The intersection of music and technology has always been a space for happy accidents. In that pioneering spirit, we bring you this short list of musical innovations.
EXPLORE TECH
Electronic music producer Christopher Kah highlights Roland instruments in ECHO, his new immersive 3D audio performances.
Learn about the Tone Explorer concept, challenges, and what might come next from Roland Future Design Lab.
Take a deep dive into the way streaming recommendations work—and how online algorithms shape our musical listening habits.
Tone Explorer is a technology preview from Roland Future Design Lab, made available for music creators to try as a GALAXIAS Labs Experiment.
Sound Matters: Improving Audio for Streaming Music
Ari Rosenschein
Verzuz and Rolling Live Studios point to a streaming future. Roland worked with both camps, helping up the sonics to match their visuals.
Synthesizers as Art
Adam Douglas
From oil paintings to digital illustration, sculptures to industrial design, synthesizers as art are finally shining in the limelight.
The Science of Sample Packs
SIRMA
Alin Dimitriu, Saint Ezekiel, Lightfoot, and Ski Beatz share the challenges and rewards of sample pack creation and give tips to producers.
Inside the Usher Las Vegas Residency
Ari Rosenschein
IZ and Bobby Avila and Aaron Spears take us behind the scenes of what it takes to put together the mammoth Usher Las Vegas residency.
Raising Your Voice: Exploring Clubhouse and Drop-in Audio Chat
Kirsten Spruch
Once an invite-only space for execs and celebrities, Clubhouse can benefit users of all types. Learn to maximize this powerful platform.
Skin Deep: Art of the SP-404 Overlay and Beyond
Ari Rosenschein
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.
Portugal. the Man on the PTM Coin and Artistic Currency
Jake Uitti
Grammy-winning Portugal. the Man is the first band to release its own cryptocurrency, the PTM Coin. Find out how and why.
The Birth of the Roland Lifestyle Brand
Kirsten Spruch
The Roland Lifestyle brand builds on the company’s legacy while looking to the future. See how it’s introducing Roland to new generations.
How Musicians Are Utilizing Reddit
Kirsten Spruch
Since 2005, Reddit has become a powerful resource for topics across the board. How is it especially useful for musicians?
K-pop: The Inner Workings of a Global Phenomenon
SIRMA
K-pop groups increasingly claim the spotlight on the world stage. Industry insiders give us insights into what makes the style so popular.
EXPLORE HISTORY
Mantronix mixed Kraftwerk's experimental feel with the warmth of Grandmaster Flash. "Scream" remains a landmark electro-funk hip-hop mashup.
The Roland TR-808, used on Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s alluring 2013 hit, “Drunk In Love,” is an essential bed upon which to create a masterpiece.
Using the TR-808, vocoder, and modular synthesis, the enigmatic duo created a modern dance classic.
Prog rock has carved its space as one of the most complex, imaginative, and wide-ranging subgenres.
A “Buffalo Stance” is to stand with arms crossed, looking sideways. It's also the name of a 1989 hit by Swedish-born, UK-bred artist, Neneh Cherry.