Roland TR-808: The Drum Machine that Revolutionized Music

Welcome back to another episode of The Design Vault with your hosts Albert Shum and Thamer Abanami. Today we explore an absolute game changer in the world of music technology—the Roland TR-808 drum machine.

Despite its initial commercial failure, the TR-808 revolutionized music production and left an indelible mark on various genres—from early hip hop and Detroit techno to pop music and beyond. We'll take you through the fascinating origins of drum machines, the unexpected cultural phenomenon of the TR-808, and its lasting influence on the music industry.

TAKEAWAYS

• How did the Roland TR 808 transition from a commercial failure to a cultural icon in music?

• Introduction of programmable drum machines in the late 70s and early 80s

• Initial adopters and experimental musicians like Yellow Magic Orchestra, Kraftwerk, and pioneers in hip hop and electronic music

• The iconic "boom" of the kick drum

• Reflections on unintended consequences of product design

Join us as we shape the future of design by learning from the past and present 

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Hosts: Albert Shum and Thamer Abanami

Production and Post-production: Romina Hakim, Toño Tellez and Poonam Patel

Music: Red Lips Media LLC

Brand Design: Rafael Poloni