The history of the 808 in music
Whether you know it or not, the 808 is used and has been used in some of your favorite songs across decades. In this new documentary 808, director Alexander Dunn explores how the Roland TR-808 changed music forever. He’ll take a look back at artists that incorporated the drum machine to their songs, asking folks like Pharrell, Rick Rubin, Phil Collins, Questlove, Diplo, Lil Jon and more why it was so influential in the early ’80s and why it’s so essential to what they do today.
As you may have heard, the 808 inspired artists like Afrika Bambaataa, Beastie Boys, Kanye West and much of the music today incorporates the sound of the drum machine.
You Know Films in association with Atlantic Films is producing the documentary, which is due out in 2015. The soundtrack will feature plenty of hits made on a Roland TR-808.
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