The phenomenal rise to success of Gary Stevenson came about through his dynamic production work on the first Go West album. Ralph Denyer extracts the details of the saga and discovers what Gary has planned for the future.

A behind-the-scenes glimpse into who does what, and how, in the making of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe's classic synth-pop records.

Dead or Alive's Tim Lever surrounds himself with new technology as the band prepare for world domination. Tim Goodyer gets the word on writing, recording and performing.

brothers patrick and gregory reflect on the pitfalls of early success

Abandoning guitars for samplers, Skin became Fluke and discovered new artistic freedom. Simon Trask listens to the man/machine argument from people who've learned both sides of it.

The superbly produced music of Frankie Goes To Hollywood embodies the whole spirit and character of modern hi-tech recording methods. With the release of their long-awaited second album 'Liverpool', it seemed an opportune moment for Paul Gilby to discover if there is more to the band than Trevor Horn's production techniques.

The Bahamas boy talks tunes and tides with Adrian Deevoy

Richard Walmsley contemplates British success in the US and meets two bands who have achieved just that...

Want to get on in the music biz? Then you'll have to get on TV. Mike Hrano shows you how

"Are these electronic kits gonna take over altogether, d'you reckon?" asks Geoff Nicholls.

The BMF Goes Up In...

Read today the Bob Dylan story a friend will tell you in the pub next week.

IT's complete news service.

What's hot for '87

In this first article of a new series, John Harris examines basic song arrangement.

Your Paul Hardcastle Aspirations!

Steve Howell takes up his razor blade once again and explains the basis for extended remixes.

Gossip From The Front

gossip, rumour, lies and so on

Logical sequencing tips

Sarm West

Report by Curtis Schwartz.

The Padded Cell

The Padded Cell give Pat Hunt the hard sell

Appropriately enough, MT shares its birthday with one of the companies which has helped shape today's synthesisers: Roland UK. Gez Kahan presents a view from the inside.

Few instruments have caused as great a stir in the marketplace as the futuristic-looking DG1. Stepp describe it as "a radically new instrument that plays like a guitar, and which can produce some of the most phenomenal sounds you're ever likely to hear." Ian Gilby visited Stepp to find out for himself and talk with its creator, Stephen Randall.

Sequencer survival guide

Our new series for drummers is for bashers and non-bashers alike: first, how to keep time