More words of wisdom re your ST from Martin Russ...

Alan Hoida delves further Into the world of promotional videos with a look at the planning stage.

Future Music

Stoking up the soul train

More than delicately wrought slivers of hand tooled timber, they are the drummer's er, thing.

Jim Gilmour, principal keyboard player in the band, talks to Paul Wiffen about the host of keyboards the band use onstage and in the studio. Their recent European tour increased their reputation as one of Canada's premier music-makers. Photography by Sally Newman.

Studio Focus

After over a decade at the forefront of instrumental music, Mike Oldfield is branching out into video and film. Annabel Scott visits the man's new audiovisual studio, and pops a few pertinent questions.

Whatever happened to MTC?

'Whatever happened to MIDI Timecode?' asks Chris Smith of XRI Systems.

Nobody has advanced the application of technology in music more than Peter Gabriel. His pioneering use of the Fairlight CMI helped popularise that instrument and give credence to sampling as a creative recording practice. Yet his music has never fallen prey to the technology trap - his latest album So remains a soulful collection of songs heavily reliant on technology but applied with subtlety. Ray Hammond talks to the great man about the album, new technology, Otis Redding, and his role as musician.

Steve Cogan takes time out to talk to the members of Yen

When a Liverpudlian keyboard player lost faith in Immaterial things he found salvation in the Christians. Paul Tingen listens to the confessions of Henry Priestman.

We talk to synth punk band Attrition. Will they wear you down?

new series to improve your keyboard technique

Exclusive: the truth about stardom.

Thomas Dolby at TV South.

Rotterdam's master of electronic listening music talks to Simon Trask about presets, sampling, hardcore rave, Warp Records, and the value of spontaneity...

news from the front

Alan Hoida road tests a portable video studio.

In the same job for seven years and Sax man Brian Travis is still employed playing that sweet dole music for the DHSS's longest-running success story. Marking his card: Paul Trynka

In the battleground that is the record business, one band have managed to find the space to be one of the most individual and resourceful of British talents. Nigel Lord talks uncommerciality in an Immaterial world.

interacting with the future

Tomorrow’s ideas with today’s technology

Newham College

An East End education boots up the digital revolution