Roland have announced their plans for this year’s 808 Day, a day that was founded to celebrate the legacy of the company’s iconic TR-808 Rhythm Composer. This year, the company are partnering with global radio platform NTS, bringing back their award-winning The Rhythm Creators series and continuing a worldwide celebration of the 808’s enduring legacy and cultural impact.
NTS will be launching a three-part radio series tracing the TR-808's history, from its origins in Japan to birth of house music in Chicago, the rise of techno in Detroit and the countless other genres and scenes the device has impacted upon. Hosted by NTS stalwart and musical artist Shy One and produced by award-winning documentarian Nick Dwyer, the series promises to satisfy discerning fans of music, artists and technology alike. Listeners can tune in nts.live on August 8, 11 and 22 for the live broadcasts, or stream here once all three episodes have aired.
Each episode also pulls the machine apart sound by sound in a recurring Happy Accidents segment, unpacking the true stories behind the 808's most iconic sounds, including its cowbell and bass drum —neither of which sound anything like the instruments they were built to imitate! The third and final episode then looks to the future, tracing how the TR-808’s sounds keep resurfacing and helping to shape new music.
Roland will also reprise The Rhythm Creators animated series for a new instalment featuring New Orleans legend Mannie Fresh. Each episode blends humour, reverence and nostalgia, and features stylised animation by Detroit artist Vaughn Taormina and narration from the artists themselves.
Roland’s official TR-808 promo page has been refreshed for 2026, bringing The Rhythm Creators episodes, the NTS radio series and more together in one place. Until 31 August 2026, Roland are also offering their TR-808 Software Rhythm Composer at a reduced cost of $49 (66% off its regular $149 price).
