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
See All »“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.
Learn
See All »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
The cultural ramifications of "Big Fun" are difficult to measure. Inner City drafted the sonic palette for a movement.
The TR-808 pattern at the center of “Hangin' on a String” elevates the moody groove.
With a JUNO-60 and an army of Roland samplers, Animal Collective created an unforgettable melodic kaleidoscope: “My Girls."
Orbital share memories of “Chime," the track that turned them into electronic icons, helping bring acid house from raves to Top of the Pops.
GAIA 2
SPOTLIGHT
Live electronic music performance creates a unique interaction between performer and listener. Discover how it is both exciting and transformative.
DRUMS
This guide will teach you how hybrid drums can benefit your drumming by helping you enhance, layer, and expand your sound.
Hybrid drumming blends acoustic and electronic elements. Abe Cunningham of Deftones and tech Ed Davis explain their approach to the style.
The V-Drums Acoustic Design (VAD) series combines the Roland technology drummers love with classic acoustic drum set styling.
Josh Dun’s groove on the Grammy-winning “Stressed Out” by Twenty One Pilots is infectious. Explore the beat and get its unique tone on V-Drums.
With useful upgrades, the TD-07 series is perfect for the progressing drummer or beginner wanting something more from the get-go.
Our Contributors
See All »Arielle Silver is an LA-based singer-songwriter, literary writer, and yoga teacher. She was nominated for the Pushcart Prize and Best New Poets. Her latest album, A Thousand Tiny Torches, is out now.
Brian Lamb AKA Unit:E is a Roland Cloud Academy instructor and admin of the MC-707 and MC-101 Facebook user group. As a DJ, he's participated in countless events across Hawaii and the West Coast.
Greg Phillips is the editor of Australia’s longest-running musician magazine, Australian Musician. Greg has also worked as a freelance music writer for publications such as Guitar and Bass and Bass Player .
Jessica Roemischer is an award-winning pianist and storyteller, and a beloved teacher. In unique performance events, podcasts, and writings, Jessica uplifts the human spirit through the evocative power of word and music. New York-born and raised, she lives in Sydney, Australia. Find out more at www.pianobeautiful.com.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
Mndsgn has spent over a decade exploring inner truths as danceable moods. Find out why creating his latest was such a rare artistic pleasure.
Ali Stone's new single "Crudo," featuring ZENOLOGY, refers to a love that's pure, sincere, and gets better with time.
Octave One’s Lenny Burden reveals the tools and techniques behind the duo’s tactile, electrifying live sets.
As co-writer and producer for British alt-rockers The 1975, George Daniel's association with Roland is integral to the band's sound.
Jubilee grew up in Miami where the 808 shaped her sonic DNA. She talks about keeping spirits high and how music creates community.