Berlin-based DJ D.Sociation unleashes a dark and gritty percussive set for this edition of our 6AM guest mix. Flexing the trampling 909 moves, bleepy tech salvos and acid-infused circuitry, in-your-face techno whizz D.Sociation pulls out a nasty 1-hour workout of a 4-deck mix for us. Read more
Justin Stedmans is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, whom you may remember for the beautiful wall art he created of classic synths, analogue drum machines and DJ mixers.
His most recent work is an intelligent infographic which details the evolution of the drum machine from the ’80s until the present day. Beginning with the Roland TR-808 and ending with 2016’s Roland TR-09, the infographic takes you on an illustrated and informative journey of the beautiful machines that have been the source of some of dance music’s most celebrated tracks.
Check it out below and head to www.analogthis.co.uk to get your hands on a print for yourself!
If you found this article interesting, sign up for our newsletter to learn more and to stay up to date with 6AMās news and features on the world of electronic music.
Last year the music community was exposed to Exhibitionist 2 – a three-part music and documentary series from Jeff Mills. Part 1 and 2 were released in July and September 2015, respectively, and featured exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of The Wizard in action, along with new studio productions from Mills.
Part 3 of the Exhibitionist Series is now here as weāve entered the New Year, completing the project in true artistic fashion. Part 3 features a live recording of Jeff Mills in Leiden, and serves as a concrete example of the hard work that Jeff puts in day in day out working towards his creative vision of futuristic techno and philosophy. Read more
The Roland 909 was another revolutionary synth when it was developed in 1984. It went on to become a highly coveted piece of gear, and itās influence has inspired some of the great house and techno legends of our time. So influential, Jeff Mills even modeled his custom made drum machine to it, and Dennis Ferrer requested to be buried with his 909 when he dies. If not for the 909 dance music would be drastically different than what we know and enjoy today.
So keeping in spirit of 909 Day, here are some 909 tracks and jams to celebrate the occasion.
Not only will you get a classic spaghetti recipe in the Revolution 909 music video, youāll get an absolute thumping track from Daft Punk. Originally released on Virgin France, this track went on to become a hit of the late 90ās, and it can still find a place on the dance floors today.
If thereās anyone who has mastered the 909 it is Jeff Mills, to not mention him on 909 Day would be unfathomable. Heās built an expansive list of accomplishments throughout his career, from world tours and numerous releases to having complete artistic access to Le Lourve, heās achieved many great things.
This video is a perfect example of Jeff Mills in action delivering one hell of a performance toĀ a lucky crowd.
Another advocate of the Roland 909 is house connoisseur, Phil Weeks. Present in many of his productions, the 909 influenced Phil Weeks in such a way that he had to dedicate an EP to it. Sunday Groove appears on his 909 Tools EP released on RobosoulĀ back in 2013, and is a testament to the power of the iconic drum machine.
The 909 had just as great an influence on house music as it has techno. The 909 can be found throughout many house jams from Inner City to Doc Martin, but this particular cut comes from French artist, DāJulz. Lush pads and synths drifting among the punchy drums of the 909 make for one deep groove.
One of the most distinct sounds on the 909 is itās low, mid, and high tom. With such a recognizable characteristic, it has the capability of being a prominent groove setter in many arrangements.
Playing with Drum by Sugiurumn makes perfect use of the 909 toms. OriginallyĀ released on his album, 20xx, it strikes a harmonious balance between the sounds of house and techno.
With 909 Day being the subject, it wouldnāt feel right to overlook one of the many rave anthems from Joey Beltram. Between Mentasm and Energy Flash, Joey Beltram made a fast impact on the early techno scene, and is considered to have ārevolutionized techno twice before the age of 21ā ā According to Simon Reynolds, author of Generation Ecstasy.
Another drum machine guru and expert is Mr. G. In an interview with Resident Advisor, Mr. G speaks very highly of the 909 rides. When asked where the rides in his tracks come from, he replies āThe 909. I sampled it, and it’s stayed with me. I’ve sampled and resampled itā.
