To us, this story never gets old. The unbelievable story about a device that was a commercial failure yet went on to significantly influence the development of Techno Music, House Music, Acid House, and a myriad of artist individually in many genres of music.
The Roland TR-909, commonly called the 909, was preceeded by the TR-808. The 909 was the 1st Roland drum machine to use samples for some sounds, and it was the 1st drum machine to be MIDI capable. Released in 1993 for $1195 USD (2023 adjusted price=$3656), it was known for it’s ‘punchy’ sounds.
Here are some tunes that you might not have known that employ the iconic 909. This list compiled by Native Instruments also points out the creative and novel ways the 909 was implemented.
DAft Punk - "Revolution 909"
Madonna - "Vogue"
Robin S - "Show Me Love"
Phil Collins - "Take Me Home"
Aphex Twin - "Heliosphan"
Adamski, Seal - "Killer"
Whitney Houston - "I'm Every Woman"
Kendrick Lamar featuring Summer Walker & Ghostface Killah - "Purpler Hearts"
LFO - "LFO (The Leeds Warehouse Mix)"
Plastikman - "Spastik"
Happy 909 day!