March 31, 2016

Roland and BOSS at Southwest Invasion

Jim Bybee [Roland US] Artists AIRA, Austin, BOSS effects, drums, EC-10, EL Cajon, Gingger Shankar, guitar, Jamie Kent, keyboards, MSTRKRFT, pedals, Piano, South by Southwest, Stompbox, SXSW, Talib Kweli, The Heirs, TR-808, TR-909, vocals

VIP Green Room and Jam Space at SXSW in Austin

SXSW-Marquee

Roland and BOSS had a fantastic time at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, where we partnered with Quantum Collective to host a VIP green room tent and jam space for performers during the 5th Annual Southwest Invasion live music event. Taking place over three days, the event featured performances by great artists like Talib Kweli, Gingger Shankar, Jamie Kent, Third Eye Blind, and many others. Before and after their sets, all the performers hung out at the private Roland/BOSS VIP lounge, talking about music and checking out our latest gear, including new BOSS effects, Roland AIRA instruments, and the ELCajon EC-10.

Roland 2016 Southwest Invasion Highlights Video

As in years past, Southwest Invasion was a huge draw at SXSW, attracting attention both for its strong lineup and location in the rooftop garden at Whole Foods Market’s worldwide headquarters.

In the green room, we had a chance to sit down and interview many artists, including the legendary duo MSTRKRFT and up-and-coming bands like The Heirs. During their sets, MSTRKRFT used Roland’s legacy TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines, while The Heirs performed using Roland drum triggers, percussion pads, and the AIRA SYSTEM-1. We hope to post some of these conversations soon, so be sure to check back.

The Heirs in the Roland lounge at Southwest Invasion.

“Working with Roland is exciting because their brand lives where the intersection of technology and music meet, pairing nicely with our mission at Quantum Collective,” said Quantum Collective co-founder Dan Silver. “Their attention to detail for what the artist needs is impeccable. Bringing back classic synths while merging new technology into today’s usability and musical functionality is something that makes them unique and relevant.”

Co-founder Liz Leahy added, “We put together the most amazing green room, the Roland Jam Space, packed with loungy areas and instruments for artists to tweak and play within arm’s reach. This was a perfect match for our Fifth Anniversary Southwest Invasion event.”