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
Doctor Who, the sci-fi phenomenon, has taken many forms—and so has its theme. Discover how the 1980 version became a definitive classic.
Josh Wink honed his craft in Philly warehouses. From raves to radio, his TB-303 anthem “A Higher State of Consciousness” became a classic.
Explore the show's haunting theme song and learn how the composers leaned on vintage synths, including the Roland JUPITER-8 and SH-2.
808 State’s ode to the Roland TR-606 has stood the test of time as one of the quirkiest yet most trailblazing tunes in their discography.
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
Taylor Hawkins was a hero to drummers everywhere. This "Behind the Beat" honors his musical legacy and the power of the Foo Fighters classic.
Hybrid drumming blends acoustic and electronic elements. Anika Nilles explains her approach to the style on tour with Jeff Beck and beyond.
With a wide world of drum gear to explore, get clarity on the type of drum set that will help any new drummer thrive.
Prepping for a big gig or woodshedding to improve your chops—these V-Drums exercises will help build precision, timing, and more.
During 2020, many of us turned to creative pursuits while at home. For Simon Gottliffe, his positive escape came from drumming.
Our Contributors
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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.
Joseph's work appears in NPR, VICE, Bandcamp, Noisey, SPIN, Consequence of Sound, and more. He is also a curator at Northwest Terror Fest.
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.
The unofficial poet laureate of Tacoma, WA, Martin Douglas is an essayist, critic, and longtime music journalist. He has written for Pitchfork, KEXP.org, Seattle Weekly, respected hip-hop blog Passion of the Weiss, and many others.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
One of his generation's most significant synthwave artists, Com Truise looks back at the beginning of his journey and shares what lies ahead.
Octave One’s Lenny Burden reveals the tools and techniques behind the duo’s tactile, electrifying live sets.
Keyboard virtuoso Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident talks gear history, love of live performance, and songwriting craft.
California-based DJ Mary Droppinz combines skills and taste with marketing acumen. The rising star shares the secrets behind her success.
As a founder of 1500 Sound Academy, multi-instrumentalist/producer/writer Rance Dopson uses his experience to help young musicians grow.