These inspiring female producers have left their marks on the music industry and continue to carve space for newcomers.
Museum, artist incubator, distro, and record store—Submerge and Underground Resistance represents the interconnected Detroit music community.
Youngr has amassed a worldwide audience with his viral one-take video performances. The multi-instrumentalist discusses family ties, his new album, and essential Roland gear.
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
Sometimes, a song’s intro transports us back to a specific time. Learn how the CR-78 formed the playful rhythmic bed for "Heart of Glass."
The TR-808 pattern at the center of “Hangin' on a String” elevates the moody groove.
“Jam On It” by Newcleus is a true hip-hop classic. The track is dense with groove, creative production, and lyrical panache.
“Blue Drive” moves like a meditative improvisation, with no calculated beginning or end. Oneohtrix Point Never guides us using the JUNO-60.
FANTOM EX
SPOTLIGHT
Before the legendary producer was a household name, Steve Albini used the TR-606 to achieve the punishing drum sounds of "I'm a Mess."
DRUMS
There's an excitement to playing a drum set for the first time. As a father, Oli Raud gets to revisit that feeling with his children.
Chris Wood does more behind the kit than just playing drums. Learn how his hybrid kit informs Bastille’s uplifting, layered sound.
Hybrid drumming blends acoustic and electronic elements. Anika Nilles explains her approach to the style on tour with Jeff Beck and beyond.
With useful upgrades, the TD-07 series is perfect for the progressing drummer or beginner wanting something more from the get-go.
Taylor Hawkins was a hero to drummers everywhere. This "Behind the Beat" honors his musical legacy and the power of the Foo Fighters classic.
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.
Jack is Digital Marketing Assistant at Roland Corporation Australia. He is passionate about video games music production and composition, so outside of work, you'll likely find him holed up somewhere playing games or making music.
Kirsten Spruch is based in Los Angeles and works in creator partnerships, with a focus on entertainment and technology. She is also a journalist who has written for Billboard and more, covering stories from emerging trends to new music. When she's not writing about music, she's making her own under the alias Kirsten Izer.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
Musical mad scientist Dolly Spectra discusses using her body as a MIDI controller in performance, community, and the future of electronic pop.
Brooklyn trio Nation of Language demonstrates how its '80s-synth pop credentials are not just future past but future present.
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.
Keyboard virtuoso Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident talks gear history, love of live performance, and songwriting craft.
As co-writer and producer for British alt-rockers The 1975, George Daniel's association with Roland is integral to the band's sound.