Music would not have progressed to where it is today without the help of the legendary Roland TR-808 drum machine.
You Know Films, Atlantic Films and Arthur Baker present an in-depth documentary about the creation and impact of the iconic 808 drum machine that changed music. Featuring commentary from artists such as Pharrell, Questlove, David Guetta, Diplo and many more. Since its introduction in 1980, 808 has sparked the creation of electro, hip-hop and synth pop that expanded into techno, dubstep and acid house. Three decades later and the 808 continues to be essential in the hip-hop and R&B game, not to mention its influence in the recent popularity of EDM. The documentary investigates various artists’ and producers’ perceptions of the significance of the 808 as well popular songs that employed the drum machine since its creation. This film that took nearly three years to make and took the filmmakers on a journey involving over 50 artists and their stories of the 808 is sure to change the way we think and listen to music.
-Nishat Baig
