Roland Users Group Insider - Artists

Adrian Belew

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:06:45 GMT

As one of the first guitarists to embrace guitar synthesis in the early ’80s with Roland’s GR-300, Adrian Belew has taken guitar tone to the moon and back with Roland. Find out what he’s doing these days with the VG-99.

John Oates & Jed Leiber

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:56:26 GMT

John Oates, half of the best-selling duo Hall & Oates, along with co-writer, producer, and keyboard player Jed Leiber leaned on Roland to create Oates’ forthcoming solo release “1,000 Miles of Life.”

Asia

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:57:04 GMT

The original lineup of iconic ’80s band Asia is back — in top form — and rocking as hard as ever.

Brian Culbertson

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:07:38 GMT

Chicago-native Brian Culbertson has emerged as one of the brightest stars of contemporary jazz. Learn more about Brian and see him in action with Roland.

Kevin Ricard

Tue, 20 May 2008 12:22:02 GMT

Whether he’s recording with Christina Aguliera, Kenny Loggins, and others, or groovin’ on American Idol, percussionist Kevin Ricard turns to Roland to get the job done.

Scooter Vineburgh

Tue, 06 May 2008 19:13:06 GMT

This longtime drummer and hand percussionist has evolved into a bona fide songwriter and producer thanks to Roland’s HandSonic Percussion Controller.

Jan Stevens

Thu, 15 May 2008 18:51:18 GMT

Find out how this Emmy-nominated composer and multi-instrumentalist uses Roland instruments to create a unique musical personality for some of TV’s top-rated shows.

Taku Hirano

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:13:23 GMT

When he’s touring with top notch acts such as Fleetwood Mac, Whitney Houston, Bette Midler, or Lionel Richie, percussionist Taku Hirano reaches for Roland.

“Weird Al” Yankovic

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:43:32 GMT

With hilarious parodies and polka-laden originals, “Weird Al” Yankovic has gained legions of die-hard fans around the world. Now he’s sporting a Roland V-Accordion.

Eugene Roberts

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:04:26 GMT

On tour with Kanye West, keyboardist and programmer Eugene Roberts relies on Roland and BOSS to create a larger-than-life sound and stage show.

Carlos Lopez

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:49:51 GMT

From rock, pop, R&B, and soul to Latin, swing, jazz, and beyond, Carlos and his bandmates keep the stars dancing.

Daniel Powter

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:07:44 GMT

Daniel Powter writes catchy pop tunes and Roland instruments are part of his process. Learn how Roland digital pianos helped him have a bad day.

Freddie Ravel

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:08:02 GMT

See this GRAMMY nominated producer, #1 recording artist, and revolutionary speaker in action on a Roland digital piano.

Ladytron

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:48:38 GMT

Find out how this UK foursome has won over scores of fans and made their mark as pioneers in today’s ever-expanding electronic music scene.

Todd Hunter

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:29:09 GMT

His eclectic musical background and unique jazz sound, have made this San Diego-born jazz pianist a ’seasoned road warrior” with artists such as Brian Setzer and Dionne Warwick.

Shiny Toy Guns

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:30:53 GMT

After building a grassroots following on the internet, avid Roland users Shiny Toy Guns are embarking on a tour that includes some of the biggest music festivals in the world.

Marc Yu

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:08:15 GMT

He started piano lessons at age 3, and has gone on to perform at some of the most prestigious venues in the U.S. See this piano prodigy in action on the KR-117M.

Will Ray

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:43:44 GMT

Unorthodox B-bendering, ring slides, and BOSS. Find out how this Hellecaster sculpts his unique sound.

Marcus Johnson

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:08:24 GMT

Marcus Johnson has is made quite an impact in the contemporary jazz world and the KR-117M is helping him deliver his music live.

Porcupine Tree

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 20:09:47 GMT

Psychedelic. Experimental. Progressive. Roland and BOSS gear help Porcupine Tree explore the edges of modern music.

Brian LeBarton & Justin Stanley

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:33:09 GMT

Brian LeBarton & Justin Stanley rely on Roland to bring Beck’s genre-crossing “Information” tour to life.

George “Spanky” McCurdy

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:29:37 GMT

Drummer George “Spanky” McCurdy is currently on tour with Diddy and Snoop and is using V-Drums as a central part of his rig.

Collective Soul

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 20:46:12 GMT

Collective Soul has enjoyed over a decade of success and Roland and BOSS products have been right there with them.

Ricky Dee

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:08:33 GMT

Find out how this emerging singer-songwriter has become widely respected as one of country music’s hottest new acts.

David Benoit

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:07:55 GMT

Bringing a diverse musical background to modern technology with Roland’s KR-Series digital grand pianos.

