John Cage eavesdropped on the strange noises coming from his own imagination. Geoff Smith and Nicola Walker Smith eavesdrop on the wise words emanating from the man himself, in one of the final interviews of his trailblazing life and the last in MT's exclusive series on modern American composers.

Hi Energy wizard Mike Stock collides with Chas de Whalley during a sweaty get-down-and-shake-it interview

Richard Elen talks to Dave Tuffnell, the man behind a unique electronic music information service - ESSP.

MIDI is often perceived as being incredibly complicated, but learning to use it can be quite painless.

why USA musicians favour big computers

When is Left Right?

Sinister Tony Reed takes the side of the left-handed musician

A personal look at one of the few modular synths available by Ian Boddy who examines, in depth, the systems capabilities.

A cosmic David Etheridge gets to the spirit of New Age music in the first instalment of a two-part series.

Yamaha to the Fore: 4-Track Examined

The Weird and Wonderful World of The Blue Eyed Boys

do you really want to be the next bros?

A chance to check out some of the forthcoming new products that might force you to dig deeper into your pockets later this year.

Reader Profile

Having written to us suggesting we extend our magazine coverage to include readers' own set-ups and experiences, Bruce Graham suddenly found himself the subject of such a feature. Read on and find out why...

MultiKlone Kit

Just because an electronic drum kit is (very) cheap, doesn't mean to say it isn't worth hearing. So says Paul White, who's played with the best of them.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 12: Martin Russ concludes this 12-part series designed to demystify one of MIDI's most important and useful messages.

Dobros a go go; real heavy metal six-strings

Software for Commodore 64

Ian Waugh takes a look at this combined MIDI sequencer/librarian package, and voice editors for the CZ and DX synth ranges.

Pete Shelley talks about XL-1

Demos

Making the Most of Studio Time

Sound On Sound reader Kofi Busia continues his tale of how he came to grips with MIDI, discovered the joys of music software and produced his own LP of African music.

Better Recording

An A-Z of stuff that'll help you to get better sounds

Composer Profiles