On 303 Day, acid bassline love abounds, and some freebies, too

Roland is fairly quiet on this 303 Day, but in the maelstrom of terrible news, it was a relief to see the Japanese music community out in force. This is what we really strive for: a world where we can just make bassline noises all day. Here are some highlights, and even some free Max for Live love if you need some acid therapy.

From Tehran’s Bernisaun, dreams, cortisol reduction, and analog rituals

In dark times, music and sound can go from seeming irrelevant or empty to becoming a lifeline. The artist Bernisaun from Tehran has been brewing music that can, in his words, “engineer the frequency of your well-being.” It’s healing for headphones. And I know almost everyone I know is going to need to turn to that at some point this week.

Peter Kirn - March 2, 2026

OHYUNG’s IOWA on Trans Music Archive is as powerful as a glacier

Take a moment for the arresting stillness of “all dolls go to heaven.” IOWA, the full-length opus by film composer Lia Ouyang Rusli (“OHYUNG”), hits you deep in the gut. The first 2026 release by must-follow label Trans Music Archive is both an essential meditation and a call to arms.

Peter Kirn - February 11, 2026