Meanwhile, Tim Goodyer finds The Rhythmatist, alias Police drummer Stewart Copeland, resting in his home studio after an African jaunt from which a single, an album and a video have resulted. All three come under discussion.

Rhythmic and Harmonic Structure

What do you get when you cross brilliant musicianship, technological wizardry and one of the brightest line-ups in modern jazz? Answer: Steps Ahead. Interview by Liz Rose and Leslie Fradkin.

A nostalgic look back at 1985 by the people who bring E&MM to you each month. Was it really that bad?

Bass Slate

The life history of the bass guitar.

Chris Craig interview

Bruce Hepton trips the light fantastic with The Orb's visuals, man

How much do musicians really earn? The rich ones (ahem) the poor ones (definitely).

Richard Mitchell explains his use of electronic music for film.

News from the front

the rest of the instrument news

synth artificial intelligence from the USA

Band Aid

how they made music for Ethiopia

Live Aid

Gig of the century, report of the millenium by Jim Betteridge

Hugh Padgham takes us behind the scenes to explain the tricks and techniques used in the recording and mixing of Phil Collins' 'In the Air Tonight'.

One day, all PA columns will be like this... Jim Betteridge checks out Simple Minds' little bash at the Milton Keynes Bowl

Musicians & Health

250 players reply to a smoking, drinking and drugs questionnaire

Chris Huggett, the man behind OSCar speaks

The coming of age of the Digital Audio Workstation has implications that go far beyond being simply another item of interest to electronic musicians. Craig Anderton brings us up to date on what’s happening at the top-end of the professional recording world and how it will affect us mere mortals.

A chance to look behind closed doors into one of our reader's studios.

The World's Best Songwriters

four stars choose their favourite songsters - Fish, Vince Clarke, Edwyn Collins, Chris Difford

Dimensional Space Reverb

Can a stereo unit create 3D ambience?

a poly to compare and contrast

People, Gear, Events, Gossip

happening people, gear, events, gossip

The Power Station's percussive powerhouse talks. Bill Milkowski puts pen to paper

Last month we followed the career of Dave Meegan as he progressed from studio tape-op to full-time engineer at Trevor Horn's Sarm West Studios. This time Chris Allison discovers Dave's feelings about studio life in the fast lane.