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.
Explore the enduring influence of the R-8 Human Rhythm Composer on a host of musical styles in Mexico, a land of deep tradition.
Explore the pioneering Jazzie B of Soul II Soul—from bona fide classics to fresh collaborations and all points in between.
FEATURES
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For decades, electronic film scores have brought groundbreaking sonic atmosphere to the cinematic experience. Explore these ten examples.
Multi-instrumentalist and composer Takiaya Reed creates heavy sounds that transcend genre boundaries—and even countries.
Explore a curated collection of lesser-known gems featuring the Roland TB-303 Bass Line, courtesy of Rush Hour Music.
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.
LISTENING GUIDE
Submerge yourself in this starting point for an experimental genre of rock music that floats, swirls, and unfolds.
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.
The legendary sonic architect shares exclusive insights about the technology and techniques behind some of his landmark productions.
Learn
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Centuries-old crafting techniques inform the look and feel of KIYOLA. Learn about the design and creation of the KF-20 and KF-25.
The prolific percussionist shares how an insatiable curiosity for rhythm fueled his journey from Helsinki to Hollywood.
All you need is a DAW and Roland Cloud to mix your vocals like a pro. Learn how to expand your sonic horizons using these powerful tools.
Design sounds using iconic Roland synths that share the same language: the JUNO-60, JUNO-106, JUPITER-8, JUPITER-4, PROMARS, and SH-101.
SOUND BEHIND THE SONG
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.
808 State’s ode to the Roland TR-606 has stood the test of time as one of the quirkiest yet most trailblazing tunes in their discography.
TR-1000 Rhythm Creator
Roland Future Design Lab
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.
Introducing Project LYDIA
Discover the exciting audio effects Technology Preview from Roland Future Design Lab and Neutone.
What Is AI For Music?
Find out how Roland is leading the conversation around the ever-evolving technological landscape and finding ways to work with it responsibly.
DRUMS
With Prismatic Sound Modeling, V-Drums have reached unprecedented realism and detail. Learn about the innovative modeling engine.
Taylor Hawkins was a hero to drummers everywhere. This "Behind the Beat" honors his musical legacy and the power of the Foo Fighters classic.
Here is the story of DW Drums—from its earliest days as a teaching studio right up to the latest innovations.
Explore how the themes and drums on "Come as You Are” intertwine, then download the V-Drums kit to capture the Nevermind drum sound.
The “Purple Rain” drum parts by Bobby Z. provide a classic example of how to play a power ballad for maximum emotional impact.
Our Contributors
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Darren is Percussion Product Manager for Roland Canada. He loves motorcycles, loud drums, and the great outdoors.
An LA-based booking agent with This Is Who We Are Now, Emily organizes Record Club Los Angeles, Presence, and many other events. Her work appears in L.A. Record and Razorcake .
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.
Christian is Director of Global Digital Marketing at Roland Corporation. If he had a professional memoir it would be titled, From Organic Chemistry to Organic Engagement. He lives in LA with his wife and daughter.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
Italian duo MARNIK discusses '90s inspiration, all-star collaboration, and how their V-MODA headphones can withstand a meteorological event.
In a world of algorithms and automation, Mocky's latest release pushes back against the machine and puts choir over code.
Experimental duo H31R strives to break through genre boundaries. The pair shares insight into their influences, gear, and creative process.
The outfit's latest rekindles its bond with the Metropole Orkest, as Bill Laurance’s harmonic style enters new orchestral and jazz frontiers.
Where some people see a sampler, Lionclad sees a world of possibilities. She shares about mixtapes, puppet shows, analog synths, and more.