Roland celebrates 40th anniversary of TR-808 with documentary and free plug-in
Celebrations are in store for the 40th anniversary of Roland‘s revolutionary TR-808 drum machine. For the milestone occasion, the Japanese electronic equipment manufacturer has shared a variety of engagements including a short documentary film, an 808 playlist, and a free DAW plug-in. The TR-808 has left a lasting legacy in popular music, from hip-hop to electronic to trap, with its iconic 808 sound becoming ubiquitous in the musical landscape.
Entitled Building the Beat: Inside Legendary Roland TR-808 Tracks, the mini-documentary features an eclectic selection of artists who break down their signature 808 classics. Carl Craig, Arthur Baker, A Guy Called Gerald, and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis span a few of the luminaries who appear in the short.
In addition, Roland’s 808-inspired playlist unveils 50 tracks created with the drum machine, encompassing early pioneering tunes including “Planet Rock” and “Sexual Healing” as well as songs from a diversity of acts like Kanye West, Felix Da Housecat, Jamie xx, Snoop Dogg, and countless more.
Learn more about the history and creation of the TR-808 and download the free plug-in here.