Many artists and releases played a pivotal role in shaping the L.A. Beat Scene. Here's a variety of key sounds from a unique musical moment.
EXPLORE HISTORY
“Everybody Needs A 303" marked the arrival of Fatboy Slim. The track would propel him to become one of the world’s first superstar DJs.
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
Stones Throw Records challenges perceptions, demonstrating how a scrappy indie can create a deep cultural impact. Explore these essentials.
At the heart of the classic is its use of the TR-909. The drum machine's crisp attack evokes the heady world of NYC and its fashionistas.
David Rosenthal: Always in a New York State of Mind
Ari Rosenschein
For David Rosenthal, Billy Joel’s keyboardist and Musical Director, NYC is home. Learn how he helped arrange an all-star tribute to the city.
Egyptian Lover and the Art of Staying Gold
Kyle Eustice
Egyptian Lover—born Gregory Broussard—began his love affair with the Roland TR-808 as a teenager. It has been his muse ever since.
LLNN: Brothers Creating Sound and Fury
Ari Rosenschein
The siblings of LLNN share a lifetime of gaming and music. They discuss unorthodox sound design, Roland gear, and the mystery of their name.
A Few Minutes with Stas THEE Boss
Jake Uitti
The bicoastal artist discusses the joy of sharing new musical sounds, making cosmic connections, and crafting beats with the DJ-808.
John P. Kee: A Lifetime of Uplifting Audiences with Song
Jake Uitti
Since he was a young person, music has brought joy to John P. Kee. Now he shares that same experience with audiences all over the world.
A Few Minutes with Scanner: Pursuing Immersive Sound
Andrew Emil
Robin “Scanner” Rimbaud explores many genres—from avant-garde to accessible. Find out how he’s gone from tape recorders to art institutions.
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.
EXPLORE TECH AND TREND
K-pop groups increasingly claim the spotlight on the world stage. Industry insiders give us insights into what makes the style so popular.
Musical mad scientist Dolly Spectra discusses using her body as a MIDI controller in performance, community, and the future of electronic pop.
Through social media, our personal and artistic lives bleed into each other. What does this mean for musicians developing their branding?
If music has no boundaries, why does its genesis usually occur within four walls? Biomusic is rooted in non-human sounds.
You've made the music, now what? A full-time music publicist teaches you how to pitch your project and get coverage—DIY style.