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.
Each generation has songs embodying the culture. Roddy Ricch’s “The Box” acclimated listeners to the genre-blending force hip-hop had become.
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.
The TR-808 pattern at the center of “Hangin' on a String” elevates the moody groove.
GAIA 2
SPOTLIGHT
Live electronic music performance creates a unique interaction between performer and listener. Discover how it is both exciting and transformative.
DRUMS
The “Walk This Way” beat dances around the guitar and vocal rhythms to create one of the most memorable grooves in rock and hip-hop.
Rhythm is the root of drumming, but there are many paths to learning basic drum beats and concepts. Let's explore how to rock right away.
With so many electronic drum kits to choose from, what’s the best intermediate choice? Roland’s TD-27 series provides the solution.
The "Superstition" groove reminds us that, alongside his songwriting and musicianship, Wonder is one of the greatest drummers around.
The Roland TD-1 series gives beginning drummers everything they need to enjoy the instrument and excel without breaking the bank.
Our Contributors
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Charles “BLVK Samurai” Burchell is a music producer, rapper, multi-instrumentalist, and educator from New Orleans, Louisiana.
Eric is a freelance pop culture blogger with bylines in Rolling Stone, Vice, Pitchfork, and Nylon. He is also a DJ, producer, and pro-wrestling critic.
Evan's work has appeared in a host of print and online publications, including Rolling Stone, Wired, The Fader, and Tenderly.
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
The British duo shed light on their rural youth, work process, and how an intergalactic voyage informs its latest release, Feorm Falorx.
Rarelyalways opens up about his eclectic influences, the unpredictable ways inspiration strikes, and how he sometimes denies his identity.
California-based DJ Mary Droppinz combines skills and taste with marketing acumen. The rising star shares the secrets behind her success.
Italian duo MARNIK discusses '90s inspiration, all-star collaboration, and how their V-MODA headphones can withstand a meteorological event.
House music icon Ron Trent opens up about his formative years, distinguished collaborators, and how a trio of cities shaped him.