Recording engineer Del Palmer has worked with Kate Bush for almost 13 years. Here he provides an insight into how this innovative lady works in the studio and the background to the recording of her hugely successful album, 'The Sensual World'.

MIDI Processors

An interactive drum sequencer and a keyboard to guitar chord convertor are the first new products to emerge from revitalised synth pioneers Oberheim Electronics. Kendall Wrightson gets on the case.

Rock-steady Rozzer on drums meets shufflin' Max Kay

One day you're a keyboard player writing songs with an unknown Bradford singer. The next - one of those songs goes to Number One. Phil Ward goes on the road with John Beck, for whom exactly that happened with Tasmin Archer, and experiences the fulfilment of some great expectations.

Tom Ellard, Severed Head's supremo, on sound surgery and synths.

The Jones boy finally agrees to talk to us. Tony Horkins plays the diplomatic attaché

Ex-Police drummer and self-styled 'tech-head' Stewart Copeland discusses the merits of owning four Fairlight CMIs, why he's in a group called Animal Logic, and how to write an opera. Logical questions: Nicholas Rowland.

From the first all-electronic record label to the first ARS Electronica concert, Hubert Bognermayr has been one of electronic music's pioneers. David Bradwell makes the Austrian connection.

Annabel Scott talks to one of the synth world's younger composers about a new album of raunchier, dynamic music, the result of his first sessions in Jive Electro's equipment-laden studio, Battery.

Five years ago The Blue Nile released an LP that has had the music biz desperate for more. Nigel Lord waxes lyrical over emotional songs and ill-defined technology.

The drug culture of the rave scene continues to attract the attention of both the pop charts and the tabloid press. Tim Goodyer talks Ecstasy, agony and technology with one of the genre's heroes.

Games Feature

Now that computer games are available on CD, they’re no longer restricted to naff sound effects and music. We talk to games producers Ocean and composer Debbie Wiseman about the arrival of serious sound for games...

It Came From Outer Space

...Is one of Britain's most inventive jazz keyboard players, with a myriad of different strings to his performing bow, and an unusually open-minded approach to new technology. Simon Trask listens to what he has to say.

New Gear & Hot Tips

The 'Alternative' FM Expander

Ian Gilby looks around for an 'alternative' multitimbral FM expander and uncovers a wealth of features hidden inside Elka's versatile 19" rack-mounting companion to the underrated EK44 polysynth - the ER33.

Jungle

We profile three of the hottest production teams in jungle

The phenomenal rise to success of Gary Stevenson came about through his dynamic production work on the first Go West album. Ralph Denyer extracts the details of the saga and discovers what Gary has planned for the future.

Bass Parade

bass amps perused from Rockman, Carlsbro, Session, Peavey and Trace Elliot

Who you (the readers) voted as best musician, and what you (still the readers) voted as best gear. We shake the world.

People, Gear, Events, Gossip

happening people, gear, events, gossip

Dave Stewart in a room of his own

The release of Jason Rebello's first LP shows him to be more than the tasteful performer the jazz circuit already recognises. Simon Trask talks to one of Britain's leading jazz keyboardsmen.

Pino Palladino, Mark King, Robbie Shakespeare and Geddy Lee — student of the groove Chris Maillard gets some lessons