Podcast with Ian at The Digital Lifestyle

I had a very enjoyable conversation this week with Ian Dixon of The Digital Lifestyle. As I’m currently researching and writing a book about vintage drum machines, it was a great opportunity to discuss and demo them. They are all quite different, and whilst not the big-name classics like the 808 or 909, still illustrate the fascinating evolution of these important devices.

Units covered are the: Keio Mini Pops Junior (1972), Boss DR-55 (1980), Roland TR-606 (1982), Korg DDM-110 (1985), Yamaha RX17 (1987).

THE DIGITAL LIFESTYLe PODCAST WITH OLI FREKE

https://thedigitallifestyle.com/w/2025/10/the-drum-machines-that-changed-music-forever-with-oli-freke/

Drum Machine Podcast for Sound On Sound

I’m proud to share with you all my first podcast episode for Sound On Sound on the history of the drum machine:

https://www.soundonsound.com/sound-advice/drum-machine-history-podcast

From the earliest pre-transistor efforts to replicate a drum kit to the latest developments, this is a fascinating story of how this electronic instrument category has influenced musical culture and reflected the technological developments of each era.

I cover early analague drum machines, sampling drum mahines, of course the 808 and 909 - and much (much) else.

Best thing is that there are about 50 audio clips inllustrating the sound of key instruments and songs that used them!

Enjoy!