In the early 2000s, Los Angeles cultivated an underground hip-hop beat culture whose artists created and performed on the Roland SP-404 Sampler.
Today, on
#404DAY
, we celebrate the scene with stories from
@Ras_G
,
@darealdibiase
, and
@flyinglotus
.
When playing huge arena shows night after night with
@ShawnMendes
,
@MikeSleathDRUMS
relies on the TD-50 sound module for all his electronic sounds and samples. See more on Roland All Access:
On this day 47 years ago, Roland was founded in Osaka, Japan. Since the opening of our very first offices in 1972 (pictured below), our mission has been to bring the thrill and excitement of creative experiences to imaginative people all over the world.
Join us Wednesday, January 20 at 5PM PST as we celebrate our 2021 recipient of the Roland Lifetime Achievement Award, Nick Rhodes of
@duranduran
.
Registration is FREE for
#BelieveInMusic
week— sign up to watch:
Tomorrow on April 4, we celebrate the lo-fi beatmakers who choose the SP-404 as their instrument to create. Join the celebration by tagging your SP photos and videos with
#404day
. Watch this space. 👀🎛️
@darealdibiase
#SP404
#lofi
[1/2]On
#404Day
, we take a timeout to celebrate
@Ras_G
. He showcased LA soundscapes armed with an SP-404, and elevated instrumental Hip-Hop Music with his unique & abstract sonic presentations. We were honored to have him participate in our mini-doc last year, and miss him dearly
Happy
#808Day
! Learn about the 40-year history of the most boombastic drum machine of all time. Then listen to a curated playlist featuring essential artists and songs made with a little help from the legendary TR-808.
Somewhere in Detroit is a new short film about Detroit’s greatest musical collective since Motown, the cooperative and record label dubbed Submerge and UR (Underground Resistance).
Watch the mini documentary now:
It is with sadness and regret to have learned of the passing of Ras G. One of the most prolific and influential producers in the hip-hop scene, his vision and perspective on music was truly unique.
We are deeply saddened to learn that Dave Smith of Sequential has passed away. As a true synthesizer pioneer, he was very much admired and respected by Roland and others. We offer our condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and fans worldwide.
Collect the newest Roland Boutique: the JD-08. Recreating the iconic JD-800 sounds and tactile, hands-on controls, this compact unit combines advanced sequencing with a dose of ‘90s synth energy for phat tabletop jams.
Learn more:
⚠️New Synth Alert ⚠️
Looking for amazing sounds inside a compact, hands-on desktop synth? Meet the SH-4d.
-11 OSC Models with analog and digital tones
-4 synth parts + rhythm track
-OSC Section with unique functions that adapt to each model
And more:
🟥🟧🟨⬜◻️◽
Happy
#808Day
!
The legendary TR-808 needs no further introduction. You’ve heard it on thousands of recordings, from the underground beats to mainstream hits.
Which 808 track is your jam?
We are saddened to learn of the passing of drumming legend Neil Peart of Rush. Neil was an incredible musician, an inspiration to many, and a longtime friend to Roland. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and bandmates.
Ready for something new? Meet AIRA Compact, the wildly jammable lineup that fit in the palm of your hand.
- T-8 Beat Machine
- J-6 Chord Synth
- E-4 Voice Tweaker
Collect them all:
Rest in peace, Lee "Scratch" Perry, the legend who worked with Bob Marley, Beastie Boys, and others. Perry pioneered the studio techniques that became dub, particularly his use of delay. We're honored to see him with the Space Echo. May his echoes forever repeat.
📷:
@lukeshooots
Did you catch this year’s
#SuperBowl
Halftime Show?
@BrianFrasierM
laid it down on his hybrid setup, which included the Roland TD-50, and the NEW Roland VAD506. Congrats to Brian on his 3rd Super Bowl appearance!
Note the custom patch name on the TD-50 module 😉
📸:
@OkwaAndrew
We caught up with
@butchvig
, legendary producer (Nirvana) and drummer (
@garbage
), on the road to talk about the musical genesis of his touring rig and using the flagship
@Roland_VDrums
TD-50.
Watch the full video:
NEW! Roland MC-101 GROOVEBOX. The Roland MC-101 GROOVEBOX combines premium-quality synthesizer and drum sounds, samples, patterns and effects in a compact four-track sequencer that’s go-everywhere portable.
🎛️:
@lilbadsnacks
#mc101
#groovebox
Join Roland’s international artist relations team as they sit down with one of music’s most powerful rock bands,
@Badflower
, on Friday 1/22 at 4PM PST/7PM EST.
Register for
#BeliveInMusic
Week to attend this free session:
#808Day
is just a few days away, and we can’t wait to celebrate the TR-808's legacy and impact with fans all over the world. How will you be celebrating on Thursday?
We are proud to welcome
@dwdrums
into the Roland family of brands.
Together, Roland and Drum Workshop will continue to push the boundaries of innovation for drummers through breakthrough acoustic, electronic & percussion products.
We can’t wait for you to see what comes next!
