Original SP-404 designer Kenji Yamada and current project leader Takeo Shirato discuss the 404 concept, its widespread popularity, and more.
Break down the techniques to create 303-based sounds, complete with step-by-step programming tips and real-world track references.
Roland uses a “V” to indicate instruments embodying a specific set of virtues. Learn about the engineering process culminating in V-STAGE.
FEATURES
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The intellectual multi-instrumentalist discusses her new album and how music has always been about the dogged pursuit of self-realization.
The multifaceted artist discusses his career encompassing everything from jazz-inflected percussion to art installations.
Explore trip-hop from its early days to the current renaissance centering on a new generation of artists mining the genre's laidback beats.
David Noller and Todd Walker of Dynamix II discuss their history, the Miami sound, and the quest to find an 808 in the 1980s.
Jim Keltner has been a go-to session drummer since the '70s. From ex-Beatles to Bob Dylan to Steely Dan, here’s a taste of the legendary player.
LISTENING GUIDE
Synthesizers in music production brought about a massive cultural shift. Take a trip into this groundbreaking genre.
The trailblazer combined synthesizers, tight songwriting chops, and an evolving glam sci-fi image. Probe the outer limits of his discography.
Stones Throw Records challenges perceptions, demonstrating how a scrappy indie can create a deep cultural impact. Explore these essentials.
Broken beat was created by a community of producers with roots in London's various club scenes. Here are some of the genre's foundational records.
One of the most distinctive polys of the ’80s, the JX-3P is the secret sauce on tracks from movie themes to quirky indie cuts.
Learn
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Learn the origin story of vocal harmonizers and processors and explore the science behind creating vocal harmonies with music technology.
Take your sound design into widescreen territory with the GALAXIAS Super Instrument, and learn to craft massive pads for electronic genres.
Daru Jones has a style all his own. The hybrid drummer discusses touring with Jack White, custom kits, and the importance of individuality in hip-hop.
All you need is a DAW and Roland Cloud to record a polished demo. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started.
SOUND BEHIND THE SONG
The spiraling of the TR-909 on "Hunter" weaves a web of percussion. Immediately, the track draws the listener into a world of intrigue.
“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.
Here's how the artist's omnipresent '90s hit "Praise You" harnessed the Roland TB-303 to become a radio and dancefloor sensation.
Using the TR-808, vocoder, and modular synthesis, the enigmatic duo created a modern dance classic.
V-STAGE SERIES
Roland Future Design Lab
The Making of Tone Explorer: An Interview with Kazuyoshi Sasamori of Roland Future Design Lab
Learn about the Tone Explorer concept, challenges, and what might come next from Roland Future Design Lab.
Roland Future Design Lab at Audio Developer Conference 2024
Follow the RFDL team recently to the birthplace of trip-hop, Bristol, UK, for the annual ADC 2024 Audio Developer Conference.
Tone Explorer: Technology Preview for GALAXIAS
Tone Explorer is a technology preview from Roland Future Design Lab, made available for music creators to try as a GALAXIAS Labs Experiment.
DRUMS
Here is the story of DW Drums—from its earliest days as a teaching studio right up to the latest innovations.
The two legends discuss playing and tweaking sounds in the Roland V71 module, studio history, and why it all starts with the drummer.
This guide will teach you how hybrid drums can benefit your drumming by helping you enhance, layer, and expand your sound.
Hybrid drumming blends acoustic and electronic elements. Will Hunt of Evanescence explains his approach to the style.
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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Charles “BLVK Samurai” Burchell is a music producer, rapper, multi-instrumentalist, and educator from New Orleans, Louisiana.
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.
Matthew Presley is a Product Manager for Zenbeats and Roland Cloud. He lives in Austin, Texas where he plays with his band Bali Yaaah.
Mark is Roland Keys & Production Product Manager at Roland Corporation Australia. He has written and produced music for Universal Music recording artists, TV, theater, live shows, and theme parks, as well as being a successful recording artist himself.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
Devo's cult status remains indelible. Co-founder Gerald V. Casale reminisces about the band and its longstanding association with Roland.
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.
The artist/producer gives us the scoop on evoking the spirit of ’00s NYC, experiencing early success, and whether music is a riddle we can solve.