909 Archives

Mike Sparks September 9, 2020

The spiraling of the TR-909 on “Hunter” weaves a web of percussion. Immediately, the track draws the listener into a world of intrigue.

Charles Burchell September 9, 2020

Roland’s TR-909 and TR-808 are two of the most iconic drum machines in music history. Learn to create custom drum sounds with both of them.

Ari Rosenschein September 9, 2020

Dave “Rave” Ogilvie shares his memories of recording Skinny Puppy’s landmark Remission, one of the earliest recorded uses of the TR-909.

Alexander Dias September 9, 2020

The cultural ramifications of “Big Fun” are difficult to measure. Inner City drafted the sonic palette for a movement.

Kat Bein September 8, 2020

Orbital share memories of “Chime,” the track that turned them into electronic icons, helping bring acid house from raves to Top of the Pops.

Kat Bein September 8, 2020

More than 30 years after Derrick May’s “Strings of Life” saw release, techno remains a pillar of the modern dance community.

Jake Uitti September 8, 2020

Explore the mysterious backstory of “Pump Up the Jam,” a worldwide electronic music smash and tale of mistaken identity.

Kristin Robinson September 8, 2020

Mantronix mixed Kraftwerk’s experimental feel with the warmth of Grandmaster Flash. “Scream” remains a landmark electro-funk hip-hop mashup.

Kristin Robinson September 8, 2020

“Heliosphan” relies on the drums to act as a driving force. Even when the track borders on chaos, the TR-909 maintains perfect time.

Peter Kirn September 7, 2020

30 years after its release, Joey Beltram’s “Energy Flash” remains one of the definitive techno tracks. It still sits easily in a DJ set.