The Return of the World’s Most Important Drum Machine

February 16, 2014 Alan Cross 0 Comments

Few pieces of electronics were as important to music culture as the Roland TR-808, which was first released in 1980. Even if you don’t know about the 808 itself, you’ve heard its big, fat bass drum sound on countless records–even current songs like Daft Punk’s “Doin’ It Right.”

http://youtu.be/RA5PRj7KPkE

There have many pretenders to the 808’s crown but none ever managed to capture the music world’s attention in the same way, even after Roland took it out of production. But after months of rumours, Roland has confirmed that a new updated version is coming: the TR-8 Rhythm Performer. Read all about it at The Verge.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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