808 is a new documentary about the legendary Roland TR-808 drum machine, a piece of gear that revolutionized the process of creating music and pioneered the emergence of genres such as hip-hop, synth-pop, and electro. While the film showed at SXSW earlier this year, according to Deadline, Atlantic Films and You Know Films will release 808 in theaters and online later this spring. Somewhat unconventionally, the film will first be exclusive on iTunes and Apple Music.
“It’s only appropriate that a film about a machine that revolutionized how music is made be seen via a service that revolutionized how music is consumed,” said Atlantic Records Chairman & CEO Craig Kallman to Deadline. “The story of how the 808 changed the face of modern music is simply extraordinary, and the Apple Music audience is perfect for this compelling film.”
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The film explains the history of the drum machine and follows its narrative through the music landscape since its inception in the 1980s. Various artists and producers such as Pharrell Williams, Afrika Bambaataa, Questlove, and Diplo contributed to the telling of the 808's story. Watch the full trailer above.
