Portrait of 808 State in the studio.
808 State are one of the most influential electronic music groups to emerge from Manchester, playing a pivotal role in shaping the sound of house music not only in the city but also across the UK and beyond. Formed in the late 1980s, the group—originally consisting of Graham Massey, Martin Price, and Andy Barker—helped pioneer a unique blend of acid house, techno, and electronic music that would leave a lasting impact on both the Manchester music scene and the wider global electronic landscape.
808 State’s early work was part of the burgeoning acid house movement, which had exploded in cities like Chicago and Detroit. The group’s name itself pays homage to the iconic Roland TR-808 drum machine, a tool that was central to the development of early house and techno music. By incorporating this distinctive drum sound and embracing the experimental, repetitive, and hypnotic qualities of acid house, 808 State became instrumental in introducing these genres to Manchester and the UK.
Their debut album, “Newbuild” (1988), was a groundbreaking release in the acid house and early techno scenes, capturing the raw energy of the rave culture emerging in the UK. However, it was their subsequent work in the early 1990s that really solidified their legacy in house music.
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