808 The Movie (Roland TR-808 Documentary)
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808 The Movie is a documentary that takes us back in time for a look at one of the most iconic drum machines. The TR-808 changed music forever. In the three years of its glory days, Roland sold over 12,000 units.
Directed by (and featuring) Alexander Dunn, the documentary talks about the impact the machine made with producers and artists including Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Jellybean, The Beastie Boys, Man Parrish, Phil Collings, T LA Rock, Arthur Baker, Felix Da Housecat, Todd Terry, Hank Shocklee, Pharrell, Tiga, Strafe, Questlove, A Guy Named Gerald, David Guetta, Armand Van Helden, Richie Hawtin, G.L.O.B.E. and Mr. Big, Rick Rubin and more talk about how the machine influenced their music and the industry.
Roland introduced the machine in 1980. Because technology gets better and better in such short time spans, the 808 had limited life but due to its signature low-end bass and unique sounds, it redefined music production.
As time went by, Roland would introduce other iconic drum machines including their TR-909 (a house music staple back in the day) and their percussive compliment, the TR-727.
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