Roland’s Tadeo Kikumoto on 808, part by part: the ukiyo-e drum machine

You think you know the 808? Listen to how Mr. Tadeo Kikumoto, Roland’s lead developer at the time, talks about what went into the machine. That walks through origins, from kick to claps, in this excerpt from the book Inspire the Music: 50 Years of Roland History, thanks to publisher Bjooks.

RIP Dax Pierson, Árni Grétar Jóhannesson aka Futuregrapher

We’re barely into the new year, but already, we’ve got two untimely passings that leave significant holes in the world of electronic music: Dax Pierson and Árni Grétar Jóhannesson.

David Abravanel - January 6, 2025

Lower your blood pressure, raise your vibration: eu-IV’s tape beats

Dark days need sounds like eu-IV – “you-four,” as in euphoria. The prolific Baltimore-based producer cut his teeth backing rappers, and now his ultra-chilled beat-tape music has an ease and honesty that you’ll feel right in the heart.

Peter Kirn - January 22, 2024

Trace the Black roots of disco, house, and techno in videos and reading – summer school is in

Peter Kirn - June 23, 2022

Cassette turntablism is a thing, and you need to watch more tape DJ videos from Japan

Peter Kirn - August 24, 2021

Watch a hacked DJ technique made with karaoke tapes, by Ōedo Technica

Peter Kirn - January 12, 2021

Electronic virtuoso Thomas Piper’s insistent voice delivers in honest, powerful “Permission to Live”

Peter Kirn - June 6, 2020

Bionic synthesis: artists make music with a prosthetic arm, eye motion

Peter Kirn - February 17, 2020

The E-mu SP-1200 sampler is getting a reboot: SP 2400

Peter Kirn - June 17, 2019

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