 Day celebrations honoring the TR-909's enduring legacy through workshops, film, and community.
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.
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
Learning a new instrument may seem hard, but drums are a great place to start. Get a foundation in rhythm and find a lifelong love for music.
The “Purple Rain” drum parts by Bobby Z. provide a classic example of how to play a power ballad for maximum emotional impact.
Dive into DW’s inspiring legacy as the company enters the world of high-fidelity audio drum samples with DW Soundworks™.
Explore the continuing story of DW Drums as the company expands from early hardware innovation into world-class drum manufacturing.
This guide will teach you how hybrid drums can benefit your drumming by helping you enhance, layer, and expand your sound.
Our Contributors
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Paul is SVP, Research & Innovation for Roland. Previously VP of Customer Experience for Roland Corporation, VP of Global Marketing, and with Roland Canada, he served in the roles of President & CEO, COO, Product Manager, Marketing Communications Manager, and more. Paul is a family man, composer, IT enthusiast, and science fiction fan.
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.
Henry Allen is a musician and copywriter from Cincinnati, OH. He currently lives in Columbus, OH, and plays drums on tour with Caamp.
Harry Levin is a freelance journalist with credits in SPIN, Billboard, MusicTech, Grammy.com, Los Angeles Magazine, and more. He played jazz trombone through college, produced large-scale electronic music events, and now spends his professional time writing and editing
A FEW MINUTES WITH
The brainchild of housemates recording late-night jams onto cassette, Night Tapes explains the process behind their atmospheric dream pop.
In a world of algorithms and automation, Mocky's latest release pushes back against the machine and puts choir over code.
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.
Keyboard virtuoso Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident talks gear history, love of live performance, and songwriting craft.
The wandering artist speaks about early musical memories, capturing fleeting ideas, and how a sense of place influences her writing.