Hans Zimmer is the complete antithesis of the serious German synthesist - he smiles a lot for a start! As co-founder of Lillie Yard studio and the proud owner of a surviving Moog Series 8 modular synth, his approach to sound synthesis is a refreshingly traditional one eschewing the very thought of ever using an unmodified factory preset on any of his work! Ralph Denyer explains why.

European singer Ronny makes her U.K. concert debut with Warren Cann and Hans Zimmer and the trio talk about their musical adventures.

Jazz, Funk, and now Hip Hop — Herbie Hancock's done it all. We grab a few words with the great man.

The Jones boy finally agrees to talk to us. Tony Horkins plays the diplomatic attaché

Learn about Arif Mardin, Glenn Miller, Afrodiziak, DX7s, PCM70s, 9000s, and "One On One".

UK chart success may have been elusive of late but Howard Jones' continued popularity in the States has brought its rewards — an SSL-equipped 48-track home studio. Interview by Paul Tingen.

Breaking a prolonged silence, one of the eighties' most successful solo pop songwriters talks to Tim Goodyer about his new home, his new album, and an ever-expanding collection of synthesisers.

Synthing with Mr Jones.

and The Sample Of Doom

common sense and uncommon synths

Howard Jones was the first keyboard player to successfully exploit the new technology to the full by regularly performing solo concerts with nothing but MIDI instruments as his backing band. In this rare interview, Brian Jacobs talks to Howard about his music, recording, his decision to produce most of his new album himself, and his growing admiration for an instrument he once said he would never use.

Jethro Tull’s leading light opens the door to his new ‘home studio’.

Jethro Tull's main man takes us behind the fish farmer exterior and into his home studio.

Space Cadet

Electronic music is one area where independent status is the general rule. Ian Boddy is one of the UK's foremost electronic musicians, with a label he set up especially for his own releases. David Hughes gets the full story.

Turning digital dreams into reality

Ian Boddy is one of this country's foremost independent 'electronic music' composers. David Hughes talks to him about the recording of his new CD 'Odyssey'.

THE STORY OF AN INDEPENDENT RECORD

The story of how one of this country's lesser-known synthesists took the bold step of forming his own record label to independently release his fourth album 'Phoenix'. Paul Gilby documents the process.

At the forefront of independent synthesis

Northern electronic music exponent Ian Boddy answers questions from Tim Goodyer about the recording of his new album, live performance, and music synthesis.

Who helped make Climie Fisher's single a hit? And the Pet Shop Boys', and Depeche Mode's, and Bananarama's? David Bradwell investigates the latest action in the Stock, Aitken & Waterman production stable.

Reminiscences of the Guitar

This well respected jazz guitarist talks about the origins and technique of the guitar; plus free pull-out music: "After Hours" - one of his pieces to play

Jan Hammer Talks Tech

The art of writing music for popular television in the last few years may have been single-handedly redefined by Jan Hammer. His upbeat, rocky soundtracks to the hit TV series 'Miami Vice' (along with a few of the chart hits used in the show) have now produced two albums of instrumental music. Ed Jones finds out how they were done.

In an exclusive interview, this longstanding keyboard hero and Miami Vice music maestro discusses keyboard technique, and what it’s like to achieve mass recognition after years of obscurity. Annabel Scott takes note.

The release of Jason Rebello's first LP shows him to be more than the tasteful performer the jazz circuit already recognises. Simon Trask talks to one of Britain's leading jazz keyboardsmen.

Jean Michel Jarre is about to stage the world's biggest ever concert in the London Docklands. David Bradwell finds out about the technological dark age and the art of showmanship.

The maestro himself on rave, analogue classics, lasers, mice and Fellini