Cult masters of industrial funk talk hi-tech sounds, performance CDs and popular commerciality to Nicholas Rowland; the code of the '80s.

Take three musicians who like to remain anonymous, four film-makers and a stunning live show, and you've got one of the most original - if unsung - bands in Britain today.

An interview with this innovative three-piece on the making of their new album, Points On The Curve, the result of a year's work in the studio with Fairlight, PPG et al.

Sly Dunbar & Robbie Shakespeare

Filling in the musical background, Ralph Denyer talks to Peter Tosh's back line, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare.

Tim Goodyer talks to the man who's programmed Peter Gabriel's synths, recorded a host of electronic albums under the name Synergy, and started up his own record label for instrumental music.

electronic percussion

bemusing bostoners head for the mainstream

As well as writing, singing and playing on his new single 'When A Heart Beats', Nik Kershaw also took the credit for its production. In an interview with Nick Webb he displays a rarely seen side of his character and discusses his knowledge of recording studio technology and approach to songwriting.

Ken Freeman, Tony Mansfield and Martin Ware

No doubting the Thomases from Elvis Costello and the Attractions.

Fiat Lux

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.

A computer-based digital music synthesiser

John Renwick puts Yamaha's super-computer through it's paces

The musicians' gossip column. Stuff you wouldn't believe. (We didn't.)

Competing with the flexibility of computer-based recording systems is a problem for a dedicated sequencer, but Roland's latest MC500 software update makes it as competitive as ever. J Eshleman begs for MRC.

Zoom Driver 5000 Distortion Pedal

It may look like a hi-tech fuzz box but it's actually a sophisticated guitar preamp with speaker simulator.

What's to know? You just wipe the rust off the strings, plug it into the desk and bob's your uncle. Don't you? Er... not quite.

can you tell a real drummer?

An in-depth investigation into the problems of digital filter design and their possible effects, plus a simple circuit for an ultra-powerful low-pass filter.

Fashion

Rod Argent, Andrew Clark, Michael MacNeil