Sample CDs

First they were sampling off other peoples' records, now they're selling records to sample off. Tim Goodyer listens while Simon Harris, Pascal Gabriel, Norman Cook, Ed Stratton and Coldcut put the case for sampling CDs.

The Nightcatchers

First of an occasional series on the twilight zone between recording first demos and collecting that first gold disc. Birmingham's Nightcatchers talk to Tim Goodyer about tight budgets and big-name producers.

Co-founder of the techno movement, Model 500's Juan Atkins discusses yesterday's technology and influences, and tomorrow's music. Technospeak: Simon Trask.

Since the members of Ultravox went their separate ways, Billy Currie's solo career has taken him from band leader, through studio owner, to record label boss for the release of his second solo album. Interview by Mark Jenkins.

The original hurdy-gurdy man takes Tim Barr on an ambient perambulation through his current project, System 7

Jethro Tull's main man takes us behind the fish farmer exterior and into his home studio.

Getting Studio Acoustics Right

In major studios or in home setups, a good listening environment is essential. Wilf Smarties presents a practical guide to creating the right space for your sound.

BMF REPORT

The excessive heat in London's Olympia gave the latest hi-tech gear a run in the "who's hottest" stakes at this year's British Music Fair. Simon Trask sweats it out.

Bill Nelson, Magma

An exclusive interview with this most popular French electronic music composer that traces his background history from his early influences to his latest epic performances in China.

From the New York roots of hip hop, KRS One talks about street-level production values and samples as the poor musician's alternative to real musicians. Simon Trask listens to the Music of the Spheres.

After three years out of the public eye, Scritti are straight back in the charts with a new LP and single. Green Gartside explains to Tim Goodyer why technology has replaced live performance.

Otherwise known as the big black box at the bottom of the rack, the power amplifier is the most unglamorous piece of audio equipment known to man. David Mellor seeks out its finer qualities.

A Musical Luminary

Bill Nelson remains largely unheard of by the record-buying public, yet his influence on modern musicians has been considerable. Nigel Humberstone visits him at his home studio in Yorkshire.

Golden boy of the teeny bop scene a closet guitar hero? It's true, all true. Muso musings captured for posterity by Dave Burrluck and Susan Rookledge.

Who's been recording where

Riding the ambient house wave, The Orb have released a concept album that mixes dance beats with new age textures. Tim Goodyer tunes in to Alex Paterson and Thrash as they chill out with technology.

MUSIC 500 Programs

Two new programs for the MUSIC 500

Yamaha V50 Workstation

Paul Ireson explores Yamaha's latest professional keyboard, which integrates FM synthesis, a drum machine, a powerful sequencer and a multi-effects unit into a single package. Could it be FM's finest hour?

More music with mainframe computers

Peter Gunn

Jim Betteridge plays 'Hunt the Aled Jones sample.'

Parallel Effects Processor

Just four effect

We've been sold and resold the idea that digital is better than analogue, but what is digital sound and why is it revolutionising music technology? Peter Bergren counts the bits.

Where you going with that baton in your hand