Michael Ward

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 19:39:09 GMT

Guitarist for the Wallflowers, John Hiatt, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals and School of Fish talks shop about gear, tuning, and big stages.

Kevin Toney

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:08:09 GMT

With his unique blend of pop sensibilities and jazz flavor, Kevin Toney has staked his claim as one of the biggest players in contemporary jazz.

Solarcade

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:45:46 GMT

Using a VS-2400CD and BR-1600CD, this LA-based band has created a sound that is totally their own. Find out how they created a sound that is getting some serious attention.

Scott Henderson

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:45:06 GMT

Drawing from his blues and jazz roots while maintaining an unmistakable rock edge, Scott Henderson fuses a style all his own. Find out which BOSS products help Scott get his unmistakable sound.

Jamie Muhoberac

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:47:07 GMT

You may not know his name, but you’ve probably heard his keyboards. From Bob Dylan to the Goo Goo Dolls, Jamie Muhoberac has been behind the scenes, helping artists fulfill their vision.

Eugene Roberts

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 10:32:08 GMT

With a stack of Roland keyboards in tow, “Mr. Roland,” a.k.a. Eugene Roberts kicks up his feet and talks about life on the road with John Legend, his custom-made Roland sneakers, and more.

Steve Rutledge

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 13:16:46 GMT

On the road with Steve Holy and in the studio, Guitarist/Producer Steve Rutledge uses BOSS pedals to get that country sound.

Vinnie Colaiuta

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 19:37:49 GMT

Revered by musicians everywhere as arguably the greatest drummer in the world, Vinnie Colaiuta has become a percussive legend in his own lifetime. He talks to Roland about his stellar session career and the joys of the Roland HandSonic.

Bob Story

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 12:51:14 GMT

Denver area guitarist Bob Story has leveraged his skill as a performer, writer, and producer to build and manage OilPan Studio.

Eric Daniels & Monte Nueble

Thu, 19 Oct 2006 18:37:04 GMT

Read what Mariah Carey’s talented keyboard team had to say about getting the gig, sharing the keyboard parts onstage, and building their new Roland rigs for the Adventures tour.

Albert Menendez

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 14:02:45 GMT

Roland US spent an afternoon with Albert during Shakira’s recent stop at the Arrowhead Pond Arena in Anaheim, California. Here’s what he had to say about his latest Roland discovery, the Fantom-X.

Billy Duffy Of The Cult

Wed, 07 Mar 2007 14:48:50 GMT

See what Billy has to say about his career, past and present, and his trusty companions, a Roland JC-120 amp and pedalboard filled with BOSS.

Lincoln Brewster

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 18:59:21 GMT

He’s one of Christian Music’s most inspiring new-generation talents, but Lincoln Brewster’s rise to global recognition began in the pop mainstream over a decade ago.

Madonna

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 19:01:54 GMT

Madonna has returned to the road for her 2006 Confessions tour. Wait 'til you see keyboardist Marcus Brown's new all-white Roland rig!

Alain Caron

Mon, 24 Jul 2006 19:18:31 GMT

Alain's latest album, 5, features the Roland V-Bass on every song. For the past year, Alain has toured Europe with Mike Stern. Most recently he added a Roland D-Bass amp stack to his stage setup.

Tris Imboden

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 13:21:36 GMT

Proof positive that older can be better, Chicago is tighter than ever. Much of that credit goes to their rock-solid drumming anchor, Tris Imboden.

David Crowder Band

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 13:23:15 GMT

At the leading edge of the new CCM generation is the David Crowder Band from Waco, Texas, recent winner of three Dove Awards.

Richard Bona

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 13:24:47 GMT

Richard Bona is a master of the bass, with incredible precision and speed. His tools of choice? V-Bass, D-Bass, GR-20, and a BOSS Loop Station.

Herman Jackson

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 15:41:55 GMT

American Idol continues to be the biggest show on primetime TV. Keyboardist Herman Jackson has joined the famous house band for Season 5.

John Wackerman

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 13:52:49 GMT

Get the inside story on Drum Duets Volume 1, one of the most ambitious and unique recordings in recent drumming history.

RZA

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 14:23:13 GMT

Armed with an MV-8000, RZA has become the ninja master of slice-and-dice sampling. Film directors are fighting to get a piece of it.

Billy Sheehan

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 18:58:22 GMT

Voted the “Best Rock Bass Player” five times in Guitar Player magazine, Billy Sheehan and his trademark sound and style are legendary.

Suzanne Ciani

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 15:01:11 GMT

An icon of electronic music, Suzanne Ciani has blanketed the world with her rich, flowing compositions for over three decades.

