Latest articles by Andy Jones
How Depeche Mode launched their career with one of the most important synth-pop records ever released
One of the band's biggest tunes marked the end of their first chapter, but became a springboard that would propel both them and its writer to legendary status
6 little-known synth bands from the 1980s that deserve your attention
Forget your OMDs, your Depeche Modes, Human Leagues, Pet Shop Boys and A-has, because these not-so-popular bleep combos are well worth tracking down instead
5 vintage 1980s synths that cost less than a holiday
You won't need a loan for some of these classic synths, but terms and conditions still apply
5 amazing stock synths that come bundled with your DAW
A selection of superb stock synths that you might not have even realised you had…
How Kraftwerk invented techno, nearly a decade before the genre was officially established
House music might well have been called 'Dorf' music if this Düsseldorf track had only reached the right ears
How OMD recorded one of the best anti-war songs ever made
And it’s pretty much the only song about a nuclear bomb you can get away with playing at a wedding
Best PCs for music production 2026: Apple Macs and Windows machines for your home studio
Discover the power that a desktop PC or Mac can bring to your music-making, with my expert pick of the best desktops for music production
Did an overuse of technology lay behind the creative downfall of Kraftwerk?
They were certainly the pace makers, but did the band get overtaken by the very technology that made them?
“Easily one of the most inspirational and accessible Elektrons we've used”: Elektron Tonverk review
With a depth and flexibility you'll want to abuse…
Best drum machines 2026: Top beat boxes for all budgets and skill levels
Our tried-and-tested pick of the best on the market - whether you're creating vintage electronic beats to cutting-edge grooves or mix-cutting loops
Best cheap MIDI keyboards 2026: Inexpensive MIDI controllers starting at just £39/$49
Start making music for less with our selection of affordable MIDI keyboards from Arturia, Akai, Nektar, Novation, and more
I'd made five tracks in 25 years, but after I was prescribed medical cannabis, I made an entire album in six months. So, what’s going on?
Let’s get into the weeds
Best MIDI keyboards for beginners 2026: Entry-level controllers for those starting out in music production
Get producing your own music with my pick of the best MIDI controller keyboards for beginner musicians
Best in-ear monitors 2026: IEMs for stage and studio
Our expert guide to the best in-ear monitors we've testedfor practice, performance and production, no matter your budget
How Alison Moyet and Vince Clarke bottled the sound of heartbreak with Only You
Clarke had created Just Can't Get Enough with Depeche Mode, but Only You would be his most important song
Best MIDI keyboards 2026: Find your perfect match for the home studio
My expert guide to the best MIDI keyboards of all sizes and budgets to integrate with your home studio
Best studio monitors 2026: Studio speakers for musicians and producers on any budget
My comprehensive guide to the best studio monitor speakers for home studio recording, whether you’re a beginner or pro producer
What we’ve learned about the inner workings of Kraftwerk’s mythical studio via a recent auction
Here are five takeaways that seal the band's legendary Man Machine status - and shed a light on how Kling Klang really worked…
"I honestly don’t think I would keep going if he quit": Gary Numan on the man who makes his live shows tick
Plus, why he’s finally agreed to play on an ‘80s cruise and when we can expect a new Numan album
The Beatles vs. Kraftwerk: Who has really been the most influential on the future of music
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who will be the fabbest of these four?
Best laptop for DJs 2026: my choice of PCs, Macs, and Mac-alternatives for playing out
My hand-picked laptop choices for DJs, all perfect for Serato, rekordbox, Traktor, Ableton, Virtual DJ, and more
Best synthesizers 2026: Top analogue, digital, mono and polysynths
From mini monosynths, through to mighty polyphonic workstations, our experts have hand-picked hardware synth recommendations for every budget
Best laptop for music production 2026: For home studios and mobile music-making - tested by experts
My pick of the best laptops for making music, plus hands-on reviews, stress testing, and what to look for when buying
