Tadao Kikumoto: An Exclusive Conversation
Paul McCabe
August 1, 2020
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the TR-808 and 808 Day, Tadao Kikumoto graciously offered his time for this exclusive conversation.
Tag: TR-808
Sound Behind the Song: “Jam On It” by Newcleus
Ari Rosenschein
July 27, 2020
“Jam On It” by Newcleus is a true hip-hop classic. The track is dense with groove, creative production, and lyrical panache.
Drum Machine Classics: 10 808 Tracks You May Not Know
Jake Uitti
July 23, 2020
The Roland TR-808 can create everything from a love song to a raging anthem. No wonder genres from industrial to rock to rap welcome the drum machine.
Sound Behind the Song: “Doin’ it Right” by Daft Punk
Jason Heffler
July 23, 2020
Using the TR-808, vocoder, and modular synthesis, the enigmatic duo created a modern dance classic.
Sound Behind the Song: “Drunk in Love” by Beyoncé
Jake Uitti
July 22, 2020
The Roland TR-808, used on Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s alluring 2013 hit, “Drunk In Love,” is an essential bed upon which to create a masterpiece.
Sound Behind the Song: “Hangin’ on a String” by Loose Ends
Ari Rosenschein
July 22, 2020
The TR-808 pattern at the center of “Hangin’ on a String” elevates the moody groove.
Retracing the Roland Sound in Hip-Hop
Gino Sorcinelli
July 22, 2020
For the past 40 years Roland drum machines, samplers, sequencers, and synths have played an integral role in shaping the sound of hip-hop.
5 Ways to Supercharge Your DAW with Roland Cloud
Ari Rosenschein
July 17, 2020
Roland Cloud’s collection of virtual synthesizers, drum machines, and sampled instruments has been a go-to tool for producers, electronic artists, and beatmakers since its inception.
Sound Behind the Song: “Love Lockdown” by Kanye West
Jake Uitti
July 16, 2020
“Love Lockdown” by Kanye West utilizes the Roland TR-808, the heartbeat of electronic music production since the early 1980s.
8 Secrets of the 808
Mike Sparks
July 3, 2020
Explore these eight lesser-known tips and help fully utilize the beatmaking potential of Roland Cloud’s powerful TR-808 plugin.