Copenhagen, August 7 , 2026––BJOOKS is celebrating 808 Day (August 8) by inviting musicians, producers, engineers, and electronic music fans to explore the remarkable story behind one of the most influential instruments ever created. For one day only, the complete Roland eBook from INSPIRE THE MUSIC – 50 Years of Roland History will be available to read free online at PATCH & TWEAK, while the hardcover edition of the book will be available at 15% off.
The Roland TR-808 is far more than a drum machine. Introduced in 1980, its unmistakable analog kick drum, pioneering step sequencer, and unmistakably electronic sound transformed what rhythm machines could be. Though initially considered a commercial failure, the TR-808 became the heartbeat of hip-hop, electro, house, techno, pop, trap, and countless other genres, leaving an influence that continues to shape music today. As INSPIRE THE MUSIC explores, the 808 was conceived not as an imitation of acoustic drums, but as an entirely new musical instrument that encouraged creativity through synthesis and hands-on sound design.
INSPIRE THE MUSIC – 50 Years of Roland History takes readers behind the scenes of Roland’s most iconic creations through rare photography, interviews with the engineers who designed them, and in-depth stories documenting the innovations that changed modern music. The book explores legendary instruments including the TR-808, TB-303, TR-909, JUPITER-8, JUNO-106, RE-201 Space Echo, and many more, revealing the people, ideas, and engineering breakthroughs that defined generations of artists.
“More than forty years after its introduction, the TR-808 remains one of the most influential instruments in music history,” said Kim Bjørn, founder of BJOOKS. “808 Day is a celebration not just of an iconic drum machine, but of the engineers, designers, and artists whose creativity continues to inspire musicians around the world.”
Celebrate 808 Day with BJOOKS
On August 8, music creators and fans can enjoy:
- Free online access to the complete INSPIRE THE MUSIC – 50 Years of Roland History eBook exclusively on PATCH & TWEAK.
- 15% off the hardcover edition of INSPIRE THE MUSIC purchased through the BJOOKS online store.
The free online eBook and 15% discount will be available for one day only on August 8, 2026.
INSPIRE THE MUSIC – 50 Years of Roland History
Discover the complete story behind the TR-808 and the innovations that transformed electronic music. Through rare archival images, exclusive interviews, and detailed features, INSPIRE THE MUSIC chronicles Roland’s extraordinary legacy and the instruments that continue to inspire musicians, producers, and creators across every genre.
Continue the Journey with BEAT GEMS
The celebration doesn’t stop with the 808. BJOOKS’ upcoming release, BEAT GEMS, is the definitive visual history of drum machines, profiling more than 100 iconic instruments that have shaped popular music over the past six decades. Richly illustrated and packed with interviews, historical insights, and detailed features, BEAT GEMS traces the evolution of rhythm technology—from early preset rhythm boxes to legendary machines like the TR-808 alongside the many machines that preceded it, competed with it, and followed in its footsteps. BEAT GEMS is now available for pre-order.
ABOUT BJOOKS:
Bjooks is a boutique Danish publishing company dedicated to creating high-quality books about music technology, instruments, and creativity, started by author, designer, and musician Kim Bjørn. Known for titles such as PATCH & TWEAK, PUSH TURN MOVE, and SYNTH GEMS 1, Bjooks has become a beloved resource for musicians, producers, and gear enthusiasts worldwide.
