'Now the Virgin returns,' quoth Virgil, and who are we to disagree? Mel Lambert takes a colourful look at Richard Branson's new London studio: a Town House for the Lord of the Manor.

Two men, a girl and an electrical appliance meet under strange circumstances in the Swiss Alps. Ted Fletcher reports.

and why they should be merry men

Reel-to-reel rabbit from the tittering typewriter of Adrian Deevoy

Arpeggiate the BBC

Last years' gear making next year's sounds - courtesy of some creative mixing.

Wonder at the miracle of microchip technology as we tinkle with the newest Casio mini synth.

With its ability to manipulate sounds and music, the digital sampler has probably caused more arguments than any other musical instrument to date. Peter Ridsdale takes an alternative view.

Find out how to direct the noise inside your room to better effect

Best Basslines

Disturbing tales of everyday studio folk

big memory with drive

Songs from the North

NOMIS

Chris Maillard co-stars in The NOMIS Complex. In all major West End cinemas now

Castleridge Studios

H&SR takes a look at its first Australian studio. The locals couldn't give a Castleridgexxx for anything else.

Recipes For A Tasty Dance Track

Our dance music series continues with a selection of drum patterns, chords, and basslines for you to try out.

Third party, fire and theft, mad fans and crashed vans... Phil Walsh looks into insurance for musicians

Angel Studios

Danielle Dax

Richard Walmsley meets the Wolfgirl and discovers the Dax-sound

Studiotest

Jim Betteridge checks it out for aural excitement

A successful composer of minimal music or would-be writer of pop instrumentals? Tim Goodyer isn't sure so he challenges the man himself for the answers.

David Bowie