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.

The use of samples is often frowned upon by rock audiences, but Jesus Jones have made them the basis of some of the most aggressive and innovative rock music around. Nigel Lord talks to Jesus.

You can Run, but you can't hide — They're back again, Run DMC live at Hammersmith. Old Fogey Jim Betteridge covers his ears

A drum machine that sounds more like a drum kit than anything Ludwig ever made? True or not, Alesis' beat box is going to find its way into a lot of recording studios. Nicholas Rowland returns to his roots.

This new series on drum machine programming is intended to provide an understanding of the drum patterns which form a wide range of music. Nigel Lord starts close to home with basic pop and rock patterns.

Making new music from old. Simon Trask talks to the musicians and DJs who made a No. 1 hit from a drum machine and other peoples' records.

The funk is everywhere - and MT's regular drum programming column is no exception. This month Nigel Lord examines funk grooves and gives plenty of example patterns to assist your programming.

Cult reggae band or Top Of The Pops heroes? Nick Rowland talks to the men who've spent 14 years together and brought MIDI to reggae, and reggae to the pop charts.

John "Jellybean" Benitez is the leader of the current trend of DJs turned recording artists. Tim Goodyer talks to him about the relationship between the dancefloor and the recording studio.

From Charlie Parker to writing his own software, jazz saxophonist and technophile Steve Coleman has a unique insight into music. Simon Trask tunes in.

Maximum Percussion Module

Having set standards with their Proteus sample reader and their Pro/formance piano module. E-mu are trying again. Simon Trask beats up the new Pro/cussion drum expander.

Washington DC is the home of one of the world's most powerful, yet under-recognised dance rhythms. Nigel Lord goes for go-go in MT's unique drum-programming series.

Sounds, samples, & software upgrades for the modern studio

Sounds, samples, software

We know something that you don't...

Dom Foulsham continues his series with a guide to the ever-expanding world of sample CDs: what to look for, how to find it, and how to get the best out of the off-the-shelf loop. I know we said the series was concluding last month, but we were wrong, OK? Think of it as a bonus.

MIDI-controlled Stage Lights

Extending MIDI control to cover stage lighting is a logical extension of a system which can already control most aspects of music. Vic Leonard strikes a lite.

Portable Drum Machine

Nigel Humberstone checks out Yamaha's latest miniature marvel — a drum box with a difference.

England's North has consistently produced some of the most innovative electronic music. Simon Trask talks to a band set to take their place alongside New Order and Heaven 17.

A wide selection of sound libraries from Sound Source Unlimited, Roland and Stiletto come under the scrutiny of the Patchwork reviewers.

You can't discuss the Manchester dance movement without A Guy Called Gerald. Simon Trask talks success and setbacks to one of Britain's most influential young artists.

Rene van der Weyde

Holland's top producer on how computer graphics can add that inspirational spark to music making

The sound of an acoustic piano is perhaps the most important single timbre in pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. Julian Colbeck looks at contemporary MIDI alternatives to the real thing.

Meeting the music business and business of making music on their own terms saw one London band building a studio as well as a reputation from the ground up. Simon Trask gets in deep with Double Trouble.

Steim Studio

Europe's most forward-looking centre for music technology development is alive and well and flourishing in Holland. Ron Briefel pays it a visit, and comes away suitably impressed.