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 2017, along with a theatrical event release in select cities across the United States.
"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, Chairman and CEO at Atlantic Records. "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 (also executive producer), Craig Kallman, Alexander Dunn, and Arthur Baker (also 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 Alex Noyer, CEO at You Know Films. "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 Award 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 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.
About You Know Films
With offices in London and Los Angeles, You Know Films is a production company that offers diverse perspectives for better storytelling. Known for their acclaimed art and music documentaries they also develop factual content for television and, to spice things up, horror films.
Last Updated: July 17, 2021
