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
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. |
George “Spanky” McCurdyDrummer George “Spanky” McCurdy is currently on tour with Diddy and Snoop and is using V-Drums as a central part of his rig. |
Collective SoulCollective Soul has enjoyed over a decade of success and Roland and BOSS products have been right there with them. |
Ricky DeeFind out how this emerging singer-songwriter has become widely respected as one of country music’s hottest new acts. |
David BenoitBringing a diverse musical background to modern technology with Roland’s KR-Series digital grand pianos. |
Michael WardGuitarist for the Wallflowers, John Hiatt, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals and School of Fish talks shop about gear, tuning, and big stages. |
SolarcadeUsing a VS-2400CD and BR-1600CD, this LA-based band has created a sound that is totally their own. Find out how they created a sound that is getting some serious attention. |
Scott HendersonDrawing from his blues and jazz roots while maintaining an unmistakable rock edge, Scott Henderson fuses a style all his own. Find out which BOSS products help Scott get his unmistakable sound. |
Lincoln BrewsterHe’s one of Christian Music’s most inspiring new-generation talents, but Lincoln Brewster’s rise to global recognition began in the pop mainstream over a decade ago. |
David Crowder BandAt the leading edge of the new CCM generation is the David Crowder Band from Waco, Texas, recent winner of three Dove Awards. |
RZAArmed with an MV-8000, RZA has become the ninja master of slice-and-dice sampling. Film directors are fighting to get a piece of it. |
Paul MirkovichAs musical director and keyboardist for the RockStar INXS house band, Paul Mirkovich and his all-Roland synth rig made it look like cake. |
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