From early influences and formative years to new music and technology, Arcane Roots reflect on the journey so far and what's still to come.
7 mins read
Meet the session sensation who’s shared stages with Olivia Rodrigo, Zayn, and Maisie Peters, and learn how she’s used keys to unlock a thriving career in music.
The 25-year-old British singer-songwriter behind one of R&B's most buzzed-about debuts traces his gossamer sound to the vintage synth that defined a generation.
Armed with classical chops and an eclectic setup, this DJ and producer is redefining what electronic music can sound like.
EXPLORE HISTORY
“Love Lockdown" by Kanye West utilizes the Roland TR-808, the heartbeat of electronic music production since the early 1980s.
The track contains all the hallmarks of classic Prodigy: a blistering synth hook, heart-stopping guitars, and the smack of the Roland TR-707.
Starkly beautiful, “Can You Feel It” is an iconic piece of 20th-century dance music. Mr. Fingers created it solely on the JUNO-60 and TR-909.
Leftfield came from the same primordial soup as the greatest British dance acts. Explore this iconic track and the TB-303's role in it.
Synthesizers in music production brought about a massive cultural shift. Take a trip into this groundbreaking genre.
A Few Minutes with Arcane Roots
Tom Wonnacott
From early influences and formative years to new music and technology, Arcane Roots reflect on the journey so far and what’s still to come.
Careers in Music: Tina Hizon
Tom Wonnacott
Meet the session sensation who’s shared stages with Olivia Rodrigo, Zayn, and Maisie Peters, and learn how she’s used keys to unlock a thriving career in music.
A Few Minutes With Elmiene
Keith Nelson Jr.
The 25-year-old British singer-songwriter behind one of R&B’s most buzzed-about debuts traces his gossamer sound to the vintage synth that defined a generation.
A Few Minutes with Martron
Carolyn Shlensky
Armed with classical chops and an eclectic setup, this DJ and producer is redefining what electronic music can sound like.
A Few Minutes with Switchfoot: Chad Butler & Boaz Roberts
Carolyn Shlensky
Drummer Chad Butler and lead guitarist Boaz Roberts discuss the power of hybrid gear and offer insight into Switchfoot’s three-decade legacy.
Ink: The Road to Stagecoach
Ari Rosenschein
Follow the Grammy-winning songwriter from rehearsals to the world’s most prestigious country music festival, and discover the story of her ascent.
A Few Minutes with Poolside
Carolyn Shlensky
From JUNO synths to SPD-driven live rigs, the longtime Roland user breaks down how Poolside blends analog warmth, modern flexibility, and “daytime disco” philosophy—onstage and in the studio.
A Few Minutes with Mitch Fountain of flipturn
Carolyn Shlensky
Guitarist and keys player Mitch Fountain reflects on the happy accident behind a Roland‑driven single, his evolution from guitar to keys, and why continual learning fuels his creativity.
Hybrid Theory: Ben Homola of GROUPLOVE
Carolyn Shlensky
Ahead of GROUPLOVE’s BeachLife Festival performance, drummer Ben Homola breaks down his hybrid setup, the gear that keeps him consistent, and more.
Karl Vanden Bossche of Gorillaz: Inside the Global Groove
Rod Brakes
Master percussionist and hybrid drummer Karl Vanden Bossche talks DW Drums, Latin Percussion, Roland V-Drums, and grooving with Gorillaz.
EXPLORE TECH AND TREND
There are specific things musicians can do to foster wellness and stay creative, despite the challenges we all face right now.
From rock and roll frontwomen to Grammy-nominated artists, learn how these musicians are achieving their sonic dreams.
Verzuz and Rolling Live Studios point to a streaming future. Roland worked with both camps, helping up the sonics to match their visuals.
K-pop groups increasingly claim the spotlight on the world stage. Industry insiders give us insights into what makes the style so popular.
David Bellow, aka Lightfoot, and Michele Darling explain the process of establishing a groundbreaking SP-404 course at Berklee.