Excerpts from the printed books...
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.
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.
What makes a synth inspiring to play? Artists like Suzanne Ciani, DiViNCi, Dorit Chrysler, Larry Heard, and Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith share thoughts on interface design – from tactile control to visual flow – and how it influence their creativity, expression, and performance.
What makes a synth feel right to use? Here are thoughts from five instrument creators on design, usability, and how we connect with electronic instruments. Not rules, but perspectives that might spark ideas or offer a new way to think about music-making tools.