In hip-hop history, the early 2000s represent the point when the genre began to have fun. Explore these standout tracks of the era.
EXPLORE HISTORY
Here's how the 1984 Queen single flipped the script on their musical direction, ushering in a new wave of success for the group.
Explore the show's haunting theme song and learn how the composers leaned on vintage synths, including the Roland JUPITER-8 and SH-2.
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.
Explore the second phase of the TR-808’s expanding global influence, from its analog origins into futurist funk and beyond.
A Few Minutes with Photay
Ari Rosenschein
The enigmatic artist Photay opens up about his improvisational collaborators, the power of the weather, and how location influences art.
Can’t Kick This Feeling: A History of Moodymann and KDJ Records
Mike Rubin
Kenny Dixon Jr. has released a steady stream of dance floor classics since 1994. Dig into the history of this icon of Motor City music.
A Few Minutes with Nik Kershaw
Danny Turner
’80s pop icon Nik Kershaw takes a trip down memory lane, revealing the Roland technologies behind hit albums Human Racing and The Riddle.
Careers in Music: Angela Piva on Music Education
Mike Sparks
The music industry veteran talks Naughty by Nature, her long history with Roland, and the future of music: the kids.
Careers in Music: Steve Levine on Scoring for Video Games
Ari Rosenschein
The legendary producer shares his workflow, differences between working on games and albums, and tips for young composers.
A Few Minutes with Strand of Oaks
Danny Turner
Strand of Oaks mastermind Timothy Showalter explains how painting and meditation fueled his shift from folk rock to synth sounds.
The Power of Breath: Coming Up for Air with Today’s Wind Players
Ari Rosenschein and Carolyn Shlensky
Randal Fisher, Steve Brickman, and Hailey Niswanger reflect on their wind instrument journey, creative processes, and the breath itself.
A Few Minutes with Kasper Bjørke
Ari Rosenschein
The artist/producer gives us the scoop on evoking the spirit of ’00s NYC, experiencing early success, and whether music is a riddle we can solve.
Careers in Music: Jeff Rona on Composing for Film, TV, and Video Games
Ari Rosenschein
The legendary composer reflects on lessons he’s learned in scoring, seminal moments in musical technology, and what makes a powerful cinematic theme.
A Few Minutes with Youngr
Carolyn Shlensky
Youngr has amassed a worldwide audience with his viral one-take video performances. The multi-instrumentalist discusses family ties, his new album, and essential Roland gear.
EXPLORE TECH AND TREND
Welcome to the world that’s grown around SP-404 custom skins and beyond. Get lost in the art and hear from the creators in their own words.
Members of the Glastonbury Class of 2025—Colm Conlan, Dani Bernard, and Will White—give us the inside scoop from the festival this year.
Musical mad scientist Dolly Spectra discusses using her body as a MIDI controller in performance, community, and the future of electronic pop.
Find out how Point Blank and educator Angela Piva use Roland Cloud to help students master music production, beatmaking, synthesis, and more.
Electronic music producer Christopher Kah highlights Roland instruments in ECHO, his new immersive 3D audio performances.