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
Explore the history and sound of the Roots' beloved track, “Mellow My Man," and learn to play some of drummer Questlove's iconic patterns.
The prolific percussionist shares how an insatiable curiosity for rhythm fueled his journey from Helsinki to Hollywood.
Learn to use the Roland TD-17's rich features to improve your drumming in a clear and simple way with this Ultimate Guide.
Learn how Blondie drummer Dr. Clem Burke has worked alongside a team of academics to study the physical benefits of drumming.
Rhythm is the root of drumming, but there are many paths to learning basic drum beats and concepts. Let's explore how to rock right away.
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.
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.
Danny is a London-based freelance music journalist/writer. His work appears in Electronic Musician, Music Radar, Future Music Magazine, and other outlets.
Antal is CEO and co-founder of Rush Hour Music, a label, mailorder, event promotion hub, and record store based in Amsterdam.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
Mndsgn has spent over a decade exploring inner truths as danceable moods. Find out why creating his latest was such a rare artistic pleasure.
Deep into a five-decade noise odyssey, Masami Akita offers the philosophies behind Merzbow’s surrealist approach to sound.
Jane Weaver's latest album is a self-contained universe. The artist discusses shaking up her studio process, cinema, and the groove.
One of his generation's most significant synthwave artists, Com Truise looks back at the beginning of his journey and shares what lies ahead.
Musical mad scientist Dolly Spectra discusses using her body as a MIDI controller in performance, community, and the future of electronic pop.