Atlantic
Films (a division of Atlantic Records) and You Know
Films announced that the critically acclaimed film “808” will be
released worldwide exclusively on Apple Music and iTunes. “808” is slated to premiere on Apple Music in late spring/early summer along with
a theatrical event release in select cities across
the US.
“It’s
only appropriate that a film about a machine that revolutionized how
music is made be seen via a service that revolutionized
how music is consumed,“ said Craig Kallman, Atlantic Records Chairman & CEO. "The story of how the 808 changed the face of modern music
is simply extraordinary, and the Apple Music audience is perfect for this compelling film.”
“808” chronicles
the incredible story of the influential Roland TR-808 drum machine,
which changed the course of music history.
“808,” which premiered at the 2015 SXSW Film Festival, features
commentary and contributions from such superstars as Pharrell Williams,
Afrika Bambaataa, Questlove, The Beastie Boys, Damon Albarn, David
Guetta, Phil Collins, Diplo, New Order, and Norman Cook
(Fatboy Slim), as well as pioneering producers including Rick Rubin,
Jellybean Benitez, Hank Shocklee, and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.
The
feature length documentary is a You Know Films production
in association with Atlantic Films, and was produced by Alex
Noyer (executive
producer), Craig Kallman, Alexander Dunn, and Arthur Baker
(co-executive producer). Dunn directed the film and wrote the
story with Luke Bainbridge.
“I’m very proud on behalf of the whole You Know Films team to see ‘808’ find its release on Apple Music,” said You
Know Films CEO Alex
Noyer. “I would like to thank our partners at Atlantic for bringing us
this exciting opportunity and everyone at Apple for believing in the
project. It is a perfect
fit for a film like ours. Apple Music has really shown its ambition to
offer the broadest selection of musical content, and for our film to be
offered as their first narrative music documentary is very humbling. The
808 continues to make history.”
Introduced
in 1980, the 808 fueled an age of explosive artistic creation that
began with electro, hip-hop, and synthpop but soon
erupted into such diverse forms as acid house, techno, drum & bass,
and dubstep. More than three decades later, it remains a vital element
in contemporary hip-hop and R&B as well as an ever-present influence
on modern EDM and pop music.
The
filmmakers spent nearly three years traveling the world, interviewing
iconic artists and platinum-certified producers, GRAMMY®
winners and cult figures, who share their insight and memories of the
808’s impact. The team finished their journey in Japan, where they met
Roland Founder Mr Ikutaro Kakehashi, who revealed the untold reason for
the machine’s early discontinuation, further
fueling its legend. The 808 helped spawn a myriad of styles across
boundaries of time and genre, its defining sound as resonant today as
ever before.
Look out for the release of 808 later this year.
Watch the 808 Official Trailer Below:
