808

808, directed by Alexander Dunn and released in 2015, is an iconic documentary film that depicts a remarkable journey through the history of the Roland TR-808 drum machine. This piece of music technology would go on to shape and influence the course of music for decades. The film is a celebration of this game-changing soundscape, which has heavily influenced contemporary music, with a particular emphasis on genres such as hip hop, electronic, rock, and pop music.

The film stars famous figures and musical luminaries like Damon Albarn, Arthur Baker, and Afrika Bambaataa, amongst others. Damon Albarn, known for his contribution to bands like Blur and Gorillaz, provides insightful commentary in the documentary, anchoring the 808's influence in popular music. Legendary record producer Arthur Baker, who has worked with significant artists like New Order and Bob Dylan, and godfather of hip hop, Afrika Bambaataa, provide an in-depth understanding and experience of working with the 808.

808 acquaints viewers with the Roland TR-808 drum machine — a relatively obscure piece of audio equipment that was discontinued only a few years after its launch. However, this modest machine sparked a music revolution. Created by Japanese electronics company Roland Corporation in 1980, it was one of the first programmable drum machines and offered multiple unique, synthetic percussion sounds. Due to its bass drum sound alone, the 808 became a foundation of hip hop music, permanently altering the music landscape.

The film unfolds the story of this iconic machine with uncanny detail and captures the boundless influence of the 808 in the world of music production. It interviews key artists, producers, and industry professionals who were either instrumental in the 808's growth or beneficiaries of its influence, exploring the multifaceted ways the 808 drum machine was utilized and the enduring legacy it left behind in the industry.

Throughout its run, 808 features interviews with a plethora of artists who explain their personal experiences with the TR-808, its revolutionary sound, the creative paths it opened for them, and the impact it's had on their careers. In addition to Damon Albarn, Arthur Baker, and Afrika Bambaataa, the list of musicians and industry luminaries featured is extensive. It includes Phill Collins, Fatboy Slim, Questlove, and many more. They all speak with reverence about the machine, expressing how the 808 shaped their music and transformed the industry at large.

Besides artist interviews, 808 provides rare archival footage and a chronicle of the music tracks directly shaped by the 808. The filmmakers weave in a narrative around the technological sophistication of the machine and how its supersonic resonance enabled an entirely new form of self-expression. The documentary also delves into the eventful journey of how the 808 moved from its initial introduction to becoming a pop cultural icon.

Another unique strength of the movie is its engaging storytelling style. 808 is not a purely nostalgic requiem for an iconic machine; It paints a vibrant picture of the music industry's perpetual evolution, reinforcing that the TR-808 was just one instrument, though a vitally important one, in the grand orchestra of musical development.

For viewers with a deep interest in pop culture, music creation, and technology, 808 offers a fascinating exploration that blends these elements into a captivating narrative. It does not only cater to those with in-depth knowledge of musical equipment but can also educate and entertain anyone intrigued by the transformative power of technology in creative fields.

In conclusion, 808 is a compelling exposé that reflects on how an unsung hardware hero, the Roland TR-808, altered the music industry. It's a savvy blend of technology, music, and history, presented in a captivating storytelling style that appeals to both music enthusiasts and the casual viewer. The documentary illuminates the profound impact of TR-808, delivering a testament to an instrument that resounded through decades of music, shaping the sounds that form the backdrop to our lives.