Everybody loves the Roland TR-808, and now they’ll have a chance to show it. Plenty of chances in fact, because this Saturday (which is, of course 8/8) has been designated as 808 Day. For anyone who may have been living in a cave most of their life, the 808 is perhaps the most influential drum machine ever made. It emerged in the ’80s and quickly became a crucial tool in hip-hop as well as all manner of dance and electronic music. Through the decades its legacy has only grown more vast. Now there’s a documentary coming out dedicated to this seminal sonic tool, 808: The Movie, featuring everyone from Fatboy Slim to Afrika Bambaataa. And, as mentioned above, there’s a dedicated day during which multiple 808-related events will be taking place.
At L.A. nightspot Low End Theory, their annual Low End Theory Festival, which includes Flying Lotus, Daedalus and others, will occur on 808 Day, and will feature Roland-related workshops, giveaways and more.
Electronic music school Dubspot’s New York and L.A. campuses are sending out an open call to musicians for a batch of beat workshops and demos, not to mention gear giveaways and other activities. And producer/musician Kerry Brown is hosting an event at L.A.’s Six01 Studio Sound Lab, with performances from members of Bauhaus, Nitzer Ebb, Nine Inch Nails and others. In other words, if you can’t find a way to celebrate 808 Day, you just aren’t trying.