From Detroit to dance floors worldwide, dig into the 909 Day celebrations honoring the TR-909's enduring legacy through workshops, film, and community.
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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Dive into this companion to the first phase of a three-part NTS radio series tracing the TR-808 across continents and cultures.
Explore the next phase of the 808 with these groundbreaking tracks that stretch, bend, and reshape the sound of the classic drum machine.
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.
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 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.
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
During 2020, many of us turned to creative pursuits while at home. For Simon Gottliffe, his positive escape came from 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.
The “Walk This Way” beat dances around the guitar and vocal rhythms to create one of the most memorable grooves in rock and hip-hop.
Hybrid drumming blends acoustic and electronic elements. Will Hunt of Evanescence explains his approach to the style.
Hybrid drumming blends acoustic and electronic elements. Frank Zummo discusses his approach and gear during the final Sum 41 world tour.
Our Contributors
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Travis Gallagher is a Texas-born creative director working as an in-house Visual Content Creator for the Roland Corporation. He has worked with artists such as Linkin Park, Timbaland, and others.
Also known as DJ Sylo, Brady is an electronic artist and event planner based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
A writer by fate, journalist by passion, and storyteller by vision. Bylines at: REVOLT, Grammys.com, Complex, Discogs, Vibe Magazine, Okayplayer, REVERB, and LEVEL Mag.
Dana is a mom, percussionist, and life lover. Her writing appears in Modern Drummer and she gigs frequently with a number of projects.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
The bicoastal artist discusses the joy of sharing new musical sounds, making cosmic connections, and crafting beats with the DJ-808.
The enigmatic artist Photay opens up about his improvisational collaborators, the power of the weather, and how location influences art.
Keyboard virtuoso Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident talks gear history, love of live performance, and songwriting craft.
On the eve of the Silver Panda remix of "Lift Me Up," Moby discusses his philosophies on sharing music, collaboration, and much more.
Experimental duo H31R strives to break through genre boundaries. The pair shares insight into their influences, gear, and creative process.