Roland TR-909 Famous Patterns

[@EphemeralProductions]

The Bjork one is probably one of the most interesting, creative, and quirky drum patterns I've ever heard. I really like it. :)

[@volpemarroneveloce5928]

here i am because she just mentioned this drum machine on her "Hunter" instagram post and how people love it still this day

[@MOUMOUK]

This beat was made in one shot by the late MARK BELL :)

[@EphemeralProductions]

@@MOUMOUK awesome. RIP to him.

[@elendil95]

*Björk 😁

[@MichelLinschoten]

Mark bell got the idea from bjork, listen to it carefully it's based of Ravel's bolero ! It's a incredible drum pattern and allegedly hard to do on a 909 due to the timing differences in that track as a whole

[@jacquealjackson]

The 909 did wonders for that 4-on-the-floor pattern. I had no idea Björk used the 909 because she really took it elsewhere.

[@researchandbuild1751]

Ya the Bjork beat was pretty sweet actually

[@0ooDT]

100% dude is wearing a tracksuit.

[@bert3163]

OMG! STOP IT!! 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂😬😂🤣

[@brianobrian9334]

Definitely,prob with a Jerry curl perm soul glo style and glasses

[@blakevickrey]

He's the guy doing the running man on "what's up with that"

[@anonymouse740]

When he's not in front of the camera it's because he's naked. Legend has it he produces much better drum beats when naked.

[@vb5piz3r]

w the rings lol

[@metarotta]

mark bell's drum programming for hunter sounds god tier and is incredibly unique for a 909 pattern RIP LFO, you absolute legend

[@oomingmakroo]

Actually Mark Bell didn't program the 909, he played the beats for the entire song live on the 909 in one take! It doesn't actually repeat throughout the song. There is a documentary in which Mark Bell is reenacting that moment while Bjork tells the story in voice over. They were in Spain, it was 1997. Bjork also says this quote I've never forgotten, "If there’s no soul in the [electronic] music, it’s because nobody put it there." If someone finds this video, please post the link here. Thanks!

[@metarotta]

@@oomingmakroo ah very interesting, thanks for letting me know

[@titasaur8327]

@@oomingmakroo ^ that quote is from the BBC South Bank show featuring Bjork :)

[@jun2san]

I remember going to the music store almost every day after school just to play with the TR-909 they had on display. I wanted one so badly.

[@arkansaspromise]

Revolution 909s my fav

[@Photosynthesislove]

No, they're my fave ;)

[@taytaylor7028]

I want a 909 for christmas

[@arkansaspromise]

Tay Taylor my husband will buy you one

[@taytaylor7028]

sweet awesome

[@davidwood9966]

I love that thing you said about the Madonna song, her vocal shuffling. I never noticed it before.

[@charlesbonkley]

At 3:48 I didn't hear Madonna, I heard Daft Punk Musique.

[@Spiffier]

Holy shit yeah did they sample it?

[@charlesbonkley]

@@Spiffier Don't think so. I think it's just a common rhythm.

[@navenir9735]

Me too

[@ArtistsCry13]

Musique sounds nothing like this, except for the tempo and hi hat placements. This is the exact beat pattern for Vogue, and Vogue is better anyways.

[@edmenjoyer1039]

@@ArtistsCry13 vogue is not better than musique lol

[@seppdepp2372]

add more rings on your fingers

[@Doctormix]

Ok

[@baui1337]

there is never enough ;)

[@brunonastico]

Add more fingers on your rings

[@RadiumAudioLtd]

Dr Mix...we love you .... rings and energy ! respect .. we know who you are .... a man able to jam very confidently with Dj Pierre ! at ADE

[@HuntersMoon78]

I'm not far behind, I've got 6 rings

[@gunjabeans]

Thanks for humming along and pointing out the nuances of each of these tracks.

[@Lipi19821]

Anyone remembers propellerheads rebirth 303 ,808, 909 pc emulator.... I plqyed with it for years....couldnt get tired of it....

[@garyburchgb]

Yep, rebirth!.

[@Scott-M1]

I have it on my old iPhone and iPod. Have it with Reason too 👍

[@researchandbuild1751]

On Android Electrum drum machine is programmed the same way as 808/909

[@bmhater1283]

Rebirth? The one with the minimoog?

