Let the Algorithm Take Control? Take a deep dive into the way streaming recommendations work—and how online algorithms shape our musical listening habits. by Jessi Brown 8 mins read
Tone Explorer: Technology Preview for GALAXIAS Tone Explorer is a technology preview from Roland Future Design Lab, made available for music creators to try as a GALAXIAS Labs Experiment. by Roland Future Design Lab 4 mins read
Quarantine and Our Relationship with Technology In our new quarantine reality, many of us work from home and socialize through a screen, making technology increasingly central in our lives. by Benjamin Heywood 2 mins read
5G and the Cloud Move Gaming Online The video game industry is moving ever closer to cloud storage, digital distribution, and other online possibilities. by Jordan Blum 3 mins read
The Making of Tone Explorer: An Interview with Kazuyoshi Sasamori of Roland Future Design Lab Learn about the Tone Explorer concept, challenges, and what might come next from Roland Future Design Lab. by Roland Future Design Lab 4 mins read
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.
Sound Behind the Song: “Buffalo Stance” by Neneh Cherry 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. by Ari Rosenschein 3 mins read
Roland and BOSS Lifetime Achievement Awards History The Roland and BOSS Lifetime Achievement Awards honor artists while providing a timeline of how these musicians and instruments shaped music. by Gino Sorcinelli 20 mins read
Sound Behind the Song: “Doin’ it Right” by Daft Punk Using the TR-808, vocoder, and modular synthesis, the enigmatic duo created a modern dance classic. by Jason Heffler 2 mins read
Sound Behind the Song: “Love Lockdown” by Kanye West “Love Lockdown" by Kanye West utilizes the Roland TR-808, the heartbeat of electronic music production since the early 1980s. by Jake Uitti 1 min read
Sound Behind the Song: “Hangin’ on a String” by Loose Ends The TR-808 pattern at the center of “Hangin' on a String” elevates the moody groove. by Ari Rosenschein 2 mins read