Ahead of GROUPLOVE’s BeachLife Festival performance, drummer Ben Homola breaks down his hybrid setup, the gear that keeps him consistent, and more.
Master percussionist and hybrid drummer Karl Vanden Bossche talks DW Drums, Latin Percussion, Roland V-Drums, and grooving with Gorillaz.
Sample a curated collection of lesser-known SP gems, courtesy of Lightfoot, the Boston-based beat impresario.
FEATURES
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Guitarist and keys player Mitch Fountain reflects on the happy accident behind a Roland‑driven single, his evolution from guitar to keys, and why continual learning fuels his creativity.
Learn how Project LYDIA Phase II reflects what Roland Future Design Lab and Neutone learned from feedback and how the project is progressing.
Drift through the sonic waters of Julianna Barwick’s ethereal vocal loops on a journey from her Los Angeles kitchen to the waterfalls of Iceland and the sun-soaked walkways of Paris.
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.
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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.
Centuries-old crafting techniques inform the look and feel of KIYOLA. Learn about the design and creation of the KF-20 and KF-25.
KIYOLA is the ultimate expression of a collaboration between Roland and furniture maker Karimoku. This is the story of how it happened.
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
Learn to use the Roland TD-17's rich features to improve your drumming in a clear and simple way with this Ultimate Guide.
Explore how the themes and drums on "Come as You Are” intertwine, then download the V-Drums kit to capture the Nevermind drum sound.
Josh Manuel discusses hybrid drumming and how he uses Roland electronic gear to enhance his performances with Kane Brown.
Looking for a Roland V-Drums kit to help you achieve your drumming goals? This introduction will help you find the ideal kit for you.
The V-Drums Acoustic Design (VAD) series combines the Roland technology drummers love with classic acoustic drum set styling.
Our Contributors
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Sahan Jayasuriya is a musician and writer in Milwaukee. Formerly the lead pop music writer for Third Coast Daily, he also has contributed to Milwaukee Magazine , Shepherd Express , and Explain. He is currently working on his first book, an oral history of the legendary Milwaukee punk band Die Kreuzen.
Nick is a researcher, writer, director, and radio host from New Zealand, based in Tokyo. His work includes numerous documentaries and contributions to Red Bull Music Academy among other outlets.
Carolyn is Sr. Brand Copywriter for Roland. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two Mini Schnauzers and enjoys digging through vinyl, books, and thrifted clothes.
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 .
A FEW MINUTES WITH
Robin "Scanner" Rimbaud explores many genres—from avant-garde to accessible. Find out how he's gone from tape recorders to art institutions.
The prolific player shares her thoughts on touring with RAYE, finding success in the music industry, and her Roland gear.
House music icon Ron Trent opens up about his formative years, distinguished collaborators, and how a trio of cities shaped him.
For these Edmonton synth provocateurs, punk is more than a genre. Find out how the term grounds them in decades of DIY efforts.
From Mobb Deep to Mariah Carey—the Queens-born producer shares stories from his hip-hop journey and the Roland gear he used on the way.