In the battleground that is the record business, one band have managed to find the space to be one of the most individual and resourceful of British talents. Nigel Lord talks uncommerciality in an Immaterial world.

Over the last three decades John McLaughlin has done more than anybody else in popular jazz and rock music to explore the potential of the guitar, both acoustic and electric. Here he talks to Mark Prendergast about his eclectic career, pioneering use of guitar synthesizers, and the Synclavier.

There seems no end to the creativity of New York performance artist Laurie Anderson. In an exclusive interview, she talks about her music, her lyrics, and life as a 'Diva' for artist Jean-Michel Jarre.

Turning their backs on pop notoriety to meet electronic experimentation head on, Sheffield's LFO are taking dance music into new areas. Simon Trask gets a new perspective on nostalgia.

Intrepid reporter/cameraman Ralph Denyer ventures into the wild suburban jungle of East London to capture the rarely heard thoughts of this lesser-spotted songbird and re-mix producer who has recently taken delivery of his very own Synclavier system.

A friend and protege of Klaus Schulze, Robert Schroder builds his own equipment, and is much more than a Schulze clone.

Fresh from Germany - Mark Moore spoke to us about the European music scene and the kind of technology he uses

Contemporary American composer Steve Reich talks about train journeys, music video theatre, and the ethics and aesthetics of sampling. Simon Trask goes along for the ride.

The life of (Terry) Riley

Climbing Frame, in particular Roddy Frame, songwriter, guitarist and dead cert for '84.

Mr Papathanassiou leaps off the cover and speeds headlong to page 23. Pausing merely for an intake of breath he settles in his fave armchair and reads, 'Vangelis has superb keyboard technique...' And smiles.

Explains his complex minimalism

tim simenon turns the tables

Words and pictures for better drumming.

talks to Ralph Denyer

Well... what can you say? You know how good he is and what a writer our Ralph D is. But don't let's give the game away: read on!

Gary Moore

Why a pink Strat is Gazzer's fave

Sly Dunbar & Robbie Shakespeare

Filling in the musical background, Ralph Denyer talks to Peter Tosh's back line, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare.

Muff Murfin talks to Paul White about his career to date and proffers some useful advice for people trying to break into the jingle market. He also explains why with studios in the Midlands, London and Ibiza, he needs to expand.

from america to russia and back again, rock 'n' roll puts the cold war on ice

from Banshees to Creatures

PUNISHMENT OF LUXURY and THE PASSENGERS

Rich rock stars? Who needs 'em? We bring you exclusive interviews with reality: Newcastle's Punishment Of Luxury, and The Passengers from London. Adam Sweet T'ing sees, hears and tells.

why drummer stephen morris prefers programming computers to bashing skins

Ace Argent drummer — hopefully to be contributing to IM in the future - talks about his approach to drumming.

The continuing story of Francis Vincent Zappa who, out on the road with a rock band for the first time in weeks, relates to one Ralph Denyer just how musicians get their action.