...and congratulations on buying PHAZE 1, the music magazine with a kick in its tail and a message in its pages. The message is simple: don't just sit there listening to music, play it!

At a time when most of this country's population is content to lounge about on Balearic beaches, sit gobsmacked in front of 'Neighbours', or wallow in the wonder of the latest Beatles CD re-issue playing music is one of the few truly creative pastimes there is. Pick up a guitar, plug in a keyboard, or set up a drum kit, and a whole new world opens up in front of you.

Work hard at what you do and, whatever kind of music you play, you'll stand a chance of achieving some measure of fame and fortune. If that's what you want. If an appearance on 'Top of the Pops' or a spot on the front cover of 'Q' is not for you, you and your music can still benefit from greater knowledge and ability.

This is where PHAZE 1 comes in. Each month, we'll be asking major pop names how they made it to the top; assessing new equipment that promises to sound good without forcing you to negotiate an overdraft; and providing an insight into how different instruments are played and how different styles of music have evolved.

We'll also be doing some less serious things. Like giving away the latest equipment in silly competitions, investigating what life is like for musicians in other countries, and letting readers play their part: if you've recorded a demo tape, cut some vinyl, made a video or written a feature, we want it. Now.

So get the brains behind the beat. Get PHAZE 1 every month. And leave 'Neighbours' alone for good.