Every year, on the 8th of August, we celebrate 808-Day. Here are some 808-things for you to dive into – no matter the date:
The immortal TR-808 – an icon of analog sound and fashion
The TR-808 didn’t just mark Roland’s leap into the 1980s; it redefined what a drum machine could be. With its bold design, tweakable analog sounds, and easy TR-REC programming, it became the heartbeat of countless genres, from pop to hip-hop, and remains an icon in music technology today.
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The earth-shaking foundation of hip-hop: Jermaine Dupri on his love for the 808 sound
For Jermaine Dupri, the 808 is more than gear; it’s the soul of his sound. Here’s how its iconic punch powered hits from Kris Kross to Mariah Carey.
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One machine, many genres
From pop ballads to electro, techno, and trap, the Roland TR-808 has powered countless genres since its debut. Born on stage with Yellow Magic Orchestra and immortalized in “Planet Rock,” its deep kicks and crisp snares still influence music today.
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Our friend and contributor, Peter Kirn, also did this expanded extract on the CDM – Create Digital Music website:
Roland’s Tadeo Kikumoto on 808, part by part: the ukiyo-e drum machine - CDM Create Digital Music
You think you know the 808? Listen to how Mr. Tadeo Kikumoto, Roland’s lead developer at the time, talks about what went into the machine. That walks through origins, from kick to claps, in this excerpt from the book Inspire the Music: 50 Years of Roland History. And if you’re ready to nerd out more, CDM is partnering with Bjooks so you can get that book and more in a special deal -- today only, 808 Day!
Peter Kirn
From around the web:
Roland - TR-808 | Software Rhythm Composer
TR-808: Software Rhythm Composer - An authentic recreation of the most famous drum machine ever made—inside your DAW.
Roland Corporation
And why not dive into the ebook while you're at it (or get the physical 400-page hard cover book - see further below):
INSPIRE THE MUSIC – 50 Years of Roland History ebook
Celebrate 50 years of Roland with this visual journey through iconic instruments, artist stories, and deep dives into the gear that shaped electronic music.
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And not to forget, that if you want the whole Roland story (and who won't?!) then the physical hard cover book on 400 pages is a must-have in your studio:
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