On the eve of Meltdown Festival, John Grant discusses his adopted home, the Grace Jones-curated event, and the Roland Facet grand piano.
EXPLORE PEOPLE
Keys player and musical director Ashton Miranda is living his dream on Ed Sheeran’s +–=÷x world tour. But his success didn’t come easily.
David Noller and Todd Walker of Dynamix II discuss their history, the Miami sound, and the quest to find an 808 in the 1980s.
The Human League and Heaven 17 founder Martyn Ware steps back in time to discuss a career spent at the intersection of music and technology.
AMÉMÉ reveals the ways his eclectic musical DNA helps him blur the lines between melodic techno, Afro, and deep house.
Sound Behind the Song: “Axel F” by Harold Faltermeyer
Ari Rosenschein
“Axel F” is the inescapable theme song of the classic ’80s romp Beverly Hills Cop. Learn about the oddball hit and its pioneering creator.
Underground Resistance, Submerge, and the Detroit Way
Ari Rosenschein
Museum, artist incubator, distro, and record store—Submerge and Underground Resistance represents the interconnected Detroit music community.
Listening Guide: Sounds of the D-50
Adam Douglas
The D-50 ushered in a new era of popular music that crossed all genres. Hear the synth in action with this varied selection of tracks.
Listening Guide: Stones Throw Records
Alexander Dias
Stones Throw Records challenges perceptions, demonstrating how a scrappy indie can create a deep cultural impact. Explore these essentials.
Listening Guide: 2010-2023 Hip-Hop
Christine Ochefu
The past decade saw hip-hop go stratospheric. This playlist highlights tracks that helped the genre dominate the international stage.
EXPLORE TECH AND TREND
From rock and roll frontwomen to Grammy-nominated artists, learn how these musicians are achieving their sonic dreams.
Our holiday season this year will be different than any other. This cozy winter playlist features comforting songs to make it easier.
Run a search for “Octapad” or “Octapadist,” and you'll find a vast musical community. Learn how the instrument became a household word.
Verzuz and Rolling Live Studios point to a streaming future. Roland worked with both camps, helping up the sonics to match their visuals.
Learn how the biggest musical acts are challenging audience attention spans by releasing lengthy albums in today's marketplace.