Tomorrow, Roland honors the celebration of 808 Day, the global music community’s annual salute to the TR-808, by publishing a series of cross-platform content that delves into the way the 808 has evolved and transformed music over the past 40 years.
In honor of the TR-808’s 40th anniversary this year, Roland is offering fans a never-before-seen look at the legendary instrument through an exclusive new series of curated #808day content, including a Q&A with lead TR-808 engineer Tadao Kikumoto, interviews with legendary producers who helped make the 808 so influential, a look at classic 808-powered tracks, and more, as well as announcing a new Roland apparel collaboration.
Forty years after the original TR-808 was launched, Chief Engineer Tadao Kikumotosits down for an exclusive interview to look back on his most famous creation, and share an update on his current projects, including a return to the 808 concept. Roland also spoke to some of the most prolific producers and artists and gave them the task of picking a song from their discography that had the most impressionable use of the TR-808 and its timeless sounds. Viewers will take a trip down memory lane, hopping between decades, genres, songs, and artists, as they honor the 808, including: Arthur Baker, Cozmo D, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Carl Craig, A Guy Called Gerald, and Jermaine Dupri.
In addition, the Roland TR-808 is available as part of the Roland Cloud suite of plug-in instruments that work directly within a DAW. Beginning August 8, Roland is offering a free test drive of the TR-808 virtual instrument through August 31. The new “TR-808 Dark Techno Raw Loops” and “Techno 808″ patch collections are also offered.
Zenbeats is also adding two new in-app sound packs to celebrate 40 years of the Roland TR-808. Vintage TRloop pack includes 100+ audio loops that will enhance tracks with the legendary sounds of the 808. Mixtape Vol. 4 “808”is a free pack that includes 70 audio loops, three Sample Verse pitched presets, one full 808 kit, and five patterns, available for a limited time. Roland Zenbeats is a music creation app designed to keep creators in an effortless artistic flow.
Los Angeles-based streetwear brand PLEASURES and Roland have worked together to create a capsule collection celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 808. The limited run collection is set to release later this month and will feature five unique pieces of apparel that highlight the functions and beautiful design of Roland’s iconic beat making machine.
Roland’s new editorial platform, Roland Articles, takes a behind-the-scenes look at some classic tracks that were made with the help of the TR-808, including “Love Lockdown” by Kanye West,“Doin’ It Right” by Daft Punk”, “Drunk in Love” by Beyoncé, and “Voodoo Ray” by A Guy Called Gerald.
