Charles Haynes and Pete Kuzma are the dynamic duo playing drums and keyboards for Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball Tour.
Between them they have played with the likes of Akon, Kanye West and M.I.A, and they’ve been using Roland gear throughout their careers. We caught up with them in LA to get the lowdown on the Roland equipment they’re using with Lady Gaga and the kit they recommend.
As Hawkwind embark on their 40th anniversary tour, electro-god Tim Blake is as enthusiastic about his synths as ever.
The synth (and lighting) pioneer from Crystal Machine, Gong and Hawkwind talks to Roland about his favourite equipment and his 40 years in the music business.
Prog God, keyboard wizard and ubiquitous film and TV composer, Dave Stewart, runs through his favourite features of the Fantom-G workstation.
The Fantom-G is so much more than just synthesizer. The workstations have an advanced sound engine, huge sampling capability and built-in sequencing and MIDI control – all managed from a clear LCD screen.
Dave Stewart recently incorporated a Fantom-G6 into his setup. He tells what drew him to the series.
We’re used to getting interviews with the greats here at Roland – but Trevor Horn! It has to be said, we’re pretty proud of ourselves.
The Grammy and Brit award-winner; bass and vocal legend; the world’s most respected pop producer… All this and more, Trevor Horn talks us through the Roland gear that’s been there at every step of his music-making career.
Jumper-wearing oddballs, The Brett Domino Trio, have gone from Britain’s Got Talent to full-on internet fame in 2009 – and in the process they’ve become AX-Synth idols.
Brett cuts a impressive figure holding a keytar and not too long ago he upgraded to a Roland AX-Synth. His jaw-dropping Michael Jackson medley racked up nearly 100,000 YouTube hits as he went wild on the shoulder synth in homage to the king of pop. It’s worth checking out the video for his Beat It solo if nothing else.
Antipodean rockers, The Temper Trap, have finally set up camp in good ol’ Blighty.
Their single “Sweet Disposition” is all over the airwaves, and the UK is getting chills for their atmospheric and pumping brand of bleep–rock.
We talk to drummer Toby Dundas about his favourite bands in the UK, recording the album and what he wants Roland to make next.
Craig Blundell is one of the busiest – and best – V-Drums demonstrators in the world, and he’s just about to release his debut solo album under the moniker Dr oKtopUs.
Perhaps surprisingly for an album by a drummer, there’s lots more here than just beats. Craig takes meaty bass hooks, retro samples and tons of effects to create a richly-layered, warped and unique sound.
We caught up with Craig to talk about his first solo project and how his Roland kit helped.
Hal Ritson knows his synths. He plays in his own electro band, The Young Punx, but still finds time to record and play live with Dizzee Rascal.
He picked up an AX-Synth when performing with Dizzee at the Electric Proms and we just had to get in touch and find out what he thought.
Howard Jones is a God of synthpop. His electro works earned him chart positions on both sides of the Atlantic and an appearance at Live Aid ’85 in front of a billion people.
His irrepressible career continues, although these days he’s not afraid to embrace acoustic sounds. He talks to us about how Roland products have shaped his career and what he thinks of his new Roland V-Piano.
Tom Hickox released his debut single The Pretty Pride of Russia last week and is surely set for unbelievable success.
His operatic vocals, heart-rending melodies and penchant for the unusual have already singled him out as a unique talent in the UK music scene. Rumour has it, even David Bowie is a big fan and you can’t argue with that.
We spoke to Tom In the run up to the release of his new single to get his thoughts on making music and the SH-201, which he has just used for a Black Cab Session.
Drummer/producer Michael Schack performs with the Roland OCTAPAD SPD-30.