Paul Mirkovich

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 12:50:55 GMT

As musical director and keyboardist for the RockStar INXS house band, Paul Mirkovich and his all-Roland synth rig made it look like cake.

The Killers

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 12:41:00 GMT

From Los Angeles to London, The Killers have sent shockwaves through the music world. See how they're using the SPD-S onstage.

Forrest Robinson

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 14:56:22 GMT

Forrest Robinson has thrown down megawatt funk with TLC, and soulful pop with India Arie. Now he’s V-Drumming for Japanese superstar Utada Hikaru.

Matmos

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 17:55:03 GMT

For every talented musician who’s dreamed of being discovered, we present Matmos. Their encounter with Björk is a story for the ages.

Kevin Adams

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 18:20:41 GMT

On tour with country star Lee Ann Womack, Kevin Adams makes the magic happen with a sole RD-700sx.

Gil Smith

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 18:40:12 GMT

In L.A., a city packed with red-hot players, only a lucky few are plucked from the pack and dropped into the hot seat. Meet Gil Smith, MD for Faith Evans.

BT

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 18:46:21 GMT

The V-Synth takes flight with BT, the pioneering electronic-music producer, film composer, and solo recording artist.

Monte Neuble

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 18:58:57 GMT

With Mariah Carey at Live 8, Monte Neuble and his Fantom-X were seen by billions of viewers. He's also toured with Jessica Simpson, Snoop Dogg, and more.

Hot Hot Heat

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 19:33:51 GMT

With a wiry, compact frame and unruly mop of hair that rivals Sideshow Bob, Hot Hot Heat frontman Steve Bays is hard to miss.

Kumbia Kings

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 13:04:37 GMT

Famous for their blend of cumbia, reggae, R&B, pop, & hip-hop, the Kumbia Kings are attracting audiences young and old.

Josh Harris

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 15:13:38 GMT

Remixing the Backstreet Boys with a V-Synth XT. Here's how Josh Harris remade their track into a club anthem.

Lanar “Kern” Brantley

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 15:17:23 GMT

Kern Brantley has been laying down deep-pocketed bass and serving as MD for a cavalcade of top stars, most recently for Destiny’s Child.

Orbital

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 15:43:11 GMT

The beloved brothers of synth music have thrown in the towel. Paul and Phil Hartnoll, collectively Orbital, have signed off with The Blue Album.

Yes

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 11:34:28 GMT

Yes practically invented prog-rock. Roland met up with the legendary band on the eve of their 35th anniversary world tour.

Monsters of the MV

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 11:39:09 GMT

Armand Van Helden, Jermaine Dupri, and Ahmed Oliver talk about their move to the MV, and how they’re using it to create hit music.

HandSonic Summit

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 17:54:01 GMT

Bashiri Johnson, Brad Dutz, Luis Conte, Richie Garcia, and Taku Hirano — five hand-drumming masters who know how to platinum-plate a track.

Roger Manning, Jr.

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 18:13:58 GMT

He’s a man of many hats, many talents, and many synths. Roger Manning, Jr. is a top-call keyboardist, songwriter, and a long-time user of Roland gear.

Keith Hillebrandt

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 18:24:56 GMT

Meet the master programmer/remixer who helped sharpen the edge of Nine Inch Nails, U2, David Bowie, P. Diddy, and more.

Switchfoot

Tue, 04 Apr 2006 19:17:01 GMT

“Letdown” isn’t a word you’d normally associate with a band on top of the charts, but Switchfoot’s Beautiful Letdown CD was beautiful indeed.

Coba

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 18:30:05 GMT

Who says accordion isn’t a rock-star instrument? Coba is a musical hero in Japan, and is steadily increasing his “market share” around the world.

Evanescence

Tue, 04 Apr 2006 18:58:58 GMT

Evanescence is the Grammy-winning Best New Artist of 2004, a genre-bending tech-rock quintet with a radio-friendly mix of crunch and melody.

Ming & FS

Tue, 04 Apr 2006 19:09:52 GMT

Hailing from Hell’s Kitchen, Ming & FS know how to cook a track. Many know the NY-based duo for their famous Nissan “Shift” TV commercial.

Mercy Me

Tue, 04 Apr 2006 19:19:50 GMT

It was the song heard ’round the world, the "Song of the Year" with massive crossover radio play. “I Can Only Imagine” put MercyMe on the global map.

VS Planet Radio

Tue, 04 Apr 2006 19:24:13 GMT

An inspiring "workaround" to the corporate broadcast barrier is Internet radio. Of particular relevance to the Roland community is VS-Planet Radio.

Kelly McGuire

Tue, 04 Apr 2006 19:19:02 GMT

“The Roland VS recorders have changed how I work," says engineer/producer Kelly McGuire. "They have elevated my results."