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
30 years after its release, Joey Beltram’s “Energy Flash” remains one of the definitive techno tracks. It still sits easily in a DJ set.
Orbital share memories of “Chime," the track that turned them into electronic icons, helping bring acid house from raves to Top of the Pops.
Returning from an infamous hiatus, James Murphy leads LCD Soundsystem through a dark labyrinth of dance-punk rhythms.
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.
GAIA 2
SPOTLIGHT
Live electronic music performance creates a unique interaction between performer and listener. Discover how it is both exciting and transformative.
DRUMS
With Prismatic Sound Modeling, V-Drums have reached unprecedented realism and detail. Learn about the innovative modeling engine.
To play drums, you need gear, time, and patience. Explore the specific pieces required to help garner new skills and joy from drumming.
The V-Drums Acoustic Design (VAD) series combines the Roland technology drummers love with classic acoustic drum set styling.
Explore how the themes and drums on "Come as You Are” intertwine, then download the V-Drums kit to capture the Nevermind drum sound.
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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In addition to being a DJ and music producer, Alexander is key writer for Insomniac.com, the editorial arm of North America's largest dance music event producer.
Heywood is a lifelong Californian who now splits time between Los Angeles and the high desert. He is co-founder of the record label Chain Letter Collective and founded Chain Letter Press as a publishing home for both his creative output and copywriting. He lives with his spouse and their dog, Scully.
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.
Jamie is Artist Relations Manager for Roland Europe Group. A walking musical encyclopedia, he's also an avid trivia fan with interests in numerous areas.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
Jubilee grew up in Miami where the 808 shaped her sonic DNA. She talks about keeping spirits high and how music creates community.
Miss Tahloulah May respects hip-hop heritage while pursuing her vision. She discusses beatmaking, crate digging, and the SP-404.
Brooklyn trio Nation of Language demonstrates how its '80s-synth pop credentials are not just future past but future present.
Badflower is a band where chemistry is paramount. The members speak from the studio where they're working on their sophomore release.
Energetic, accomplished, and ambitious, BricksDaMane is one of the most prolific and in-demand producers in hip-hop.