As their hit single 'Perfect Beat' proves, Bronski Beat are more than capable of producing enjoyable, dynamic electronic pop. Mark Jenkins talks in depth to Bronski's Larry Steinbachek about how they encompass modern technology in their recordings and live performances.

Sound On Sound reader Kofi Busia recently released his own independent LP called 'Oh Africa', funded entirely by himself. To encourage others to follow his example, we asked Kofi to write about his experiences. In this the first of three parts, he presents a frank and revealing account of why the record came about, how he came to grips with using modern technology for African music, and why he chose the equipment he used.

The Editor's Tale

The second part of our investigation of Japan concentrates on the Roland organisation; Tim Goodyer meets mystery, "Mr Roland" and Sally.

There has been an enormous upsurge of interest in African music of late. Artists as diverse as Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads and Brian Eno have acknowledged its inspiration on their work. But there is little information around that explains the fundamental concepts behind it and how a musician can incorporate the sounds and ideas into their own work if they wish to. Kofi Busia suggests a few ideas.

A look ahead at what's new in the shops.

Frankfurt Musikmesse 1987

While for those with a taste for the European, we present a similarly in-depth account of the '87 Musikmesse. If it hit the headlines in Frankfurt, you'll read about it here.

MIDI Control Device

Tired of digital parameter access synth editing, unimpressed by software editors? Vic Lennard looks at a system that allows you to use real sliders to edit your synths.

SequencerCheck

Wodger's latest offering takes the Paul Fishman test

At great risk to the magazine’s circulation, we present a guide to spending your evenings playing music instead of reading about it. Your local may never be the same again.

If you make extensive use of MIDI keyboards, drum machines or MIDI controlled effects, this flexible package revolutionise your studio.

Performance Signal Processor

Korg's A5 series of effects is aimed to offer a variety of effects to a variety of musicians. Simon Trask test drives them and discovers guitar distortion works for drum machines.

Worth its weight in microphones and Gaffa tape.

Penguin Cafe Orchestra

Obscure orchestra leader, Simon Jeffes intrigues Paul Tingen with stories of self-discovery in Japan, and finding music in one note.

In depth.

Canada Dry

Michael Brook, inventor of the Infinite Guitar, is a guitarist, composer and producer with a good deal of talent and a taste for the unusual. Paul Tingen met him to talk about his forthcoming Cobalt Blue album.

Dave Hutchins compares the traditional and modern methods of recording.

MIDI Controller Keyboard

Simon Trask takes command of Orla’s 88-note weighted keyboard, and brings the sensitivity of the concert pianist to this MIDI module interface. Will the C80 respond?

For Spectrum and Amstrad Computers

The would-be Fairlight killer comes under scrutiny at last. Ian Waugh reports on an ambitious add-on for Spectrum and Amstrad micros.

Learn about Arif Mardin, Glenn Miller, Afrodiziak, DX7s, PCM70s, 9000s, and "One On One".

...Beating Like This

...Beating Like This. If your drum machine is too robotic and your drum kit is too static, Matt Isaacson and Chris Meyer's tour of 'alternative' percussion controllers may be right up your street.

Derek Johnson finds this 24-input mic/line mixer is a useful addition to any studio setup.

MX8 MIDI Patchbay/Processor

With so many low-cost MIDI-equipped units around, the days when you could make do with a Thru box and a few cables are long gone. A MIDI patchbay is now an essential purchase, and one of the best is the MX8 MIDI Patchbay/Processor from Digital Music Corp. Tony Hastings checks it out.

The price guide to end all price guides. This time, we return to drum machines and electronic drum kits, and find a lot has changed in three months.