Modulation Secrets with the Legendary SYSTEM-100 Peter Kirn October 15, 2020 There’s a powerful, semi-modular synth in Roland Cloud to explore. Learn to connect the SYSTEM-100’s virtual patch cords for new sounds. Read More »
Ultimate Guide: FM Synthesis Francis Preve September 16, 2020 Understanding FM synthesis is considered a mystical art. Explore Frequency Modulation and how the TR-8S, TR-6S, and SYSTEM-8 utilize it. Read More »
Designing Custom Drums for Roland Cloud’s TR-909 and TR-808 Charles Burchell September 9, 2020 Roland’s TR-909 and TR-808 are two of the most iconic drum machines in music history. Learn to create custom drum sounds with both of them. Read More »
Sound Behind the Song: “Big Fun” by Inner City Alexander Dias September 9, 2020 The cultural ramifications of “Big Fun” are difficult to measure. Inner City drafted the sonic palette for a movement. Read More »
Sound Behind the Song: “Chime” by Orbital Kat Bein September 8, 2020 Orbital share memories of “Chime,” the track that turned them into electronic icons, helping bring acid house from raves to Top of the Pops. Read More »
Sound Behind the Song: “Strings of Life” by Derrick May Kat Bein September 8, 2020 More than 30 years after Derrick May’s “Strings of Life” saw release, techno remains a pillar of the modern dance community. Read More »
Sound Behind the Song: “Pump Up the Jam” by Technotronic Jake Uitti September 8, 2020 Explore the mysterious backstory of “Pump Up the Jam,” a worldwide electronic music smash and tale of mistaken identity. Read More »
Sound Behind the Song: “Scream” by Mantronix Kristin Robinson September 8, 2020 Mantronix mixed Kraftwerk’s experimental feel with the warmth of Grandmaster Flash. “Scream” remains a landmark electro-funk hip-hop mashup. Read More »
Sound Behind the Song: “Heliosphan” by Aphex Twin Kristin Robinson September 8, 2020 “Heliosphan” relies on the drums to act as a driving force. Even when the track borders on chaos, the TR-909 maintains perfect time. Read More »
Sound Behind the Song: “Energy Flash” by Joey Beltram Peter Kirn September 7, 2020 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. Read More »