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.
EXPLORE HISTORY
From droning electronic pieces to spiritual soundscapes, these records offer a beautiful entry point into this immersive genre.
“Axel F” is the inescapable theme song of the classic '80s romp Beverly Hills Cop. Learn about the oddball hit and its pioneering creator.
The Roland and BOSS Lifetime Achievement Awards honor artists while providing a timeline of how these musicians and instruments shaped music.
Vangelis’ “Elsewhere” has all the hallmarks of the late maestro: synths, emotion, and a sublime melody, all held together by two JUNO-106s.
A Few Minutes with Eli Keszler
Ari Rosenschein
The multifaceted artist discusses his career encompassing everything from jazz-inflected percussion to art installations.
A Few Minutes with Deradoorian
Ari Rosenschein
The intellectual multi-instrumentalist discusses her new album and how music has always been about the dogged pursuit of self-realization.
Scene Report: CRSSD Fest Spring 2025
Ari Rosenschein
Peer inside this idiosyncratic fest with four unique acts from spring 2025 who discuss their artistry and what makes CRSSD so special.
A Few Minutes with Σtella
Ari Rosenschein
Hailing from Greece, the artist opens up about capturing the attention of Sub Pop and how the Roland INTEGRA-7 helped create her new album.
A Few Minutes with Howard Jones
Ari Rosenschein
The legendary songwriter and performer discusses Roland synthesizers, positive thinking, and music’s power to transform.
Sheila E.: A Glamorous Life of Rhythm
Nate Duchene
Learn about the legendary percussionist’s family legacy, powerhouse collaborations, and career highlights.
Patrice Rushen: Always in the Moment
Ari Rosenschein
The legendary songwriter and keyboardist opens up about her beginnings, achievements, and what she hopes to impart to her students.
A Few Minutes with Hannah Holland
Ari Rosenschein
Following the release of the soundtrack to Bruce LaBruce’s film The Visitor,
Hannah Holland examines the path from club kid to DJ to music producer.
A Few Minutes with Molchat Doma
Danny Turner
From ’80s synthwave to ’90s synth rock, Belarusian post-punk trio Molchat Doma reveals the gear that makes the group tick.
A Few Minutes with Xiu Xiu
Danny Turner
Jamie Stewart, the confessional frontperson of experimental rock band Xiu Xiu, explains their love for Roland drum machines.
EXPLORE TECH AND TREND
Artificial Intelligence is making its way into music. Investigate the wild new world of AI and how it's reshaping the creative landscape.
David Bellow, aka Lightfoot, and Michele Darling explain the process of establishing a groundbreaking SP-404 course at Berklee.
Relive the inspiring performances, exclusive product debuts, and groundbreaking discussions showcased at the 2025 NAMM Show.
If music has no boundaries, why does its genesis usually occur within four walls? Biomusic is rooted in non-human sounds.
2020 certainly hasn’t been a typical summer, but at least the world has had one reliable constant: good indie music. Here's a playlist to prove it.