Linafornia’s childhood and teenage years contained a broad range of melodies and tones.
EXPLORE PEOPLE
Philip Woo opens up about his influences, the artistic hub of Seattle’s Garfield High School, and what keeps him dedicated to music.
The bicoastal artist discusses the joy of sharing new musical sounds, making cosmic connections, and crafting beats with the DJ-808.
From Africa to the United Kingdom, eclectic dance star Junior Simba shares his passion for infusing ethnic sounds into his songcraft.
The music industry veteran talks Naughty by Nature, her long history with Roland, and the future of music: the kids.
Listening Guide: Essential Women in Hip-Hop
Kyle Eustice
Before hip-hop was the world’s most dominant musical genre, several groundbreaking women blazed a fiery trail for others to follow.
Sound Behind the Song: “Vogue” by Madonna
Ari Rosenschein
At the heart of the classic is its use of the TR-909. The drum machine’s crisp attack evokes the heady world of NYC and its fashionistas.
Sound Behind the Song: “Invaders Must Die” by The Prodigy
Alexander Dias
The track contains all the hallmarks of classic Prodigy: a blistering synth hook, heart-stopping guitars, and the smack of the Roland TR-707.
Sound Behind the Song: “Mystery of Love” by Mr. Fingers
Alexander Dias
Often credited as the first deep house cut, “Mystery of Love” is a blueprint for the genre. Its pattern continues to captivate dancefloors.
Sound Behind the Song: “Glimmer” by Tame Impala
Jake Uitti
“Glimmer” serves as a palate cleanser on Tame Impala’s fourth album. Featuring the TR-707, it feels like an old friend in new dancing shoes.
EXPLORE TECH AND TREND
Take a deep dive into the way streaming recommendations work—and how online algorithms shape our musical listening habits.
David Bellow, aka Lightfoot, and Michele Darling explain the process of establishing a groundbreaking SP-404 course at Berklee.
Alin Dimitriu, Saint Ezekiel, Lightfoot, and Ski Beatz share the challenges and rewards of sample pack creation and give tips to producers.
Find out how Point Blank and educator Angela Piva use Roland Cloud to help students master music production, beatmaking, synthesis, and more.
Verzuz and Rolling Live Studios point to a streaming future. Roland worked with both camps, helping up the sonics to match their visuals.