ℍ𝔸ℙℙ𝕐 𝟡𝟘𝟡 𝔻𝔸𝕐 to all the techno fans and lovers, lover, luvahs, luvas! Thank you
@bugboyscream
&
@chillcollinsmx
giving additional life to the TR909. Who knows how many were made in it's one and only year of production?
That’s right, it's
#404DAY
!
To celebrate SP-404 culture we’re hosting a beat-making competition for the ages, compiling the best tracks from your submissions on our first ever official Roland SP Beat Tape! 🎛️
👀:
There's no stopping the SP-404MKII! The v.1.14 update incorporates new features and bug fixes including Pad Mute, Pad Mode in DJ Mode, Pattern MIDI Output, and more. Download the latest update on the SP-404MKII product page to keep your SP technique razor-sharp.
🎶
@LightFootBeats
Happy 808 Day! Today we celebrate the drum machine that changed music forever. Join us in celebrating by tagging your 808 photos, videos and stories with
#808Day
.
⬛️🟥🟧🟨⬜️
#808Day
#tr808
#roland
This year the Roland TR-808 turns 40! Join us in celebrating the drum machine that changed music forever by tagging your 808 photos, videos and stories with
#808Day
.
➤ TR-808 STORY PAGE:
➤ TR-808 ARTICLES:
🔉 [Sound on!] 🔉
@yurisuzuki
, in collaboration with Roland and the
@DesignMuseum
, presents a digital musical instrument emulating the sound of the original TR-808 drum machine and TB-303 bass synthesizer.
Create your masterpiece today:
Today on
#303DAY
, we celebrate the iconic silver box that defined the genre of acid house—the Roland TB-303 Bassline Synthesizer. Learn all about the machine, the musicians and the movement it inspired:
@djpierreacid
"Beyond appreciating the ample effects available on the SP-404 and 555, the tactile, pad pushing feel of both samplers are an essential and appreciated part of
@Linafornia
’s creative process. 'I like the physical aspect of making beats'” -via
@micro_chop
We were honored at this year's
@RecordingAcad
#GRAMMYs
to have the incredibly talented
@HERMusicx
play the Roland Facet Grand Piano live on stage.
Find out more about the concept Facet piano at:
"There is great rock and roll music right now. It's just not as mainstream." -
@BadflowerJosh
@Badflower
is a band where chemistry is paramount. The members speak from the studio where they're working on their sophomore release.
Today, on April 18th, we celebrate the founding date of Roland where the company started 50 years ago 🍾🥂
Join us as we celebrate our mission to “Inspire the Enjoyment of Creativity” by playing a Roland instrument that inspires you. Which instrument will you choose?
Happy Birthday to Jeff Mills! 🎉🎈 Jeff Mills is widely considered to be the world’s most progressive Techno DJ and Producer. His musical journey—having originated in Detroit—has seen one instrument join him through the decades: the Roland TR-909.
Today, we are thrilled to celebrate Nick Rhodes of
@duranduran
as our recipient of the Roland Lifetime Achievement Award!
Will you be joining us at our
#BelieveInMusic
Roland Virtual Booth at 5PM PST/8PM EST?
FREE event registration here:
Happy
#303Day
! The Roland TB-303 is a machine like no other. With an unmistakable sonic signature brimming with warmth, energy and character, the iconic silver box defined the acid house movement of the late 1980s.
🎛️:
@djpierreacid
|
#808Day
: As a leader of Roland Research and Development in the ‘80s, Tadao Kikumoto has had a hand—and ear—in designing genre-defining instruments like the TB-303, TR-606… and the TR-808. Read his intriguing recollections of the Roland analog era:
The SP-404MKII is ready for mods to make the unit as unique as your sound. Create custom overlays, style your startup screen with personalized logos, or select a screensaver that matches your vibe.
*Colored control knobs pictured are sold separately and not available from Roland
Introducing JX-3P v2. 🔥
Legendary series instruments are taking a huge leap forward. The JX-3P v2 update brings gorgeous high-DPI graphics, a refined interface including the PG-200 synth programmer, universal patch browsing, Circuit Mod, and new sounds.
Streamline your performance with the 16-step pad sequencer onboard the SPD-SX PRO. Assign from 2 to 16 steps to a pad within each kit. Then coordinate playback of different pads in your chosen sequence.
Happy
#909DAY
!
Celebrate with us and tag your favorite TR-909 stories, photos and images with the tag
#909DAY
.
Learn more about the Roland TR-909 on our new story page:
Shape your sound with the new GAIA 2 synthesizer. Explore and create limitless tones with a powerful new hybrid engine that combines wavetable and virtual analog synthesis.
Learn more:
It’s hard to believe that a drum machine launched in 1980 would be celebrated today by lovers of culture, music and design. Discover how the 808 has spanned genres and generations by listening to The Official Roland TR-808 Playlist:
Photo by
@splice
The Roland & BOSS Lifetime Achievement Awards recognize innovative music artists for their important contributions to the industry while using Roland and/or BOSS gear throughout their careers. We are honored to recognize
@OfficialYJM
&
@OmarHakimdrums
as the 2020 Recipients.