Roland is celebrating 45 years of the TR-808 Rhythm Composer with a worldwide 808 Day event that blends music, culture, and technology. Since its release in 1980, the 808 has been one of the most influential pieces of music hardware, shaping everything from hip-hop and techno to modern trap. Its iconic sound has powered tracks ranging from Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” to Beyoncé’s “Drunk in Love,” while remaining a core tool for underground producers and major artists alike.
For 808 Day 2025, Roland has unveiled a series of collaborations, events, and releases designed to honor the drum machine’s legacy. These include a limited-edition sneaker with New Balance, a partnership with XLARGE, the launch of “The Rhythm Creators” animated video series, exclusive in-store celebrations in Tokyo and London, and an industry mixer in Atlanta hosted at SESSIONS by producer Tricky Stewart.
Key Events and Collaborations
The Rhythm Creators series is one of the centerpiece launches for this year’s celebration. The eight-part animated series features first-hand stories from artists who have been shaped by Roland’s rhythm machines. Episode one kicks off with Egyptian Lover, with upcoming episodes including Prince Paul, Fatboy Slim, and Jazzie B of Soul II Soul. Animated by Detroit-based artist Vaughn Taormina, each episode offers a mix of personal anecdotes and cultural history, narrated by the artists themselves.
Roland has also teamed up with New Balance to re-release the Tiago Lemos NM808 sneaker. Inspired by the 808’s design language, the shoe highlights the crossover between music, skateboarding, and street culture. To mark the launch, Roland and New Balance are hosting an Atlanta mixer featuring product demos, live performances by Sonny Digital and DJ Spinz, and a live broadcast of Don Cannon’s podcast BackTrack.
Meanwhile, Tokyo’s Roland and XLARGE stores are hosting an 808 Day event featuring live sets from REMO-CON, Yebisu303, and Ken Plus Ichiro, alongside the debut of the XLARGE x 808 capsule collection. Roland Store London is also celebrating with its own in-store event, where attendees can purchase the collection while enjoying a live DJ set from Complexion.
Software, Sound Packs, and Special Offers
808 Day 2025 also brings new tools for music creators. Roland Cloud subscribers can now access the TR-808 Arabian Prince sound pack, which includes the hip-hop pioneer’s classic patterns and sequences. Additionally, Roland is offering the TR-808 Software Rhythm Composer for $49 until September 9, giving producers an affordable way to integrate the legendary 808 sound into their DAWs.
These initiatives reflect Roland’s ongoing commitment to the 808’s legacy. By blending cultural events, product collaborations, and accessible software, the company is making 808 Day a celebration for both industry veterans and the next generation of producers.
For a complete overview of events, collaborations, and offers, visit Roland’s 808 Day page.
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