Roland was a key part of the sampling movement—redefining what music could be. Take a guided tour of Roland samplers from past to present
EXPLORE HISTORY
French house rose to prominence in the 1990s. Let these ten classic tracks take you on a journey through this eclectic style.
Talk about '80s music, and a-ha's era-defining hit single “Take On Me” comes to mind. Get the story of this classic and the JUNO-60's role.
The lo-fi sound and aesthetic have deep roots in Japan. Dive into the colorful subculture with the Japanese beat scene's key players.
"Closer" by Nine Inch Nails is built around a densely layered groove featuring the TR-606. The edgy track achieved great chart success for the band.
A Few Minutes with Jubilee on 808s and Community
Alexander Dias
Jubilee grew up in Miami where the 808 shaped her sonic DNA. She talks about keeping spirits high and how music creates community.
A Few Minutes with Badflower in the Studio
Ari Rosenschein
Badflower is a band where chemistry is paramount. The members speak from the studio where they’re working on their sophomore release.
METZ: Toronto Trio Keeps Venues and DIY Alive
Lis Di Angelo
METZ discusses the band’s history, helping small venues survive, and playing their new album live at the Toronto Opera House.
Krust: Return of a Bristol Drum and Bass Legend
Ari Rosenschein
Krust emerged from Bristol’s fertile environment and became an electronic music icon. He’s back with his first album in fourteen years.
Richard Devine: A Systic Approach to Acid
Lyle Crilly
Richard Devine’s new release stands on the shoulders of acid while twisting it into a new form. He speaks about creating the new EP and more.
Artists at Home: Delayed Pleasure
Ari Rosenschein
The enigmatic artist creates his environment primarily with Roland Boutique synthesizers and drum machines. Visit his studio.
Kassi Ashton: The Fine Art of Making Music
Ari Rosenschein
Kassi Ashton shares her creative journey from small-town Missouri to Music City recording artist in this mini-doc and profile.
Samuel Proffitt: Brooding Beats and Russian Literature
Ari Rosenschein
Samuel Proffitt’s sophisticated sound is haunting. He discusses everything from screamo aspirations to rhythmic inspiration using the TR-808.
Artists at Home: Mr. Tuna in the Studio
Lis Di Angelo
Mr. Tuna is a synth master from British Columbia whose converted barn serves as his studio. His social media savvy makes him an online star.
Gowan: Strange Animal on the River Styx
Lyle Crilly
If you grew up in Canada, the music of Gowan sparks memories. The artist also has a longstanding role in theatrical legends Styx.
EXPLORE TECH AND TREND
Alin Dimitriu, Saint Ezekiel, Lightfoot, and Ski Beatz share the challenges and rewards of sample pack creation and give tips to producers.
Run a search for “Octapad” or “Octapadist,” and you'll find a vast musical community. Learn how the instrument became a household word.
If music has no boundaries, why does its genesis usually occur within four walls? Biomusic is rooted in non-human sounds.
They say that for a career in music you need to be tenacious, and I had been throughout my twenties and beyond. Can you return to music?
With the world hit by a pandemic, live events were postponed or canceled. In the Coronavirus Era, virtual concerts have taken their place.