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
See All »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.
From Africa to the United Kingdom, eclectic dance star Junior Simba shares his passion for infusing ethnic sounds into his songcraft.
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.
Learn
See All »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.
The "Superstition" groove reminds us that, alongside his songwriting and musicianship, Wonder is one of the greatest drummers around.
SOUND BEHIND THE SONG
“Acid Tracks” spread like wildfire from Chicago across the globe. Learn how the TB-303 gave birth to a smiling generation of clubbers.
“Blue Drive” moves like a meditative improvisation, with no calculated beginning or end. Oneohtrix Point Never guides us using the JUNO-60.
"Glimmer” serves as a palate cleanser on Tame Impala's fourth album. Featuring the TR-707, it feels like an old friend in new dancing shoes.
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
During 2020, many of us turned to creative pursuits while at home. For Simon Gottliffe, his positive escape came from drumming.
On the eve of Rihanna's Super Bowl performance, Mike Reid discusses his history, lessons from artists, and the power of hybrid drumming.
Chris Wood does more behind the kit than just playing drums. Learn how his hybrid kit informs Bastille’s uplifting, layered sound.
Simon Ash helps aspiring drummers of all ages on their percussion paths. Electronic drums are at the core of his instructional style.
Looking for a Roland V-Drums kit to help you achieve your drumming goals? This introduction will help you find the ideal kit for you.
Our Contributors
See All »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.
An MI veteran, Clint was one of the founders of Emagic North America and worked at both Apple and Line 6. A passionate music fan, he heads The New Music Collective.
Jordan Blum resides in Philadelphia and holds an MFA in Fiction. He’s Editor-in-Chief of The Bookends Review, author of Jethro Tull: Every Album, Every Song and Dream Theater: Every Album, Every Song, Associate Editor at PopMatters and a contributor to CoS, Kerrang!, Metal Injection, and PROG.
Lisa is a Roland Artist Relations representative. She's also a lifelong musician with an extensive touring history and discography.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
Robin "Scanner" Rimbaud explores many genres—from avant-garde to accessible. Find out how he's gone from tape recorders to art institutions.
Musical mad scientist Dolly Spectra discusses using her body as a MIDI controller in performance, community, and the future of electronic pop.
Jubilee grew up in Miami where the 808 shaped her sonic DNA. She talks about keeping spirits high and how music creates community.
As co-writer and producer for British alt-rockers The 1975, George Daniel's association with Roland is integral to the band's sound.
Brooklyn trio Nation of Language demonstrates how its '80s-synth pop credentials are not just future past but future present.