Tonepusher’s Nostalgic Beat Machine Adventure

Kicking off the video, Tonepusher introduces us to the Roland R-8 drum machine, dubbing it a must-have for any industrial or dark electronic music producer. This groovy machine, hailing from 1989, features velocity and pressure-sensitive pads, eight individual outputs, and a selection of 68 built-in sounds. The beauty here is not just in what it offers but how it lets users expand sound possibilities with ROM cards. Despite the era when drum machines were often criticized for being too mechanical, this one embraced its robotic charm, creating killer beats reminiscent of video game soundtracks.

Tonepusher takes us back through music history, highlighting the influential artists that harnessed the power of the R-8. Names like Affex Twin and SPK come up, illustrating the machine’s deep roots in the industrial scene. There’s an absurdly wild anecdote about the R-8 catching fire, literally, during a set while Tony’s hands were drenched in vodka—a testament to the fiery performances this machine inspired. Besides these escapades, the R-8’s continued relevance is evident, maintaining a spot in studios for its unparalleled sound and beat-making ease.

In a brilliant display of creativity and nostalgia, Tonepusher guides us through a beat-making process using the R-8. He begins with the snare, layering the rhythm with heavy kicks and intricate hi-hats. Each sound adds a new layer of depth, creating a rich tapestry of beats that exemplify the 90s industrial vibe. The use of ROM card sounds showcases the R-8’s potential, as Tonepusher turns the tempo up and down, tweaking every hit to perfection. By the end, what started as a simple rhythm transforms into a complex, moving beat ready for the dance floor.