Sample a curated collection of lesser-known SP gems, courtesy of Lightfoot, the Boston-based beat impresario.
EXPLORE HISTORY
The Roland TR-808, used on Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s alluring 2013 hit, “Drunk In Love,” is an essential bed upon which to create a masterpiece.
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.
Drawn to the unique characteristics of the JUPITER-4, Sharon Van Etten found songwriting inspiration in the iconic synthesizer.
The cultural ramifications of "Big Fun" are difficult to measure. Inner City drafted the sonic palette for a movement.
Label Spotlight: Mo’ Wax Records and UNKLE
Jamie Franklin and Ari Rosenschein
James Lavelle of UNKLE and Alex James of PLEASURES share their thoughts on the history of Mo’ Wax and its continuing influence.
A Few Minutes with Hinako Omori
Danny Turner
Japanese-born Hinako Omori visited Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios to blend locally sourced field recordings with binaural technologies.
Roland & ME
Roland Global
Musical tales from the last fifty years—directly from the people creating the sounds. Explore these unique Roland stories.
John Grant: Facets of the Boy from Michigan
Jamie Franklin and Ari Rosenschein
On the eve of Meltdown Festival, John Grant discusses his adopted home, the Grace Jones-curated event, and the Roland Facet grand piano.
Curtis Byrd: A Life of Rhythm
Ari Rosenschein
Curtis Byrd discusses the twists and turns along his musical journey and how the beat has always been there to guide him.
Label Spotlight: Dais Records
Ari Rosenschein
Dais sits at the intersection of post-punk, industrial, ambient, and other genres. Explore the label and its collab with Roland Lifestyle.
A Few Minutes with Ron Trent
Ari Rosenschein
House music icon Ron Trent opens up about his formative years, distinguished collaborators, and how a trio of cities shaped him.
A Few Minutes with Com Truise
SIRMA
One of his generation’s most significant synthwave artists, Com Truise looks back at the beginning of his journey and shares what lies ahead.
Track Talk: “A Hard Working Man” by Avila Brothers (w/ Billy Ray Cyrus and Snoop Dogg)
Ari Rosenschein
Hip-hop country crossover “A Hard Working Man” drips with vibe, melody, and love for the classics. Find out how the Avila Brothers made it.
A Few Minutes with Roger Sanchez
Alexander Dias
Few names are more synonymous with New York house than Roger Sanchez. The legendary DJ talks about process, philosophy, and Roland Cloud.
EXPLORE TECH AND TREND
The video game industry is moving ever closer to cloud storage, digital distribution, and other online possibilities.
Bandcamp is a resource for artists and labels of all sizes. Learn how to maximize this essential, fan-favorite platform.
From oil paintings to digital illustration, sculptures to industrial design, synthesizers as art are finally shining in the limelight.
In times of many challenges, musicians can learn a great deal by implementing the fundamental philosophies of yoga practice.
Electronic music producer Christopher Kah highlights Roland instruments in ECHO, his new immersive 3D audio performances.