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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Hybrid drumming blends acoustic and electronic elements. Frank Zummo discusses his approach and gear during the final Sum 41 world tour.
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
Using the TR-808, vocoder, and modular synthesis, the enigmatic duo created a modern dance classic.
At the heart of the classic is its use of the TR-909. The drum machine's crisp attack evokes the heady world of NYC and its fashionistas.
Vangelis’ “Elsewhere” has all the hallmarks of the late maestro: synths, emotion, and a sublime melody, all held together by two JUNO-106s.
Orbital share memories of “Chime," the track that turned them into electronic icons, helping bring acid house from raves to Top of the Pops.
FANTOM EX
SPOTLIGHT
Before the legendary producer was a household name, Steve Albini used the TR-606 to achieve the punishing drum sounds of "I'm a Mess."
DRUMS
The Roland TD-1 series gives beginning drummers everything they need to enjoy the instrument and excel without breaking the bank.
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.
Playing backing tracks and samples live is one of the most common new experiences a drummer encounters. Tools like the SPD::ONE WAV PAD offer solutions.
Electronic drums are easy to use, fun to play, and supply built-in learning opportunities. Learn all about why new drummers love them.
For Neil Peart's birthday and in remembrance of his immeasurable contribution to drumming, we journey back to revisit the Time Machine.
Our Contributors
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Francis Preve is an Austin-based music technology consultant and veteran producer whose discography includes Top 10 releases on Beatport and Billboard. His work as a professor includes developing curricula for the Texas state school system and serving on advisory boards for SXSW and The Moog Foundation.
Kaori is a music teacher and ex-Roland designer of digital pianos and auto-accompaniment systems.
Kristin Michael Robinson is a freelance music journalist, musician, entrepreneur, publicist, and graduate of USC's Thornton School of Music. Her work appears in Variety, Ones to Watch, Lady Gunn, and The Noise.
Born and raised in Istanbul and now living in New York, SIRMA is a singer, songwriter, and music producer who blends alternative pop with electronica. She is the creator of the Modern Pop Vocal Production course on Soundfly and has a degree from Berklee College of Music. Find out more at sirmamusic.com.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
Japanese-born Hinako Omori visited Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios to blend locally sourced field recordings with binaural technologies.
California-based DJ Mary Droppinz combines skills and taste with marketing acumen. The rising star shares the secrets behind her success.
Mndsgn has spent over a decade exploring inner truths as danceable moods. Find out why creating his latest was such a rare artistic pleasure.
One of his generation's most significant synthwave artists, Com Truise looks back at the beginning of his journey and shares what lies ahead.
Brooklyn trio Nation of Language demonstrates how its '80s-synth pop credentials are not just future past but future present.