[@EphemeralProductions]

I love all these drumbeats but the one that has always most impressed me, and that I think is the best "showcase" of the 909, is "Take Me Home". Very amazing, iconic, and catchy.

[@ArrowheadPride4Ever]

Dumonde, arguably the greatest and most innovative Hard Trance artists, introduced me to the 909. Their melodies and progressive builds with bass lines/kicks, are so technically proficient and different while being able to keep their unique trademark sound to be recognized

[@alvesg21]

Jeff Mills is the absolute God of the 909. still uses it all the time for on the fly beat creation at his live events. its truly something amazing to see live. The Creator of Techno is also its best manipulator.

[@Lofote]

The Björk song is the only one completely standing out, speaking for Björk.

[@diptonsauce1985]

i felt the same. reminded me of something thom yorke would perform

[@Evildandalo]

T G sounds sort of like the percussion in videotape to me

[@diptonsauce1985]

ya like that and i was also thinking idioteque

[@Eldufo]

Videotape also uses the TR-909

[@187onasimp]

The machine is really limited unless you really think outside the box... Bjork in a nut shell.

[@alfan0079]

legendary, the sound that made the 90s and early 80s house music

[@JohnNoirSmith]

I'm hoping to see one of these videos of the 808 as well

[@NeapolitanHusky]

Wasn't expecting to hear Orbital on here, they seem to never be included in these famous patterns videos. But "Belfast" is a bloody classic.

[@DavidBoura]

Excellent video! The Björk pattern with the snare automation, i was in awe. I never thought it was from a classic machine but custom drums.

[@craigusselman546]

2:14 how did the early 90s sneak in to my quarentine room-ah the 808 and 909 are legend and the both look like fun to use.

[@LogiForce86]

@Doctor Mix "Robin S - Show Me Love" is from 1993. I know because we had a great ol' time back then... 1993 was a good year for music. Edit: Ooops, that's wrong as well. It gained track in the Netherlands in 1993 and the music video was released in 1993 but the original release was on October 13th 1990.

[@natanunorthodox]

That Madonna singing shuffle is nice and unique, and soul to soul is crazy simple but great. I didn't realize how simplistic some of these songs were. By the way, alot of people don't even know, but the Roland jd xi that I own and love has all of the old kits like the 808, 909 and many other hip hop, EDM and dance/pop/ latina kits in the machine. There are 400 some drum sounds and over 200 synth sounds. I make crazy nice beats on this little beast all the time, and it will definitely come in handy when I need those old school kits that are absolutely essential to making nice music and songs. Don't listen when people tell you that the jd xi is trash, because when you dive into it, I'm telling you, you will be shocked at all the things in the menu and what it can do.

[@ThomasCorfield]

Doctor Mix, for each example, before you press play, I look up the official video first, and note that whenever you hum over the top of your examples, you do so with perfect pitch. If I had a hat on, I'd take it off to you, and if I wasn't stuck in a wheelchair, I'd also bow. Respect.

[@jameslo303]

I had always felt that Vogue was shuffled throughout, drums included. Your point regarding Madonna's singing was spot on and also something surely to keep in mind for the future. Thx!

[@FolieBallon]

amazing how something that came out in 1983 played such a huge role in eletronic music over many decades

[@Antonio_Ortiz]

Earned a sub. And the versatility of this machine is mind-blowing. Also glad to see so much love for the Bjork "Hunter" beat in the comments. The album that song is featured on, Homogenic, had some truly far-ahead-of-its-time beats.

[@hINC]

My favourite machine! Always have been, always will be. LOVE how Jeff Mills‘ track stands out :)

[@chitan1362]

Those hats and snares are just TIMELESS

[@MedlifeCrisis]

Epic work. Love it

[@Macarite]

U never fail to surprise me Ahahah

[@JafarCalley]

Such a classic acid house sound. A mate of mine still has one!

[@OVXX666]

how did bjork pull that off damnnnnn gurl

[@andriealinsangao613]

What, that pattern? Holy shit.

[@TerryBeatson]

1:06 gotta love that house beat tho.

[@Dragoneer]

That one was my favorite

[@lazyeejay]

Am I a dreeeaaaammmmmer. . . .

[@dnch]

wow the bjork one, is that with only 2 levels of velocity?

[@minkvelour]

1:19 is also the beat for Dreamer, by Livin' Joy.

