9 of the best 909 tracks using the TR-909

808 State helped draw attention to the burgeoning dance music scene in the UK in 1989 with the release of ‘Pacific State’, which was dreamy and soulful house music at its finest, The group, consisting of Graham Massey, Martin Price and Gerald Simpson (A Guy Called Gerald), got their name from the TR-808, but their use of the TR-909 gave ‘Pacific State’ the rhythm it needed to thrive. Today, they still break out the old gear during live performances, which shows relevant the equipment remains today. “Analogue’s kind of what the kids enjoy these days anyway,” said Gerald. “Everyone’s got a computer, so they want to see someone using the old stuff. For me it’s actually easier to use the old gear. I can do it with my eyes closed nowadays.”