Meet the music director behind Afrobeats’ biggest names as he discusses his heritage, essential gear, and the genre’s future.
Meet the session sensation who’s shared stages with Olivia Rodrigo, Zayn, and Maisie Peters, and learn how she’s used keys to unlock a thriving career in music.
Follow the Grammy-winning songwriter from rehearsals to the world's most prestigious country music festival, and discover the story of her ascent.
FEATURES
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The early MTV icon reveals how he segued into Silicon Valley entrepreneurship and academia while remaining true to his creative impulses.
Juju and Jojo of the Los Angeles-based baroque pop outfit wax philosophical about their journey—at once melodic, aesthetic, and geographic.
The Berlin-based melodic disco powerhouse talks about his early years in an Italian village, vintage Roland, and how he’s always dancing when spinning records.
Ryeland Allison on his ethereal Mystic Adventure XV-5080 patch collection, Hans Zimmer, synth evolution, programming tips, and rave culture.
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
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.
Introducing Project LYDIA
Discover the exciting audio effects Technology Preview from Roland Future Design Lab and Neutone.
DRUMS
On the eve of Rihanna's Super Bowl performance, Mike Reid discusses his history, lessons from artists, and the power of hybrid drumming.
To play drums, you need gear, time, and patience. Explore the specific pieces required to help garner new skills and joy from drumming.
Josh Dun’s groove on the Grammy-winning “Stressed Out” by Twenty One Pilots is infectious. Explore the beat and get its unique tone on V-Drums.
The prolific percussionist shares how an insatiable curiosity for rhythm fueled his journey from Helsinki to Hollywood.
The two legends discuss playing and tweaking sounds in the Roland V71 module, studio history, and why it all starts with the drummer.
Our Contributors
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Based in Mexico City, Jorge Medina Martínez is a Product Specialist for Roland México. He is also composer and live looping artist for the creative collective MIDIPipe. Con sede en Ciudad de México, Jorge Medina Martínez es especialista de producto en Roland México. También es compositor y artista de live looping para el colectivo creativo MIDIPipe.
Ted Davis is a writer, editor, DJ, and musician from Northern Virginia. He currently lives in New York City after a six-year stint in the Los Angeles area. He is the ambient columnist for Bandcamp Daily and frequently contributes additional features and reviews to that publication.
Henry Allen is a musician and copywriter from Cincinnati, OH. He currently lives in Columbus, OH, and plays drums on tour with Caamp.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
Deep into a five-decade noise odyssey, Masami Akita offers the philosophies behind Merzbow’s surrealist approach to sound.
The composer uses everything from a youth choir to the MC-202 to bridge the gap between electronic and organic, ancient and futuristic.
Experimental duo H31R strives to break through genre boundaries. The pair shares insight into their influences, gear, and creative process.
For these Edmonton synth provocateurs, punk is more than a genre. Find out how the term grounds them in decades of DIY efforts.
The Berlin-based melodic disco powerhouse talks about his early years in an Italian village, vintage Roland, and how he’s always dancing when spinning records.