Handel’s Messiah

Diary of Decca’s new recording

The line between man and machine is blurred; today there exists an entity whose purpose is to make music. Simon Trask discovers that its sights are locked on the dance charts and it absolutely will not stop.

After inspiring a generation of experimental musicians to explore synthetic soundscapes, Tangerine Dream found new relevance in 1990's ambient house movement. Simon Trask enters the Dream state.

Mike Skeet explains how to bring sound on sound recording into the 20th century using two video recorders and a Sony PCM processor.

The two man band out manoeuvring in the USA put Tony Mills in the picture

Running your own studio, writing your own soundtracks and surviving someone else's Hollywood. William Orbit speaks.

PC Scoring Software

Yet another selection of recently announced new products to whet your appetite!

One of Tangerine Dream's founder members has recently stumbled back into the limelight courtesy of a fine first solo album. Dan Goldstein spoke to him about its construction.

Instruments & Equipment

Communications, disseminations, notifications, announcements, etc, brought to you by the inside dopes (let us out!). Studios & Recording resumes next month.

Continuing the tradition that began with their 144 Portastudio, Tascam have created a combined package of mixer and 8-track recorder - the 388 Studio 8 - whose compact dimensions belie its true versatility. Dave Lockwood assesses its performance.

The Fender Squier Series

What is 'New Age' music? Who plays it, and why is it apparently so popular? Our resident musicologist Mark Prendergast traces its development back to the work of 'new music' composers Arnold Schoenberg and Erik Satie.

Thomas Dolby is back after a four year break, without the mad professor image but with an excellent new album in Astronauts & Heretics, his most personal recording to date. Paul Tingen spoke to him about the long road from solo synthesist to globe-trotting collaborator.

As a founding member of Germany’s pioneering electronic group, Can, and a former Stockhausen pupil, Holger Czukay has long been associated with the avant-garde electronic music scene in Europe. His past work includes collaborations with Brian Eno, the Eurythmics and David Sylvian, with whom he has recently completed a new album. Mark Prendergast reports.

In the '70s, Can paved the way for a generation of experimental electronic musicians. Simon Trask talks to Holger Czukay and Michael Karoli amidst the CD rerelease of their entire back-catalogue and a new LP for '89.

Paul Ireson beats a path to the door of Roland's new flagship drumbox and finds a groovy kind of love.

Equalisation and metering for disco and stage.

Chas De Whalley shivers with Pat Collier in Alaska... Waterloo

Looking for a quick and easy way of getting good quality guitar sounds down on tape? Well, you can stop searching because Ian Gilby has the solution...

The Eno collaborator and leading exponent of American minimalist music, Harold Budd, discloses the fascinating background to his new solo album 'Lovely Thunder', his love of the piano and his strange union with the Cocteau Twins. Mark Prendergast attends the masterclass and takes notes.