Often credited as the first deep house cut, “Mystery of Love” is a blueprint for the genre. Its pattern continues to captivate dancefloors.
EXPLORE HISTORY
30 years after its release, Joey Beltram’s “Energy Flash” remains one of the definitive techno tracks. It still sits easily in a DJ set.
The Roland TR-808 can create everything from a love song to a raging anthem. No wonder genres from industrial to rock to rap welcome the drum machine.
“Heliosphan” relies on the drums to act as a driving force. Even when the track borders on chaos, the TR-909 maintains perfect time.
Dave "Rave" Ogilvie shares his memories of recording Skinny Puppy's landmark Remission, one of the earliest recorded uses of the TR-909.
A Few Minutes with Nathan Fake
Ari Rosenschein
Nathan Fake creates music that exists on multiple planes. The artist discusses the early Internet, Roland gear, and running a label.
A Few Minutes with George Daniel of The 1975
Danny Turner
As co-writer and producer for British alt-rockers The 1975, George Daniel’s association with Roland is integral to the band’s sound.
A Few Minutes with Gerald V. Casale of Devo
Danny Turner
Devo’s cult status remains indelible. Co-founder Gerald V. Casale reminisces about the band and its longstanding association with Roland.
A Few Minutes with KiNK
Jamie Franklin and Ari Rosenschein
KiNK speaks about his unique upbringing, Roland faves, and the joy of finding classic breaks on floppy disks.
A Few Minutes with Plaid
Ari Rosenschein
The British duo shed light on their rural youth, work process, and how an intergalactic voyage informs its latest release, Feorm Falorx.
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.
EXPLORE TECH AND TREND
The video game industry is moving ever closer to cloud storage, digital distribution, and other online possibilities.
Award-winning composer Megan McDuffee reveals how she broke into video game scoring, sharing plenty of tips along the way.
The intersection of music and technology has always been a space for happy accidents. In that pioneering spirit, we bring you this short list of musical innovations.
From rock and roll frontwomen to Grammy-nominated artists, learn how these musicians are achieving their sonic dreams.
Alin Dimitriu, Saint Ezekiel, Lightfoot, and Ski Beatz share the challenges and rewards of sample pack creation and give tips to producers.