[@filipedias7284]

1:33 is the sickest shit I've ever heard

[@wheelmantony]

Faithless is EXTREMELY underrated. Nice to see you added them :-)

[@X-101]

What, that shit gets played on the radio all the time in the UK

[@damienlott]

- Dr, how many rings are you gonna wear? - Yes.

[@cash402]

Cool vid, would love to see one on distorting the 909 kicks with hardware eq and distortion

[@JohnnyX50]

The daftpunk one is also reminiscent of 187 Lockdown - Kung Fu ;) My Roland JX305 has the TR909 kit in it , you got me in the mood to do rhythm patterns now lol

[@5pr1nk57]

I always think of the Ramsey & Fen remix when I think of that track

[@lt2143]

Interesting breakdown of Madonna's Vogue. Basically she didn't reply mainly on the beat. Her vocals contributed to the overall rhythm. I'd be curious to hear about your breakdown of Express Yourself Shep Pettibone remix in 1989.

[@RobMeijers]

3:40 show me luv is definitely 90's. Great sounds, love the video!

[@BeatmastersBr]

Orbital - Belfast is beautiful!!! Nice work Doc!!!

[@meesc3556]

2:35. I'm glad you mentioned Bob Sinclar. They sound very similar.

[@hotfirecaster]

The one who makes my day is you :) Thanks again for sharing your videos! Greetings from Paris !

[@maxryan9052]

Im lucky enough to have been given this amazing piece of equipment by my dad when he got rid of all his music stuff. He was well aware what they’re worth now, but knew that the enjoyment I’d get out of it is more valuable. Its now the most precious item in my music arsenal and I have it insured for $10,000 lol.

[@soamatic]

Bjork "Hunter" beat was made on Novation Drumstation ( no 909 )

[@Eldufo]

Engineer Markus Dravs says it was a 909. See Wiki page for the song. it has a source.

[@eldjmasterfreddy3094]

Love them sounds of that 909. Chicago's House Music was the Bomb with labels as Under Ground Counstruction, Traxx Records. Great Post

[@Highrollinhunter]

Same here the Upstairs Records used a 909 on the first Angelina album which is an underrated Freestyle album.

[@researchandbuild1751]

That Bjork beat is pretty awesome

[@adamharris7775]

The Roland TR-909 was heard in the song "Who Let the Dogs Out" (2000).

[@robertschulz6558]

This little guy has made a big piece of music history.

[@XHitsugaX]

I have no idea about modern music, bpm and the synths but this is awesome

[@backslash68]

"Modern" music? some of the songs demoed here are from more than 30 years ago

[@technoqueenkiara]

Hello Doctor Mix , i am a techno artist although it's expensive to get a TR--909 And 808 doesn't mean you can buy it , i am the only person that is a fan of old school artists like daft punk, brooklyn bounce and of course scooter, i wish i had this but you are awesome two thumbs up! i just use fl studio

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Thank you Doc. Like all the beat demos, but my favorites are the ones which deviate from the straight-uo dance format such as “Take Me Home”.

[@danquay9504]

Simply amazing, learning the patterns, from major hit recordings & the key secret is the drum patterns, each of there own makes a unique sound, song

[@garryvee]

Absolutely awesome. An excellent demonstration of some really cool beats.

[@falcone7908]

We found the true Lord of the Rings!

[@phillyphil1513]

ROTFLMAO.

[@FrancisJoa]

He has them all. Sauron can go home.

[@yobhsiFehT]

"... but they were all of them deceived..."

[@romco98]

But there is still your electricity provider

[@brianfergus839]

But one will rule them all

[@Attackazach]

"It's Frankie Knuckles, man" god damn straight is

[@jaapiekluitebuiter5498]

Man your content is pure gold. Keep up the good work!!

[@NoNameUK]

I so wished the 909 kit in my TR8S sounded like that! Great video! Thank you

[@FoxBox72]

The iconic "Keep on Moving" beat. Also used by Enigma for "Sadness pt1".

[@井熊崇人]

見てるだけで音に感動します。いい！

[@koshmary112]

I made so many cover songs with this affordable drum machine. So easy to use. Thanks for bringing me back the memories.

[@audiodood]

Do you still have it

[@AutPen38]

The only time these were "affordable" was in the mid-eighties when they showed up as second-hand items in music instrument and junk shops. They were "too expensive" when they were brand new, and later became collectors' items once they'd been rediscovered and used by the pioneers of house and techno. Original and working devices aren't very affordable today, even with all the cheap clones and samples available. It's an iconic device.