This technique paired with the already distinct drum machine leads to incredible drum textures, and one that has given Mr. G a signature sound over his life in music. It’s this exact feeling that givesĀ It Dub so much groove and feeling.
We’re not the only ones in good spirits on 909 Day. Tom Flynn also appears to be celebrating, and has dedicated some time to upload a 909 inspired jam from the Roland TR-8 drum machine. From drum machines and synths to futuristic cars, Roland continues to be an ever-present influence in musical society today.
Jeff Mills, one of techno’s earliest pioneers, is no stranger to this science-fiction aesthetic in techno. From Detroit to Berlin to Chicago, Mills has been a major part in the development of a number of booming dance hubs across the globe. His musical aesthetic is well-defined yet intriguing, and we can always count on him for some heavy grooves.Ā Having heldĀ residencies at some of the world’s best nightclubs, such as Tresor, Jeff Mills is one of the most exciting performers in the industry, often sporting a TR-909 as the quintessential focus of his setup. His records are played by countless DJs, although his accomplishments reach far beyond the dance floor and the studio. Somewhat of a tech guru, Jeff Mills is constantly pushing the envelope, always innovating new technologies.
Ā Recently, Jeff Mills has created a unique interactive exhibition, perhaps the first of its kind. On March 23rd, he debuted his “Weapons” Exhibition in Tokyo; featured as the centerpieceĀ wasĀ his own custom-built, UFO-shaped drum machine. This drum machine, known as “The Visitor,” was constructed by gutting a 909, inserting its electronics into a new housing, creating an interface that is both user-friendly and intuitive. Rather than the linear structure typical of many drum machine, “The Visitor” has its buttons laid out in a circular fashion; this, he says, is a far better visual representation of an instrument that is playing a looped sequence. With the help of sound artist and designer, Yuri Suzuki, the two have created a beautiful piece of hardware eloquently combining music and hardware.
“The Visitor” Drum Machine by Yuri Suzuki & Jeff Mills
Jeff Mills is known to hit the buttons pretty hard on his gear, in the heat of the moment this is common for many artists. He has fitted “The Visitor” with arcade game buttons and knobs designed to withstand a beating. Thus, he has transformed the classicĀ sound of the 909, an instrumentĀ that has come to define a large part of his style, into a retro-futuristic innovation far better suited to his performance style and visual aesthetic. Functionality aside, the mere visual appeal of The Visitor Drum Machine is enough to have everyone from the technology fans and art enthusiasts gawking at the sight. You won’t see this in the DJ booth every day.
According to Axis Records, “Jeff’s new project is the exhibition ‘Weapons: a small but potent collection of music affiliated avant-garde objects’ which consists in an immersive scenario paying tribute to the genre of Film Noir from the 40ās and inspired on a conceptual investigation experience based on the strange phenomenon of the infamous American UFO sighting over the city of Los Angeles in the winter of 1942 and famously known as ‘The Battle Of Los Angeles'”
Given his endeavors into music, art, technology, and science fiction, Jeff Mills is clearly a “Jack Of All Trades” (no pun intended!) who has successfully bridged the gap between the digital and analog eras, preserving the sounds of eras past while expanding on them, and embracing any new technology that will facilitate the creation of great art. With oneĀ of the brightestĀ intellectual minds in the electronic dance music community, he is a true pioneer who, in years to come, will continue to shape and develop the music we hold so dearly to our hearts.
In this day and age there seems to be an endless amount of options for software or various music making plug-ins. Thereās no doubt that these can assist the creative process or add some character to a track, but at the same time thereās something nice about a good old fashion jam on a drum machine, and no one does it better than Mr. G himself.
For the debut of Techno Therapy, we bring you a classic drum machine jam with Mr. G. The texture that he creates with the drums will take any techno fan right into the heart of the party when thingsĀ really start to heat up. Enjoy!
Mr. G on Facebook, Resident Advisor, and Beatport
