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.

Bassist Sara Lee and guitar player Andy Gill discuss sonic invention and positive discrimination.

DATA: Martyn Ware/new album/Synclavier keyboard/digital technique... HARD COPY

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.

Founder of Ultravox, John Foxx talks here about his new projects, new album and his return to the live stage.

TechTalk: Kim Ryrie

Second and final part of our interview with Fairlight's co-founder. Simon Trask listens to what he has to say about the future of musical technology.

As Mr Fingers and Fingers Inc, Chicago-based Larry Heard was instrumental in creating the house music movement. Simon Trask talks tech with him on the release of his first LP on a major label.

The originator of acid house claims the secrets of good music are feel and emotion rather than a Roland Bassline and an Akai sampler. Simon Trask gets in the mood.

His idiosyncratic style of fretless bass playing inspired a generation, but now the ex-Japan man is playing sessions, writing his own music, and programming his own synths.

Tim Goodyer talks to pin-up keyboardsman Steve George about life at the top of the charts on both sides of the Atlantic...

When you come across a hi-tech band who won't even use commercial synths for fear of being imitated, they must have something special to protect. Simon Trask pays a visit to Leeds to check out the mysterious Nightmares on Wax.

One of Britain's most versatile producers talks about working with Howard Jones, forming a new band, and the importance of communication. Paul Tingen listens.

Secrets of samples and songs

Janet Angus traces the career of this enterprising sound engineer which ranges from recording Mike Oldfield's 'Tubular Bells' and designing Virgin record stores, to his current pre-occupation with improving the quality of film soundtracks.

Recording Chris de Burgh

Stephen Tayler tells Richard Buskin all about recording and mixing Chris de Burgh's recent single, 'By My Side'.

Henry Priestman: the word

Ultravox: New improved formula

Yello made the sort of music everyone had heard of but few people heard - until Shirley Bassey helped them into the pop charts. These obscure Swiss art rockers reveal all to Nicholas Rowland.

Our man Chris Maillard meets the Men for a man-to-Men chat

A Tour With Jethro Tull

Not another tedious account of a top band on tour, but a carefully worded roadie's-eye view of what really goes on behind the scenes. Antony Freeman gives an account of the happenings as Jethro Tull hit Germany.

news from the front

after the break, news from the front

Record Pressing

Part 3 completes our short series with a detailed look at record pressing, labels, sleeves and promotion.

APRS Report

The latest developments in the recording world brought the industry, press and public flocking to Olympia 2 recently. Simon Trask records the event.