Veteran songwriter Peter Hammill and programmer Paul Ridout have used some revolutionary applications of MIDI technology in the creation of Hammill's latest album. Paul Tingen interviews them, and comes away suitably impressed.

Philip Glass: Glazed expression

Category crossing contemporary composer cornered

The man the man who the man who makes the man who the man who the man who makes repetitive music.

An exclusive interview with Rick Wakeman plus music from '1984' for you to play.

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.

Ryuichi Sakamoto was a founder of the YMO before becoming one of David Sylvian's favoured partners. Now, fresh from a Japanese and a series of film scores he tells Tim Goodyer about his latest LP.

At 28 Seigen Ono is one of Japan's leading producer/engineers whose recording credits include working for David Sylvian, Robert Fripp, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Lounge Lizards. He is also the creator of some of the highest quality instrumental music yet to be classified under the New Age music banner. Mark Prendergast discovers what he and his music are all about.

In our exclusive interview, the great domed one himself waxes ambient on remixing, jazz, Sinatra, computers, the Eventide H-3000 and his own original definition of a new, environmentally sound music

the great acoustic guitar revival

Part 2: Mark Prendergast continues his in-depth look at the formation of Eno’s new record company, Land Records, and the use of electronics in his music.

Pat Metheny and the well-tempered Synclavier

All profits from Tony Horkins' features go to Live Aid

David Bowie

You Never Knew About David Bowie

A complete history of record production accompanied by quotations and anecdotes from no fewer than 18 of the world's leading producers.

From the profound to the downright silly, we wind up a year's chit-chat

here is

Six heavy people choose their 30 favourite riffs.

six heavy metallurgists pick their favourites - Joan Jett, Punky Mendoza, Graham Oliver, Paul Quinn, Mick Ralphs, Paul Samson

Robert Marlow

Robert Marlowe makes eight samples for his Stowaway.

Ken Scott muses on his journey from Bowie to Kajagoogoo. Chas de Whalley listens attentively

An overview

Mark Prendergast presents a general overview of record labels, artists, and recordings that make up the exciting area of new electronic and experimental music in the late 1980s.

Cover Versions

Why do them, how do them, when do them.

And A Happy Birthday To Us

Come to our party, have some jelly, read some of our best bits, and wish us a happy first birthday, hip hip...

The musicians' gossip column. Stuff you wouldn't believe. (We didn't.)