Sunshine Jones – A Love Letter To The Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer
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A Love Letter to the magnificent Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer.
Covering the basic features of the instrument, but largely focused on the impact this drum machine had on absolutely everything. My most personal love letter, I share stories of how I actually got one, and of being attacked for using a drum machine at all. It’s fun, inspiring, and filled with love, devotion and gratitude to all of the maestros who had the courage to dance at a time when dancing wasn’t on the minds of masses. The TR-909 is the voice of those of us who weren’t done dancing, and cheered for disco’s revenge.
Note: I am an electronic musician, a designer, and a huge fan of synthesizers and drum machines. I am not an authority, nor am I a historian. These love letters (I should think that it goes without saying) are Op Ed (opinion based editorial) and thus they are filled with hyperbole, artistic license and some degree of speaking categorically to get the point across. This is not the first word, or anywhere near the last word on the story I’m telling. It’s just a love letter.
Photographed, written, filmed, scored, programed, narrated and directed by Sunshine Jones.
©2019 The Urgency Of Change
Special thanks to everyone who danced their way to the stars with me.
I have made a limited edition T-shirt print of the technical drawing made for use in this love letter – a hand drawn pencil and ink illustration with type set in photoshop. 101 shirts were available. See more at theurgencyofchange.com to get yours. At this initial posting, all 101 shirts are already sold out. There will be no others.
For more info about about me:
http://theurgencyofchange.com
http://sunshine-jones.com (you are here now)
http://sunshinejones.bandcamp.com
30 Comments
Yes !!! Love it.
Another masterpiece ♥
I’m speechless with ♥ . This tribute to the 909 and godfather’s of our house.
Even Phil Collins “ewe” .
♥ this.
♥ ♥ ♥ You.
Wonderful!
That was gorgeous. Thank you.
Wow. this is the best one yet. you can feel your love. amazing words throughout.
My favourite love letter of yours and I love them all. Thanks for sharing your passion again ♥
As always, awesome.
yes. fantastic.
Amazing …. Thank you for taking the time to put this together.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
I freaking love this so much ♥
YES!
That’s beautiful ♥
Sure glad you found that 909 at a second hand store
Love it. “Analog is as analog does” ♥
Another love letter, another masterpiece. Beautifully written, narrated, illustrated, photographed, filmed, edited and with a dope soundtrack to die for. Thank you!
Beautiful! ♥
More than a love letter. You made a beautiful documentary. This is wonderful. Thank you!
FIRE!
Happy 909! Congrats on another beautiful Love Letter! ♥
You are magnificent! Happy 909
Happy 9/09 brotha
Loved it! Thank you for all your time and effort.
Very nice! I love it! ♥
Wicked !
I really enjoyed this. Thank you !
Amazing. Thank you.
Wow, that was wonderful.
Ah-mazing! ♥