Careers in Music: Bob Mackenzie with James Blake
From humble beginnings to working with James Blake, Bob Mackenzie explains how the Roland SP-404MKII fuels creativity.Read more…
A Few Minutes with Eli Keszler
The multifaceted artist discusses his career encompassing everything from jazz-inflected percussion to art installations.Read more…
Roland Engineering: SP-404 Past, Present, and Future
Original SP-404 designer Kenji Yamada and current project leader Takeo Shirato discuss the 404 concept, its widespread popularity, and more.Read more…
Lo-Fi Education: The SP-404 in the Classroom
David Bellow, aka Lightfoot, and Michele Darling explain the process of establishing a groundbreaking SP-404 course at Berklee.Read more…
Ultimate Guide to 404 Day 2025
Join the 404 Day worldwide takeover with community-driven SP-powered events, showcases, workshops, and interactive demos.Read more…
Can’t Kick This Feeling: A History of Moodymann and KDJ Records
Kenny Dixon Jr. has released a steady stream of dance floor classics since 1994. Dig into the history of this icon of Motor City music.Read more…
A Few Minutes with Xiu Xiu
Jamie Stewart, the confessional frontperson of experimental rock band Xiu Xiu, explains their love for Roland drum machines.Read more…
A Few Minutes with Photay
The enigmatic artist Photay opens up about his improvisational collaborators, the power of the weather, and how location influences art.Read more…
Careers in Music: Sarah Tudzin on Producing
Sarah Tudzin, songwriter and vocalist for illuminati hotties, guides us through her rapidly ascending career as a producer and mix engineer.Read more…
Hands-On: Foundations of Live Electronic Music Performance
Live electronic music performance creates a unique interaction between performer and listener. Discover how it is both exciting and transformative.Read more…
404 DaySP samplers & the sound of lo-fi hip-hop
Every music genre has its origin story: a combination of people, places, and products that contribute to the overall sound. And this is one such story—about how a little black box from Japan helped the world to kick back and relax.Read more…
Inside the São Paulo Beat Scene
Explore the multifaceted São Paulo beat scene with this in-depth history of its close-knit ecosystem of artists, beatmakers, and labels.Read more…
Inside the Japanese Beat Scene
The lo-fi sound and aesthetic have deep roots in Japan. Dive into the colorful subculture with the Japanese beat scene's key players.Read more…
The Science of Sample Packs
Alin Dimitriu, Saint Ezekiel, Lightfoot, and Ski Beatz share the challenges and rewards of sample pack creation and give tips to producers.Read more…
Roland Engineering: Designing the SP-404MKII
The lead designers behind the SP-404MKII provide an exclusive look inside the making of the updated version of the beloved classic.Read more…
Ultimate Guide: Customizing the SP-404MKII
The SP-404MKII is ready-made for numerous types of customization. Here's a deep dive into the world of options for modding the new model.Read more…
Skin Deep: Art of the SP-404 Overlay and Beyond
Welcome to the world that’s grown around SP-404 custom skins and beyond. Get lost in the art and hear from the creators in their own words.Read more…
4 Essential SP-404 Live Performance Tips
Austin, TX beatmaker/producer/artist Flobama shares four essential quick-start tips to help SP-404 users maximize their machines.Read more…
SP-404: DJFX LOOPER and How to Use It
Learn to utilize the SP-404's DJFX LOOPER, a definitive feature of the SP series and sonic cornerstone of the lo-fi hip-hop movement.Read more…
Listening Guide: An Intro to the L.A. Beat Scene
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.Read more…