Sound Behind the Song: “Jam On It” by Newcleus “Jam On It” by Newcleus is a true hip-hop classic. The track is dense with groove, creative production, and lyrical panache. by Ari Rosenschein 2 mins read
Listening Guide: Ambient Music From droning electronic pieces to spiritual soundscapes, these records offer a beautiful entry point into this immersive genre. by Dusty Henry 4 mins read
Drum Machine Classics: 10 808 Tracks You May Not Know 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. by Jake Uitti 2 mins read
Dave Ogilvie on Skinny Puppy and the TR-909 Dave "Rave" Ogilvie shares his memories of recording Skinny Puppy's landmark Remission, one of the earliest recorded uses of the TR-909. by Ari Rosenschein 5 mins read
Sound Behind the Song: “Mystery of Love” by Mr. Fingers Often credited as the first deep house cut, “Mystery of Love” is a blueprint for the genre. Its pattern continues to captivate dancefloors. by Alexander Dias 2 mins read
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.
A Few Minutes with Jane Weaver Ari Rosenschein Jane Weaver’s latest album is a self-contained universe. The artist discusses shaking up her studio process, cinema, and the groove.
A Few Minutes with Dani B of RAYE Kirsten Spruch The prolific player shares her thoughts on touring with RAYE, finding success in the music industry, and her Roland gear.
Down with NFTs: Monetize Your Music NFTs are intersecting with the music industry in dramatic ways. Find out the many ways non-fungible tokens can help boost your career. by Kirsten Spruch 5 mins read
A Wellness Primer for Musicians There are specific things musicians can do to foster wellness and stay creative, despite the challenges we all face right now. by Benjamin Heywood 2 mins read
Skin Deep: Art of the SP-404 Overlay and Beyond 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. by Ari Rosenschein 7 mins read
Nashville Scene Report Nashville has seen changes over the years, mirroring the growth of its entertainment industry. These musicians contribute to the fabric of Music City. by Ari Rosenschein 18 mins read
A Musician’s Guide to TikTok Success Anyone has the chance to go viral on TikTok. All it takes is attention-grabbing content, strategic hashtags, and some luck. by SIRMA 4 mins read