Question: What do Phil Collins, Howard Jones, Chaka Khan and David Bowie have in common? Answer: They have all recorded with Arif Mardin, one of the world's top record producers. Robin Tolleson chats to the man himself...

Mark Prendergast takes a look behind the scenes at the recording of New Order's fifth LP, 'Technique'.

A guide to who they are, where they are, and what they do. Your first step to a handmade guitar.

Wise words from the master of modern production

Curiosity Killed The Cat's producer Glenn Skinner gets a few things of his chest this month.

Goes Chrimbo Crazy

A special seasonal waft of your favourite news and gossip column, this time drifting through the whole magazine and including mini-interviews with the likes of China Crisis and jokes from the likes of us. The fun starts here.

Not a household name perhaps, but this man is behind quite a lot of musical projects that you will no doubt recognise - as Janet Angus explains.

Damon, Dolores and me

Indie producer of the moment, Stephen Street finds his memories are all... a Blur

A coloured Tele and a Strattish thing

House from home. Nicholas Rowland talks to a British house band who have developed their music from television advertising jingles to chart success.

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a professional MIDI programmer/musician? How do you get your sessions? What kind of gigs come up? What sort of problems arise? What sort of technical and musical knowledge do you need? Mike Collins spills the beans.

a family tree for effects pedals

Demo Tape Discipline

the power behind the button

Early Experiments with Computer Music

At home with the semi-detached Georgians

I can't believe the news today / I can't close my eyes and make it go away - anguished U2 lyric from 'Sunday Bloody Sunday'.