BassCheck

A Japanese bass with an American background on sale in Britain. Confused? You won't be, as Dave Burrluck explains the whole thing...

Part 10 of this rhythm programming series covers a selection of fascinating rhythms indigenous to the exotic countries of South America. Nigel Lord gets a studio tan.

More readers' queries are answered by the expert teaching staff of London's Gateway School of Recording & Music Technology.

The move from fashion model to pop starlet is many a young girl's dream but Lizzie Tear is already over halfway there. David Bradwell counts the remixes.

'Ere, did you know that old wossisname is doing so-and-so with a wotchermaccallit.

Renowned best for his keyboard/synth excursions in the jazz-rock field, Dave and partner Barbara Gaskin achieved several chart hits with re-workings of classic pop songs like 'It's My Party' back in 1982. Together they are presently completing their first album for release on compact disc. David Etheridge took a look behind the scenes.

While most musicians flounder attempting to play one instrument, Phil Collins has his cake and eats it. Tony Horkins pieces together the multiple talents and discovers the complete musician

Still crazy after all these years? Devo mainstay Mark Mothersbaugh speaks of TV music, obscure American synths and lunchboxes that go boom, tink, boom,tink...

Techno music, the true successor to late seventies synth-pop, translates the desolation of post-Motown Detroit into electronic dance rhythms. Simon Trask listens to the programmer's tale.

Compusonics digital home recording system should be with us by the end of the year. This is a first report on a system that could be the death knell of the portastudio.

Eastern Intrigue

A last visit to the land of micro-chips and rice crackers. Simon Trask pays an enquiring visit to the Yamaha organisation before waving a fond farewell to the rising sun.

Damon, Dolores and me

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

Software for the IBM PC

Turning his back on the Atari ST, Ian Waugh boots up a comprehensive sequencing package for the IBM PC (and compatibles). If you thought the Atari ST and Macintosh had it all their own way, read again.

Ace Argent drummer — hopefully to be contributing to IM in the future - talks about his approach to drumming.

OR: HOW A GENESIS LP SLEEVE IS MADE

Genesis to revelation

Justifiably unwilling to be written off as just another funk act, Loose Ends talk tactics, technique and technology into Tim Goodyer's Walkman mic.

Blue Weaver, former Bee-Gee and session musician takes Janet Angus round his new studio.

explains Ambisonic recording (3D sound)

More of your unfeasibly weird secondhand bargains valued and judged by Paul Day.

What I Did On my Holidays By Tony Horkins Aged 6

Drumcheck

Pearl make their first foray into electronic percussion. Bob Henrit was there

The Big Five

Paul Gilby opens our music software special with his thoughts on the 'big five' micros that are currently vying for the musician's money.

Running your own studio, writing your own soundtracks and surviving someone else's Hollywood. William Orbit speaks.