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
See All »
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
See All »
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.
Dive into DW’s inspiring legacy as the company enters the world of high-fidelity audio drum samples with DW Soundworks™.
Explore the continuing story of DW Drums as the company expands from early hardware innovation into world-class drum manufacturing.
SOUND BEHIND THE SONG
German DJ/producer Alex Ridha is best known as Boys Noize. His stomping 2010 tech-house track “1010” was built around a modified TR-707.
“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.
Leftfield came from the same primordial soup as the greatest British dance acts. Explore this iconic track and the TB-303's role in it.
In the mid-'80s, there was little edgier in the mainstream than NYC’s notorious Beastie Boys, and "Paul Revere" was their origin story.
SP-404MKII
KDJ Records Limited Edition
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
Hybrid drumming blends acoustic and electronic elements. Will Hunt of Evanescence explains his approach to the 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.
With useful upgrades, the TD-07 series is perfect for the progressing drummer or beginner wanting something more from the get-go.
The online star shares secrets about gaining his Twitch fandom, his hi-tech setup, and what inspires him about livestreaming.
With its groundbreaking design, DWe represents an entirely new experience for drummers. Discover where to find DWe in Europe
Our Contributors
See All »
Eric is a freelance pop culture blogger with bylines in Rolling Stone, Vice, Pitchfork, and Nylon. He is also a DJ, producer, and pro-wrestling critic.
Joseph's work appears in NPR, VICE, Bandcamp, Noisey, SPIN, Consequence of Sound, and more. He is also a curator at Northwest Terror Fest.
A writer by fate, journalist by passion, and storyteller by vision. Bylines at: REVOLT, Grammys.com, Complex, Discogs, Vibe Magazine, Okayplayer, REVERB, and LEVEL Mag.
Mike is a musician, composer, and writer from Seattle. He is guitarist/vocalist in Reader and creates solo experimental music as Noonmoon.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
Jubilee grew up in Miami where the 808 shaped her sonic DNA. She talks about keeping spirits high and how music creates community.
Ali Stone's new single "Crudo," featuring ZENOLOGY, refers to a love that's pure, sincere, and gets better with time.
The multifaceted artist discusses his career encompassing everything from jazz-inflected percussion to art installations.
Rarelyalways opens up about his eclectic influences, the unpredictable ways inspiration strikes, and how he sometimes denies his identity.
The legendary songwriter and performer discusses Roland synthesizers, positive thinking, and music’s power to transform.