9 of the best 909 tracks using the TR-909

With Roland teasing a remake of the TR-909 earlier last week, Mixmag took a look back at some of the best tracks produced using the influential drum machine.

The TR-909 played an important role in the progression of the music industry, with producers of all genres choosing to use the hardware to create the core percussive elements that lay at the foundation of a track. When it was released in the mid-80s it opened up a world of possibilities for creatives at the time and now, over 30 years later, it’s still being used in the studio. For those that want to get that distinct analogue touch, there’s nothing quite like it.

In chronological order, here are some of the most innovative tracks produced using the TR-909.

During the ‘80s, Mr Fingers, also known as Larry Heard, was a pioneering artist who helped establish the foundation of house music. A crucial record during the early days, ‘Can You Feel It’ is regarded by many as one of the very first house records and, thanks to the TR-909, helped cement the 4/4 beat firmly at the heart of dance music culture. Trax Records released the ballad 1986 and it spread throughout Chicago, strongly influencing the music that would take over the city’s club scene.