Welcome to Roland’s Insider, where you can read, watch, listen, and learn about Roland gear. Click the Artists tab for interviews with the world’s finest musicians, producers, remixers and more. Look for behind-the-scenes photos, videos and audio clips sprinkled throughout. Click Hands-On for valuable tips, tricks and techniques from Roland product specialists. In the News is where you’ll find info on the latest Roland-related events and happenings. And, last but not least, the Archive tab is your source for “vintage” features and how-to articles. Enjoy!
Artists
Jeff LoomisSince winning the Guitar Wars contest in Wisconsin at age 16, Jeff Loomis hasn’t stopped shredding. |
Eugene “Man-Man” RobertsEugene “Man-Man” Roberts has affectionately earned the name “Mr. Roland.” Find out why. |
Joe “Flip” WilsonLady Gaga’s musical director discusses his long and successful career with Roland keyboards. |
Robert “Bubby” LewisRoland/BOSS power user, Robert “Bubby” Lewis, has played and recorded bass for an “A-List” of music industry powerhouse artists. |
Cori YarckinSee what one of Rolling Stone’s ‘Top 5 Up and Coming Female Artists’ has to say about the V-Studio 100. |
Owl CitySinger, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Adam Young's home-studio creations are almost exclusively a one-man show. Get the Insider scoop on his home and live setups. |
John Wackerman & Thomas LangGo behind the scenes of the DVD recording session featuring John Wackerman and Thomas Lang recorded at the Drum Channel in Southern California. |
Tim Brennan of Dropkick MurphysThanks to Roland’s V-Accordion, Tim Brennan no longer struggles with bad stage sound night after night. |
Sean MurrayLearn about composer Sean Murray’s behind-the-scenes use of SONAR X1 for the game ‘Call of Duty®: Black Ops.’ |
Geared Up: Ke$haAt the center of Ke$ha’s live sound is her keyboardist, Jennifer Stone, who never expected her musical career to lead her from Nashville to being on stage with one of music’s biggest stars. |
Javier ColonFor his new release, Javier breaks away from his urban R&B mold using SONAR. Watch the video. |
Lucina AX-09 SynthesizerPro players use Roland’s compact shoulder synth on stage with Lady Gaga, Usher, and other top stars |
Ben LovettMumford and Sons’ Ben Lovett tells us about the V-Piano® and the FR-7x V-Accordion®, why he loves them, and why they’re perfect live and in the studio. |
Hollywood UndeadSONAR X1 Expanded now plays a key role in the life of these road warriors. |
Isabella SummersIsabella Summers of Florence and the Machine invited us to her studio in South London, explaining how she wrote the band’s award-winning record on her best mate, the JUNO-Di synth. |
Lady GagaEvery show on the Monster Ball Tour is propelled by a band that’s as much a part of her live show as Gaga herself. Learn more about the people and equipment that make it happen. |
TC (a.k.a. “Spitfire”)Armed with SONAR X1 and a V-Studio 100, Spitfire brings a lot to the musical table. |
Christopher GortonWinner of the 2010 Roland U.S. V-Accordion Festival shares his thoughts about competing on the world stage in Italy. |
Brendan BuckleyShakira drummer Brendan Buckley is an international household name among those in the pro session and touring community of drummers. |
Derrick MurdockLearn about the VB-99’s role in Derrick Murdock’s (The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Jay Leno Show) live setup. |
Gary WillisBass virtuoso Gary Willis (Tribal Tech, Wayne Shorter, Allan Holdsworth, and more) shares his enthusiasm for the VB-99. |
Darryl JonesFind out why Darryl Jones (Miles Davis, Sting, Rolling Stones) is extremely excited by the VB-99’s potential to expand his musical voice with the bass. |
Jin AkanishiCatch up with Japanese singer-songwriter and actor Jin Akanishi as he embarks on his first U.S. tour. |
Omar HakimKeeping an open mind is key to success in the music business. Find out why Omar Hakim’s passion for music and technology keeps him in high demand. |
Jon GutwilligJon Gutwillig, guitarist for the jam-band Disco Biscuits, sees the VG-99 as “the beginning of the future for guitar.” Tune in to this BOSS Tone Radio transcript for details. |
Rusty AndersonWhat’s it like to jam with a Beatle? Rusty Anderson talks shop about sharing the stage with Sir Paul McCartney and working with Elton John, Willie Nelson, and others. |
Monster Tour: Monster PlayersCharles Haynes and Pete Kuzma discuss Roland® electronic percussion and keyboards on Lady Gaga’s latest tour. |
