When we talk about electronic music, the name 808 State is one of those that come to mind. The musical journey of 808 State has been an inspiration to many, and his sounds have become a soundtrack for dance floors all around the world. In this blog post, we delve into the musical biography of 808 State – his beginnings, his most famous albums, his most famous songs – in a bid to unravel the intricacies that make up his sound.
Beginnings of 808 State
808 State is the iconic British electronic music group formed by Graham Massey, Martin Price, and Gerald Simpson. The group was formed in Manchester in 1987 and named after the classic Roland TR-808 drum machine, which was used extensively in hip-hop music at the time. They released their first EP, Newbuild, in 1988 and gained recognition for their innovative sound that incorporated different electronic music genres such as acid house, techno, and ambient music.
Musical Style and Influences of 808 State
808 State is known for his unique sound that features a blend of techno, house, and ambient music. The group's music is spacey, textural, and rhythmically complex, often featuring intricate percussive elements that meld with dreamy synths. The group is credited with developing the post-acid house sound in the UK, which was characterized by its ambient and techno influences. 808 State's sound has been influenced by various artists such as Kraftwerk, Brian Eno, and Pink Floyd.
Famous Albums of 808 State
One of the most famous albums of 808 State is Pacific State, which was released in 1989. The album featured the hit single, Pacific, which became an instant classic in the UK, making it to the top 10 of the charts. In 1991, they released their second album, Ex:El, which featured the hit single, In Yer Face, which also went to the top 10 in the UK singles chart. In 1996, they released their fourth album, Don Solaris, which was a nod to the ambient style of their music.
Famous Songs of 808 State
Aside from Pacific and In Yer Face, 808 State has other famous songs that have been an influence on the UK music scene. One of these is Cubik, which was released in 1990 and became an instant hit in the UK. The song fused house and techno elements, with a groove-based melody that would keep anyone on the dance floor. Another famous song by 808 State is 10X10, which was released in 2002 and featured guest vocals from Human League's Philip Oakey. The song was an atmospheric downtempo track that showcased the group's ability to incorporate other genres into their sound.
808 State has been at the forefront of electronic music for more than three decades, and his musical journey has inspired many. His sound has become an essential part of the UK music scene and his influence felt worldwide. The group's unique blending of different electronic genres has earned them a place in history, and their sound continues to evolve with every new release they put out. It's clear that 808 State's music will continue to be an influence on future electronic music producers and enthusiasts for years to come.
