Since the members of Ultravox went their separate ways, Billy Currie's solo career has taken him from band leader, through studio owner, to record label boss for the release of his second solo album. Interview by Mark Jenkins.

Having helped to create Britain's Northern techno scene, Unique 3 claim it doesn't actually exist. Simon Trask listens to this and other enigmas from one of the country's most creative dance outfits.

'Are Friends Electric?' and 'Cars' will go down in the musical history books as classics of their genre but the writer of those hits, Gary Numan, has yet to match his early successes. Mark Jenkins met up with him during sessions for a forthcoming album at Rock City studios, Shepperton, only to discover that the Numan of today is finding it tough to get airplay for his recent work...

Sydney Music Conservatorium

Music technology Australian style. To prove that there's more to the Australian music scene than the Fairlight, Jonathan Puckeridge pays a visit to the Sydney Music Conservatorium.

News and new products.

After five years in the wilderness, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark are back with a new LP and tour. Tim Goodyer talks to Andy McCluskey about the value of technology.

With its ability to manipulate sounds and music, the digital sampler has probably caused more arguments than any other musical instrument to date. Peter Ridsdale takes an alternative view.

Mark Jenkins pins down the expert synthesist/programmer best known for his work with Peter Gabriel, and discusses the release of his eighth solo album - 'Metropolitan Suite'.

A fly on the wall account of a mega-group amidst a mega-tour. Michael Smolen does the buzzing

You can't discuss the Manchester dance movement without A Guy Called Gerald. Simon Trask talks success and setbacks to one of Britain's most influential young artists.

Studio design

Building the perfect inner wall

808 State - Absolutely Gorgeous

Instrumental music doesn't sell, the UK dance scene is totally bereft of life, and dance bands never produce decent albums. Wrong, wrong, wrong — and 808 State are back with proof. Nigel Humberstone talked to Manchester's finest during the recording of Gorgeous, their third album.

Guitars, Amps + major keyboards survey.

The life of (Terry) Riley

An exclusive interview with this world famous synthesist of classical music and an exploration of his science fiction fantasy, The Bermuda Triangle

Fred Dellar presents a potted history of the people who bring you the 'product' - the record companies.

It Came From Outer Space