Welcome to the latest edition of Roland Insider. For musicians, Spring marks the beginning of concert season. Here at Roland, we’re excited about several great artists that are putting Roland and BOSS at the center of their stage shows.
First up is the hilarious “Weird Al” Yankovic, who just played Roland’s FR-2 V-Accordion in a surprise appearance with the Presidents of the United States of America at the Roxy here in Los Angeles. This was one amazing show all around! Al plans to take the FR-2 on his upcoming summer tour, and he’s got an FR-7 as well. Definitely check out our recent interview with him.
Also in the touring circuit with artists like Fleetwood Mac, Whitney Houston, and Bette Midler is the talented Taku Hirano, who relies on Roland e-percussion instruments every time. Keyboardist and programmer Eugene Roberts is on the road with Kanye West, and is using several Roland synths and BOSS pedals for that tour. Click on the ‘Artists’ tab for even more great artist bios and interviews.
Just recently, Roland, BOSS and Edirol released some hip new products at the Frankfurt Musikmesse show. Check out the new Edirol R-09HR Portable Digital Recorder—a must-have for the highest-quality recording to go; the all-purpose and powerful MOBILE CUBE Battery-Powered Stereo Amp; BOSS’ new DD-7 Digital Delay—a new standard in the compact delay pedal; and the innovative BOSS SL-20 Slicer, which instantly adds killer pulsating grooves to any instrument.
And if you own an SRX-compatible Roland keyboard, sound module, or groove box, don’t miss the latest addition to Roland’s SRX Expansion Series, the SRX-12 “Classic EPs.” Simply load in the -12, and get a ton of stunning vintage electric piano and Clav sounds easily—no load time required.
Finally, watch for a couple of new interviews coming up soon with artists including film/TV composer and guitarist Jan Stevens (Scrubs, Samantha Who), and keyboardist/music director Kevin Antunes, who’s hitting the road with Madonna and Janet Jackson.
Stay tuned!
Tiffany
editor@rolandus.com