A journey through the musical world of this well respected guitarist

The original hurdy-gurdy man takes Tim Barr on an ambient perambulation through his current project, System 7

If you can't imagine how Steve Hillage, Derrick May and The Orb would sound making music together, you can buy their forthcoming LP and find out. Simon Trask talks to the man behind the guitar and the project.

Keyboard player Tony Banks has been the foundation stone of Genesis' music for almost two decades now but has not experienced the same level of success in his work outside Genesis as past and present members of the band, Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Peter Gabriel. With two solo albums and numerous film scores behind him, Banks is set to bounce back into the limelight with a fresh, new solo project. Brian Jacobs poses the questions...

It Came From Outer Space

The original ambient funsters have a new studio album all but ready, a live album on the way and a major recording deal in the offing. Jonathan Miller encounters Dr Alex Paterson and Thrash on the verge of a higher plane...

Now making a huge impact in the north of Britain, Detroit's techno music owes its roots to a handful of far-sighted pioneers - amongst them Derrick May. Simon Trask discusses the future of electronic music.

Wee chap and guitarist-person Charlie Burchill lifts the kilt of his guitar, amp and effects set up.

Riding the ambient house wave, The Orb have released a concept album that mixes dance beats with new age textures. Tim Goodyer tunes in to Alex Paterson and Thrash as they chill out with technology.

From his formative days experimenting with Torchsong, William Orbit has made good through his remixes and a new outfit called Bass-o-matic. Tim Goodyer watches time catch up with a techno-prophet.

Guest Producer Steve Hillage argues for the breaking down of arbitrary barriers between musical styles.

April 13 saw the release of Steve Hillage's new album, which contains music specially commissioned for the Rainbow Dome at the Olympia Festival for Mind Body and Spirit. Eddie Franklin-White informs — as always.

Ben Duncan presents philosophies on the effects of music.

Dave Stewart On Going It Alone In The Music Biz

The major record company route is not the only one to musical success. Dave Stewart has successfully avoided the majors and still manages to make a good living from his home-produced music. Here, he charts his musical history.

Ensoniq Mirage Multi-Sampler

Manufacturers of keyboard samplers are now turning their attentions to the studio market by offering enhanced rack-mount versions of their products. Mark Jenkins waited anxiously at Heathrow for the first device to hit our shores - the budget-priced, 8-voice multi-sampler from Ensoniq. Read his report.

Rod Argent, Andrew Clark, Michael MacNeil

Add Another Dimension to Your Sound!

Megadog MIDI Circus

Exclusive pictures of this summer's high-tech roadshow, featuring Orbital, Aphex Twin, Drum Club and many more

This month, Elka Eminent to Everitt Orgatron.

Readers' replies to the second half of our survey, analysed by David Ellis.

Studios & Recording

dangerous truths