"Crowds were exclaiming, 'what's that song?!' Instead, it wasn't a song - it was the TR-808 drum machine. Roland commemorates the 45th anniversary of the TR-808 with a video series featuring Rhythm Creators."
August 8th, 2023 marks the celebration of 808 Day, a day dedicated to the iconic TR-808 Rhythm Composer. This drum machine, initially considered a commercial failure, has gone on to inspire musicians, shape genres, and feature in memorable tracks across pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.
Roland, the manufacturer of the TR-808, is celebrating its 45th anniversary with special releases and promotional events. One such event is an eight-part animated video series, The Rhythm Creators. This series showcases the untold stories from artists influenced by Roland's TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines.
The series opens with an episode centered on Egyptian Lover, a foundational figure in L.A.'s early '80s hip-hop and electro scenes. Egyptian Lover shares insights into his decades-long use of the TR-808, including how the machine's sounds shaped his music and performance style.
Other notable artists scheduled to appear in later episodes include Fatboy Slim, Prince Paul, and Soul II Soul’s Jazzie B, who will share their own personal connections with the TR-808 and TR-909. The animations explore how these drum machines impacted music culture, capturing personal stories that are often overshadowed by mainstream history.
Meanwhile, Roland Cloud Pro and Ultimate members can enjoy a new 808-themed sound pack from hip-hop legend Arabian Prince. For those who appreciate fashion, the Tiago Lemos NM808 x Roland sneaker, designed with cues from Roland's classic TR-808 drum machine, is available starting on August 8th at 10:00 a.m. EDT on newbalance.com. The sneakers are priced at $114.99.
The TR-808 Software Rhythm Composer plugin is also available for a discounted price of $49 until September 9. After nearly five decades, the 808 and its sounds remain popular.
[1] Source: Roland Corporation press release [4] Source: Vaughn Taormina's official website [5] Source: The Rhythm Creators official website
Technology and entertainment merge in the eight-part animated video series, The Rhythm Creators, as it delves into the untold stories of artists influenced by Roland's iconic TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines, offering a unique insight into the impact of music technology on various genres over the years.
