Museum, artist incubator, distro, and record store—Submerge and Underground Resistance represents the interconnected Detroit music community.
These inspiring female producers have left their marks on the music industry and continue to carve space for newcomers.
A group of eclectic Icelandic artists offer unique perspectives on electronic music performance, their home country, and more.
FEATURES
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“Axel F” is the inescapable theme song of the classic '80s romp Beverly Hills Cop. Learn about the oddball hit and its pioneering creator.
Jane Weaver's latest album is a self-contained universe. The artist discusses shaking up her studio process, cinema, and the groove.
Social media can reinvigorate vintage hits and help them reach broad new audiences. Here are some classic songs that got a second spin.
The prolific player shares her thoughts on touring with RAYE, finding success in the music industry, and her Roland gear.
The brainchild of housemates recording late-night jams onto cassette, Night Tapes explains the process behind their atmospheric dream pop.
LISTENING GUIDE
Here's a place to start exploring the massive catalog of Madlib, one of the finest producers to ever touch a beat pad.
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.
Before hip-hop was the world's most dominant musical genre, several groundbreaking women blazed a fiery trail for others to follow.
A string of artists and labels shaped trance across the '90s and early aughts. Here's a selection of tracks from the genre’s golden age.
For the uninitiated, we provide a roadmap to the formidable discography of rap’s foremost supervillain: MF DOOM.
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The “Purple Rain” drum parts by Bobby Z. provide a classic example of how to play a power ballad for maximum emotional impact.
The JD-800 dominated the '90s with massive textures and a front panel that pushed limits. Learn to create immense layers with the instrument.
The drumming on the eternally funky “Let’s Groove” demonstrates how powerful disco rhythms can make listeners get up and move.
Josh Manuel discusses hybrid drumming and how he uses Roland electronic gear to enhance his performances with Kane Brown.
Explore the history and sound of the Roots' beloved track, “Mellow My Man," and learn to play some of drummer Questlove's iconic patterns.
SOUND BEHIND THE SONG
"Closer" by Nine Inch Nails is built around a densely layered groove featuring the TR-606. The edgy track achieved great chart success for the band.
“Rio” cemented the British fivesome as synth-pop legends and MTV superstars. The JUPITER-4 arpeggio is a defining sound of the '80s hit.
Using the TR-808, vocoder, and modular synthesis, the enigmatic duo created a modern dance classic.
Mr. Oizo’s “Flat Beat” was an infectious song written for a Levi's® ad starring an orange puppet named Flat Eric. At its heart was the TR-606.
GAIA 2
SPOTLIGHT
Live electronic music performance creates a unique interaction between performer and listener. Discover how it is both exciting and transformative.
DRUMS
Utilizing the SPD-SX as a MIDI controller unlocks a new world of creative possibilities. Explore the SPD-SX as a production tool.
Electronic drums are easy to use, fun to play, and supply built-in learning opportunities. Learn all about why new drummers love them.
This guide will teach you how hybrid drums can benefit your drumming by helping you enhance, layer, and expand your sound.
Looking for a Roland V-Drums kit to help you achieve your drumming goals? This introduction will help you find the ideal kit for you.
Chris Wood does more behind the kit than just playing drums. Learn how his hybrid kit informs Bastille’s uplifting, layered sound.
Our Contributors
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Jamie is Artist Relations Manager for Roland Europe Group. A walking musical encyclopedia, he's also an avid trivia fan with interests in numerous areas.
A writer by fate, journalist by passion, and storyteller by vision. Bylines at: REVOLT, Grammys.com, Complex, Discogs, Vibe Magazine, Okayplayer, REVERB, and LEVEL Mag.
Paul is Vice President of Customer Experience for Roland Corporation. Previously VP Global Marketing, and with Roland Canada, he served in the roles of President & CEO, COO, Product Manager, Marketing Communications Manager, and more. Paul is a family man, composer, IT enthusiast, and science fiction fan.
Hannah Lockwood is an audio engineer/electronic music producer from Sydney. Her live sets are a collision of noise and harmony centered on modular synthesis. Hannah co-founded the Deep Seeded collective, showcasing the local live electronic artists and DJs actively breaking the boundaries of contemporary music.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
Rarelyalways opens up about his eclectic influences, the unpredictable ways inspiration strikes, and how he sometimes denies his identity.
One of his generation's most significant synthwave artists, Com Truise looks back at the beginning of his journey and shares what lies ahead.
Ali Stone's new single "Crudo," featuring ZENOLOGY, refers to a love that's pure, sincere, and gets better with time.
Musical mad scientist Dolly Spectra discusses using her body as a MIDI controller in performance, community, and the future of electronic pop.
Toronto-based Jeremy Ledbetter is a musical globetrotter. He speaks about music, travel, and why now is the perfect time to take a breath.