Artemij Pavlov & SinevibesIf you’ve ever wondered who comes up with some of the sounds for Roland synthesizers, then meet Artemij Pavlov. |
Peter ErskineGrammy® Award-winning drummer, composer and producer talks candidly about USC’s groundbreaking electronic drumlab. |
Scott HoustonRoland-sponsored artist Scott Houston has a true passion for making the joy of playing piano accessible to the casual music lover. |
Eric TroyerEric talks about getting punched by bouncers, working with John Lennon, and why he chose the Roland VP-770. |
Hubert GallMeet the man behind the accordion in Cirque du Soleil’s KÀ and find out why he relies on Roland. |
Myron McKinleyPianist, producer, and songwriter Myron McKinley, currently musical director with Earth, Wind & Fire, believes the V-Piano gives keyboard players something to call their own. |
George DukeWith more than 30 years and dozens of albums under his belt, George is still touring and entertaining audiences. Find out more about this living legend. |
Doug DeAngelisThere is one constant in this successful composer, keyboard player, music director, and improviser’s history: Roland keyboards. |
Jetro da SilvaWhile collaborating with artists such as Whitney Houston, Jamie Fox, Patti Labelle, and others, Jetro da Silva has found the best combination of touch and sound in Roland’s flagship RD-700GX. |
Frank GambaleLook inside the mind of a true musical innovator and at the BOSS gear that plays an integral part in this “Sweep Picker’s” music. |
Lisa HarritonFind out how this respected jazz pianist and singer uses Roland keyboards to amp up Smashing Pumpkins’ sound. |
LadytronLadytron reveals secrets for translating the excitement and mood of studio productions to the stage. |
Adrian BelewAs one of the first guitarists to embrace guitar synthesis in the early ’80s with Roland’s GR-300, Adrian Belew has taken guitar tone to the moon and back with Roland. Find out what he’s doing these days with the VG-99. |
John Oates & Jed LeiberJohn Oates, half of the best-selling duo Hall & Oates, along with co-writer, producer, and keyboard player Jed Leiber leaned on Roland to create Oates’ forthcoming solo release “1,000 Miles of Life.” |
AsiaThe original lineup of iconic ’80s band Asia is back — in top form — and rocking as hard as ever. |
Brian CulbertsonChicago-native Brian Culbertson has emerged as one of the brightest stars of contemporary jazz. Learn more about Brian and see him in action with Roland. |
Kevin RicardWhether he’s recording with Christina Aguliera, Kenny Loggins, and others, or groovin’ on American Idol, percussionist Kevin Ricard turns to Roland to get the job done. |
Jan StevensFind out how this Emmy-nominated composer and multi-instrumentalist uses Roland instruments to create a unique musical personality for some of TV’s top-rated shows. |
Taku HiranoWhen he’s touring with top notch acts such as Fleetwood Mac, Whitney Houston, Bette Midler, or Lionel Richie, percussionist Taku Hirano reaches for Roland. |
“Weird Al” YankovicWith hilarious parodies and polka-laden originals, “Weird Al” Yankovic has gained legions of die-hard fans around the world. Now he’s sporting a Roland V-Accordion. |
Eugene RobertsOn tour with Kanye West, keyboardist and programmer Eugene Roberts relies on Roland and BOSS to create a larger-than-life sound and stage show. |
Carlos LopezFrom rock, pop, R&B, and soul to Latin, swing, jazz, and beyond, Carlos and his bandmates keep the stars dancing. |
Daniel PowterDaniel Powter writes catchy pop tunes and Roland instruments are part of his process. Learn how Roland digital pianos helped him have a bad day. |
Todd HunterHis eclectic musical background and unique jazz sound, have made this San Diego-born jazz pianist a “seasoned road warrior” with artists such as Brian Setzer and Dionne Warwick. |
Shiny Toy GunsAfter building a grassroots following on the internet, avid Roland users Shiny Toy Guns are embarking on a tour that includes some of the biggest music festivals in the world. |
Marc YuHe started piano lessons at age 3, and has gone on to perform at some of the most prestigious venues in the U.S. See this piano prodigy in action on the KR-117M. |
Will RayUnorthodox B-bendering, ring slides, and BOSS. Find out how this Hellecaster sculpts his unique sound. |
Porcupine TreePsychedelic. Experimental. Progressive. Roland and BOSS gear help Porcupine Tree explore the edges of modern music. |
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