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
In the mid-'80s, there was little edgier in the mainstream than NYC’s notorious Beastie Boys, and "Paul Revere" was their origin story.
“Everybody Needs A 303" marked the arrival of Fatboy Slim. The track would propel him to become one of the world’s first superstar DJs.
The Roland TR-808, used on Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s alluring 2013 hit, “Drunk In Love,” is an essential bed upon which to create a masterpiece.
The cultural ramifications of "Big Fun" are difficult to measure. Inner City drafted the sonic palette for a movement.
GAIA 2
SPOTLIGHT
Live electronic music performance creates a unique interaction between performer and listener. Discover how it is both exciting and transformative.
DRUMS
The TD-17 series is the perfect introduction to an electronic kit. Get top-tier sounds and tools to make every drummer better, faster.
Electronic drums are easy to use, fun to play, and supply built-in learning opportunities. Learn all about why new drummers love them.
Explore how the themes and drums on "Come as You Are” intertwine, then download the V-Drums kit to capture the Nevermind drum sound.
Hybrid drumming blends acoustic and electronic elements. Will Hunt of Evanescence explains his approach to the style.
Playing backing tracks and samples live is one of the most common new experiences a drummer encounters. Tools like the SPD::ONE WAV PAD offer solutions.
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.
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.
Kaori is a music teacher and ex-Roland designer of digital pianos and auto-accompaniment systems.
Paul is Vice President of Customer Experience for Roland Corporation. Previously VP Global Marketing, and with Roland Canada, he served in the roles of President & CEO, COO, Product Manager, Marketing Communications Manager, and more. Paul is a family man, composer, IT enthusiast, and science fiction fan.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
The British duo shed light on their rural youth, work process, and how an intergalactic voyage informs its latest release, Feorm Falorx.
Devo's cult status remains indelible. Co-founder Gerald V. Casale reminisces about the band and its longstanding association with Roland.
As co-writer and producer for British alt-rockers The 1975, George Daniel's association with Roland is integral to the band's sound.
The composer uses everything from a youth choir to the MC-202 to bridge the gap between electronic and organic, ancient and futuristic.
Keyboard virtuoso Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident talks gear history, love of live performance, and songwriting craft.