A group of new faces for the 1980's, Simple Minds have expanded the original conception of 'pop' music with a series of exciting and refreshing releases and stage shows. Mike McNeil and Charlie Birchill talk here to Dan Goldstein.

One of the foremost composers of electronic film music, here he talks about his celluloid career and his more recent excursion into the world of popular music producing, and his own Danse Electronique.

The most recent polyphonic synth from Oberheim, the OB8 adds even more flexibility to the tried and tested Oberheim formula.

An introduction to the use of the perennial tools of the electronic composers trade. With some explanation of programming from music and notation.

An exciting new digital bass guitar, the Vigier opens up a new world of user recorded sounds for bass players.

Not strictly an instrument review... but a look at an innovative new tuition method for guitar and keyboards.

A versatile mono/poly combination keyboard from the Siel stable comes under examination.

A new delay unit.

A new in depth look at building up complex patches

An overview of the synthesiser, sequencer and drum machine interface, based around the DSX.

Jim Gilmour, principal keyboard player in the band, talks to Paul Wiffen about the host of keyboards the band use onstage and in the studio. Their recent European tour increased their reputation as one of Canada's premier music-makers. Photography by Sally Newman.

Denizens of space rock, 15 years of hard work, and the band around whom legends spring almost daily, Hawkwind are planning a new strategy for 1984 with a new stage show Earth Ritual, Dave Brock and Huw Lloyd Langton explain the Hawkwind rejuvenation to Tim Oakes.

A step by step construction guide of this pitch splitting device.

The popular Kit is now expandable, we look at two of the new modules, The Clap and The Tymp.

Starting this month, we invite you to send in some new or exciting patches for your synth.

A simple but ingenious alternative for home practice - a headphone socket to fit to your amplifier.

Complete construction details and circuits for a new, essential timekeeper for the modern musician.