Listening Guide: Essential Early Trance A string of artists and labels shaped trance across the '90s and early aughts. Here's a selection of tracks from the genre’s golden age. by Arjan Rietveld 4 mins read
Sound Behind the Song: “Acid Tracks” by Phuture “Acid Tracks” spread like wildfire from Chicago across the globe. Learn how the TB-303 gave birth to a smiling generation of clubbers. by Mike Sparks 2 mins read
JUNO-60: The Whole Story In 1982, a new synth dynasty set the tone for the '80s and beyond. Get the entire tale of the sonic and cultural impact of the Roland JUNO-60 by Peter Kirn 5 mins read
Listening Guide: Jazzie B and Soul II Soul Explore the pioneering Jazzie B of Soul II Soul—from bona fide classics to fresh collaborations and all points in between. by Harry Levin 4 mins read
Listening Guide: Sounds of the D-50 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. by Adam Douglas 5 mins read
A Few Minutes with Gattobus: From Roland Fan to Family SIRMA Gattobus received his first Roland keyboard at 16. Find out how he became a sound designer for the SYSTEM-8, FANTOM, JUPITER-X, and others.
A Few Minutes with Rance Dopson: Visionary Dreamer Ari Rosenschein As a founder of 1500 Sound Academy, multi-instrumentalist/producer/writer Rance Dopson uses his experience to help young musicians grow.
A Few Minutes with Rarelyalways: Manic Expression Ari Rosenschein Rarelyalways opens up about his eclectic influences, the unpredictable ways inspiration strikes, and how he sometimes denies his identity.
A Few Minutes with Mndsgn: Expanding Possibilities Kat Bein Mndsgn has spent over a decade exploring inner truths as danceable moods. Find out why creating his latest was such a rare artistic pleasure.
Jacknife Lee: Studio Adventures and Philosophy Ari Rosenschein Jacknife Lee has produced U2, REM, The Killers, Snow Patrol, and more. Still, his hunger for innovation means he never rests on his laurels.
A Few Minutes with MARNIK: Educating the Dancefloor Ari Rosenschein Italian duo MARNIK discusses ’90s inspiration, all-star collaboration, and how their V-MODA headphones can withstand a meteorological event.
Noga Erez: From Tel Aviv with Authenticity Clint Ward With sophomore LP, KIDS, Noga Erez and Ori Rousso completed a three-year journey. The record overflows with evocative vocals and production.
Frank McNulty: A Family’s Musical Journey Ari Rosenschein Music keeps us young and brings families together. Frank McNulty and his daughter Jules talk about influences, upbringing, and Roland pianos.
Remembering Ras G, Legendary L.A. Producer Gino Sorcinelli We celebrate Ras G, the legendary producer, DJ, and label co-founder who released 24 albums and mixtapes in his too-brief career.
A Few Minutes with Miss Tahloulah May Ari Rosenschein Miss Tahloulah May respects hip-hop heritage while pursuing her vision. She discusses beatmaking, crate digging, and the SP-404.
How Roland Cloud Gives Music Students an Edge Find out how Point Blank and educator Angela Piva use Roland Cloud to help students master music production, beatmaking, synthesis, and more. by SIRMA 5 mins read
Portugal. the Man on the PTM Coin and Artistic Currency Grammy-winning Portugal. the Man is the first band to release its own cryptocurrency, the PTM Coin. Find out how and why. by Jake Uitti 2 mins read
On the Move: Dolly Spectra and Gestural Performance Technology Musical mad scientist Dolly Spectra discusses using her body as a MIDI controller in performance, community, and the future of electronic pop. by Carolyn Shlensky 8 mins read
Label to Genre: What is PC Music? Founded by A. G. Cook, PC Music is a label that spawned an entire genre, garnering widespread notoriety in the process. by Eric Shorey 4 mins read
Quarantine and Our Relationship with Technology In our new quarantine reality, many of us work from home and socialize through a screen, making technology increasingly central in our lives. by Benjamin Heywood 2 mins read