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
Mantronix mixed Kraftwerk's experimental feel with the warmth of Grandmaster Flash. "Scream" remains a landmark electro-funk hip-hop mashup.
The spiraling of the TR-909 on "Hunter" weaves a web of percussion. Immediately, the track draws the listener into a world of intrigue.
Each generation has songs embodying the culture. Roddy Ricch’s “The Box” acclimated listeners to the genre-blending force hip-hop had become.
Often credited as the first deep house cut, “Mystery of Love” is a blueprint for the genre. Its pattern continues to captivate dancefloors.
GAIA 2
SPOTLIGHT
Live electronic music performance creates a unique interaction between performer and listener. Discover how it is both exciting and transformative.
DRUMS
Clyde Stubblefield's groove is one of the most sampled beats ever. Learn the "Funky Drummer" beat and how to capture its sound with V-Drums.
With a wide world of drum gear to explore, get clarity on the type of drum set that will help any new drummer thrive.
Chris Wood does more behind the kit than just playing drums. Learn how his hybrid kit informs Bastille’s uplifting, layered sound.
The TD-17 series is the perfect introduction to an electronic kit. Get top-tier sounds and tools to make every drummer better, faster.
Led Zeppelin reinvented the 1927 blues classic as a head-bobbing riff fest. Recreate the John Bonham beat that continues to inspire drummers.
Our Contributors
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Ari is Global Editorial Content Manager for Roland. He lives in Seattle with his wife and two dogs and enjoys the woods, rain, and coffee of his region.
David is Music Marketing Leader for Roland Australia. Through his experience as a radio programmer and DJ, he brings quick thinking and instinctive market knowledge to build strong connections.
Harold Heath is a former DJ and producer who writes about music for DJ Mag, Mixmag, Attack Magazine, and others.
Lisa is a Roland Artist Relations representative. She's also a lifelong musician with an extensive touring history and discography.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
Nathan Fake creates music that exists on multiple planes. The artist discusses the early Internet, Roland gear, and running a label.
Experimental duo H31R strives to break through genre boundaries. The pair shares insight into their influences, gear, and creative process.
Energetic, accomplished, and ambitious, BricksDaMane is one of the most prolific and in-demand producers in hip-hop.
Salim Merchant has an awe-inspiring career creating music for film. He took the time to talk about his new album Bhoomi 2020 and more.
Brooklyn trio Nation of Language demonstrates how its '80s-synth pop credentials are not just future past but future present.