Psychedelic pioneer Sonic Boom (Spacemen 3) reveals his love for synthesizers, fixed-format modulars, and the magic of tremolo. From rare EMS Synthis to Casios, he blends experimentation and melody, shaping modern psych for artists like MGMT, Beach House, and Panda Bear.
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.