808 delves into the origins and impact of the iconic Roland TR-808 drum machine, tracing its roots back to the innovative landscape of the late 70s Japanese electronics industry. From Tokyo to New York; from Miami’s bass-filled clubs to the techno-infused landscapes of Detroit, the documentary paints a vivid picture of how the 808 became a global phenomenon.
The documentary begins by introducing Ikutaro Kakehashi, whose journey from a watch repair shop owner to the founder of Roland played a pivotal role in the creation of the 808. As the narrative unfolds, we witness the initial skepticism surrounding the 808, with its unconventional and futuristic sound that deviated from traditional drum patterns.
The turning point for the 808 comes with the release of ‘Planet Rock’ in 1982, a track that cemented the drum machine’s status as a game-changer as well as marking the birth of hip-hop. As the documentary explores the evolution of the 808, it highlights its influence on various genres and artists. In New York, the drum machine has become synonymous with success on the dance floor, finding its way into many hip-hop records. Miami becomes the next stop, where the 808 finds a home in the sultry beats of Miami Bass. The documentary explores how ‘Planet Rock’ reverberated in the city, leading to a distinctive sound that defined an era. Interviews with key figures from the Miami Bass scene, such as L’Trimm and Dynamix II, provide a firsthand account of the 808’s influence on the region’s musical identity.
In Italy, producer Tony Carrasco utilized the 808 to create the influential ‘Dirty Talk,’ while in Chicago, early house producers contributed to the foundations of house music with the help of the 808. The film highlights India’s role in the early experimentation with acid house sounds, as Bollywood session musician Charanjit Singh’s album ‘Ten Ragas To A Disco Beat’ precedes the first acid house records in Chicago. It explores how the drum machine continues to shape musical genres, from the birth of jungle and drum and bass to its ongoing relevance in the 90s, 2000s, and beyond.
808 captures the geographical and genre-spanning impact of a drum machine that not only changed the way music is made but also created a global language of beats that transcends borders and innovates several music genres.
