LLNN: Brothers Creating Sound and Fury
Ari Rosenschein
September 29, 2021
The siblings of LLNN share a lifetime of gaming and music. They discuss unorthodox sound design, Roland gear, and the mystery of their name.
Tag: SP-404
SP-404: DJFX LOOPER and How to Use It
Charles Burchell
April 3, 2021
Learn to utilize the SP-404’s DJFX LOOPER, a definitive feature of the SP series and sonic cornerstone of the lo-fi hip-hop movement.
4 Essential SP-404 Live Performance Tips
Flobama
April 3, 2021
Austin, TX beatmaker/producer/artist Flobama shares four essential quick-start tips to help SP-404 users maximize their machines.
Listening Guide: An Intro to the L.A. Beat Scene
Gino Sorcinelli
April 3, 2021
Many artists and releases played a pivotal role in shaping the L.A. Beat Scene. Here’s a variety of key sounds from a unique musical moment.
Skin Deep: Art of the SP-404 Overlay and Beyond
Ari Rosenschein
April 3, 2021
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.
Roland Engineering: Inside the SP Series
Ari Rosenschein
April 3, 2021
The SP-404 helped usher in lo-fi hip-hop. Roland’s Engineering team answers questions on the most intriguing aspects of the iconic SP series.
Remembering Ras G, Legendary L.A. Producer
Gino Sorcinelli
April 3, 2021
We celebrate Ras G, the legendary producer, DJ, and label co-founder who released 24 albums and mixtapes in his too-brief career.
A Few Minutes with Miss Tahloulah May
Ari Rosenschein
April 3, 2021
Miss Tahloulah May respects hip-hop heritage while pursuing her vision. She discusses beatmaking, crate digging, and the SP-404.
Chong the Nomad and the Quest to Create
Jake Uitti
July 28, 2020
Seattle-based electronic music producer, Alda Agustiano—aka Chong the Nomad—knows how precious a single note can be.
Batteries Sometimes Included: 4 Music Tech Innovations
Ari Rosenschein
July 26, 2020
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.