As well as writing, singing and playing on his new single 'When A Heart Beats', Nik Kershaw also took the credit for its production. In an interview with Nick Webb he displays a rarely seen side of his character and discusses his knowledge of recording studio technology and approach to songwriting.

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

UK chart success may have been elusive of late but Howard Jones' continued popularity in the States has brought its rewards — an SSL-equipped 48-track home studio. Interview by Paul Tingen.

and the wages of Jazz

The World Of CD-i

Indie label Rhythm King are now packaging their artists on CD-i. Simon Trask uncovers the growing links between music marketing and computer games.

Who's making the cash out of record sales - the artist, the record company, the management, the record shops? David Bradwell investigates record royalties.

From the chart success of 'Bass (How Low Can You Go)' to an album and a 24-track studio in his lounge - Simon Harris talks sounds and samples with Tim Goodyer.

Janet Angus and Mark Dearnley discuss various facets of the recording industry including his production work with AC/DC.

Virgin veterans XTC are under pressure to pull off a Pop success with their latest album, Skywalking. So is it open season on Andy Partridge? Chris Maillard takes aim...

This man, responsible for the string arrangements on numerous albums by Supertramp, Cliff Richard and Diana Ross, also happens to be the creative genius behind disco/funk hit makers, the RAH Band. His latest album 'Mystery' released this month, was successfully recorded in his home studio using an ACES 24-track system and we went along to see how he achieved it.

Chris Denning, former Radio 1 DJ, tells you how to go about presenting a demo to record companies and what pitfalls to avoid.

7/4

There is life outside of 4/4. We dissect those funny times like five and seven and quarter past four on a Thursday.

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.

From providing the backbone of Santana's Latin beat, Michael Shrieve has moved into electronic percussion and out again. John Diliberto listens to the drummer's tale.

Now running a record label and studio, as well as his regular live dates and TV work, Jools talks about getting that perfect piano sound...

From penthouse to pavement and back again, Heaven 17 have seen pop finance from both sides. Will their latest album, Pleasure 1, put them back in the black? Tony Reed opens the account...

Tony Mills thinks Neuronium's curious blend of electronics, guitar-strumming, and psychedelic art could be just the thing to break the musical jelly mould in 1985. See if you agree.

Keyboard player Tony Banks has been the foundation stone of Genesis' music for almost two decades now but has not experienced the same level of success in his work outside Genesis as past and present members of the band, Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Peter Gabriel. With two solo albums and numerous film scores behind him, Banks is set to bounce back into the limelight with a fresh, new solo project. Brian Jacobs poses the questions...

Jon Tiven talks to Gus Dudgeon about Elton, Bowie and recording in general.

keyboard clues

Ricky Gordon gets to grips with Mind men Burchill and McNeil. Strings and keys - simplicity!