[@koshmary112]

@@AutPen38 not true, not secondhand, brand new at Sam Ash in Manhattan 900+$ on sale.

[@koshmary112]

@@audiodood sold it in the mid 90’s.

[@AutPen38]

​@@koshmary112 Your idea of "affordable" must be different to mine. It's great that you got a discount on the 1983 RRP of $1,195, but an inflation calculator suggests that the $900 you paid would be approximately equivalent to $2700 in today's money. (The modern boutique TR-09, by contrast, retailed at $399). Back in 1983, the average net take-home weekly pay in the US was $300. I would argue that spending three weeks' pay on a drum machine (instead of things like food and rent) does not make it "affordable". The original 909 was a commercial failure and remains relatively rare precisely because - like other studio equipment of the time - it *wasn't* affordable.

[@Nightingale1887]

Won tickets and went to a house/techno festival last weekend and the sheer amount of Roland drum machine use c.q. sampling is insane. Had to listen to any and all common 808/909 patterns two days straight. That made me drink a lot just to destract my brain.

[@1.2.3.4..5]

Nightingale1887 Thats How they get you

[@Polychromophilia]

The 808 defined the sound of the 80s, while the 909 defined the sound of the 90s. It’s all in the names!

[@phenixreturns]

*A lot of drum covers here ! not only drum machines but as a drummer I use both acoustic and drum machines kzbin.info/www/bejne/nobakq1qgciJnLs I am a guitarist too so enjoy ! *

[@M364A]

2000s?

[@CSGModFan2012]

@@M364A 202? Nah IDK

[@AutPen38]

They are both still relevant today, albeit more commonly in sampled/VST form than as hardware units. A bit like the Fender guitars and Marshall amps that were made in the sixties that still get used today. Once a sound is deemed to be "good", it will stay around in some form or other. I'm just waiting for the harpsichord revival.

[@mjolden]

I could've sworn there was some swing (shuffle) on Madonna's "Vogue", thanks for that breakdown.

[@dianevrules]

Favorites here: 0:46 4:50 6:40 Love all those songs.

[@simonelectric-drumlikeamac4285]

Still grooving after all these years - great audio capture in this video man!

[@Keemo577]

Thanks for introducing me to The Whistle Song. I can see just laying in the grass on a sunny day with it playing through some awesome cans. You got a sub for these drum machine demo vids.

[@ozguroyus]

Then let me introduce you to "she got soul", heard them on the same radio program some 27 years ago kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGTUmaxpdsysiNk

[@wezzlyn]

Classic. Radiohead's 15 step was done on one of these and that's good enough for me.

[@diptonsauce1985]

the björk beat reminded me of thom yorkes programming for sure

[@zakur0hako]

was it really? would never guess 909 was in that song

[@trustyshellback4724]

The 909 is the KING of "4 on the floor" and other dance grooves while the 808 is the KING of Rap / Hip Hop

[@AutPen38]

It fascinates me that all music genres arrive because of the use (or abuse) of technology, whether it's the invention of the piano (which largely replaced the harpsichord in classical music), the arrival of Fender guitars and Marshall amps (for rock and metal), or drum machines, synths, and samplers for modern electronic music. See also: Autotune, which was invented to make sure live singers could sing in tune, but was then used in plugin form on laptops as a creative effect in pop/rap. I wonder which current technologies will lead to whole new genres.

[@kwalaty7]

I just bought the Roland TR8S and it has these sounds. Definitely wasn't going to pay thousands for this machine. But nice to see you're still having fun with it

[@noiselabproject9659]

no 2 is also Sadness pt 1 by enigma

[@Doctormix]

Well remembered!

[@MrYazbo]

Sadness has more swing set on it though

[@CaptainZuurpruim]

Yup! Here is another one: "Close to you" - Maxi Priest

[@MehulMewal]

That part makes me sad.

[@bouncytrapbeats]

Great! Thanks for this little lesson in dance music history!

[@rhysf.505]

I love the way these old machines look. Nowadays everything is black, shiny, and has a "minimalistic" layout. When did people stop liking buttons and knobs?

[@WilliamNyberg]

It's a whole lot cheaper to have one or two buttons and a cruddy UI displayed on a tiny LCD. The expensive stuff still has knobs and such.

[@trixstermillion2190]

I played these beats for my 808, and now it's a 909.

[@adamharris7775]

My friend Gabriel Shapiro played some 1983 song where the Roland TR-808 and Roland TR-909 claps were heard.

[@els1f]

I love the 909 so much! And Bjork😁 "I'm going hunting"

[@basicinfo1640]

Elsif it’s amazing how much life is in that track

[@mikemusic7]

0:34 Enigma - Sadeness 🎹🎧♩♫♬♪🥁

[@MagicTracksProduction]

Yes!

[@cookystuff2866]

Yes

[@UjjwalGauravRaajSen]

my first thoughts too

[@smoothstate]

Sadeness has Korg Wavestation drums

[@DAIadvisor]

@@smoothstate Is that what they were using? I though tit was just a sample.. If you have any information, please share.

[@philwhatever3903]

At 1min in that loop sounds like living joys’s-dreamer long before Daft Punk 👍

[@neurobits]

Great. Clearly you love music, so you really transmit the pleasure and excitement you feel about music, sound and machines. Last night I got Around the World, learning from your video. (even if you earn money when showing new machines. It is not my business. May be saying this is out of context. I'm comenting on it, I just saw a couple "popular" guys (musicians evidently), but just using catchy titles on their videos and not showing nor sharing any valuable information, emotion or instruction)

[@gian_accetta]

Amazing song choices! Can't believe you chose Belfast! Thanks

[@cash5092]

3:40 if I was there in the 80's? Show me love was released in 1990. Ah well, your still the coolest dude in the room.

[@jimscott2050]

I thought it was released in 1993.

[@demerit5]

Doctor Mix, thank you for doing this. Your videos are outstanding and I will never not watch them when they show up in my KZbin feed.

[@MarcelJanovsky]

Fun Fact: You Tube ID's this video as Enigma - 'Sadness', who (Michael Cretu) sampled the full 909 loop from Soul2Soul's 'Keep on Movin'.

[@DaveMcGarry]

Superb illustration of a legendary machine. Loved that Bjork pattern although I heard it was a Novation drum machine also as someone else mentioned.. Also very suprised to hear Orbital..

[@phenixreturns]

*A lot of drum covers here ! not only drum machines but as a drummer I use both acoustic and drum machines kzbin.info/www/bejne/nobakq1qgciJnLs I am a guitarist too so enjoy ! *

[@scottptolomey3498]

Adamski NRG and Killer great 909 hooks

[@streetstyle9200]

Chicago loves the 909

[@djcj]

This is a phenomenal resource, thank you so much for doing this

[@stupot194]

Belfast made me emotional for some reason. Great video!

[@chefkibby]

Robin S’s Show Me Love is one of my favorite examples of the synth drum beat - but it just isn’t the same without all the random crash cymbal hits. Don’t act like this isn’t a thing!

[@adamharris7775]

The Roland TR-909 was heard in Baha Men - Who Let the Dogs Out (1998-2001).

[@justcallmesando]

This has to be one of the best videos around

[@persuadersonic]

"How can yo play with all those rings?" "Very well, thank you" - Liberace.

[@alextirrellRI]

Goodness, this thing still sounds fantastic.

[@habdman]

My god, what an iconic sound.

[@daudidaudi]

I've just discovered your channel today, great content man. Subscribed.

[@mckaman8353]

Very good reporting! A+! Great Job!

[@creepmike77]

I got blown in a bathroom at a club in NYC back in the 80s while Show Me Love was blasting on the sound system. Man I miss those times.

[@rivingtonpike7899]

Can’t believe it. Almost 40 years since we last saw each other and we both comment on the same KZbin video within a day of each other! Hope you’re doing well man. I finally graduated high school and became a prison officer. I’ve still got the huge tasche and enjoy pumping iron. Keep well my friend.

[@AutPen38]

It's great that you guys were able to bond in that club bathroom in the '80s to the soundtrack of a song that was released (and largely ignored) in the UK in 1990 and didn't become popular in the US until the remix crossed over in '92/'93. Time travel was much better in the past.

[@Gusrikh1]

Interesting. Nostalgic. Thank you.

[@emifisa]

I associeted "keep on movin" to "Sadness - Enigma" same beat

[@thendbroadcast]

exactly