Roland 808 Apparel Sales to Sponsor 1500 Sound Academy Students

Roland, electronic musical instrument brand, has partnered with ZANEROBE to release a limited-edition apparel collection celebrating Roland’s legendary TR-808 drum machine. Sales from the collaboration will sponsor six students through 1500 Sound Academy—a state-of-the-art music school in Los Angeles that offers music production training to aspiring professionals.

“Roland and ZANEROBE share a passion for creativity and a commitment to influencing culture,” said Nathan Chandra, creative director and founder of Roland Lifestyle. “By teaming up, we are able to build a legacy that bridges the gap between music and fashion.”

The partnership comes shortly after Roland’s debut into the lifestyle category and solidifies the brand’s commitment to empowering youth in the music industry. After Roland pioneered the TR-808 Rhythm Composer in 1982, the 12,000 units became a cultural phenomenon and created foundational sounds for hip-hop and electronic music. The 808, as it came to be known by many, paved the way for Phil Collins, Marvin Gaye, Run DMC, and Beastie Boys. Today, it is still used by artists like Kanye West, Pharrell, Timbaland, Swizz Beatz, and RL Grime.

"Core to ZANEROBE is artistic expression and music. We are excited about all the great things 1500 Sound Academy is doing to help a younger generation of artists reach new levels. We thank Roland and the academy for including us in this life-changing initiative,” says Jonathon Yeo, director and co-founder of ZANEROBE.

Proceeds of the collaboration will sponsor six young artists to attend 1500 Sound Academy - the most elite music production training available for musicians worldwide. Co-founded by GRAMMY-winning R&B/pop singer/songwriter James Fauntleroy and GRAMMY-winning producer/musician Larrance “Rance” Dopson from the acclaimed production collective 1500 or Nothin’, the school functions as a gateway career by providing hands-on training and education into music production and emerging business practices.

“We created 1500 Sound Academy with the goal to give back to our community,” said Larrance “Rance” Dopson, co-founder of 1500 Sound Academy. “We are thrilled to bring together three global organizations through art, music and fashion to help young musicians fulfill their dreams.”


Availability & Pricing
The Roland x ZANEROBE collaboration includes a boilersuit, bucket hat, t-shirt, hoodie and cargo sweatpants and retails between $45-$250.

To purchase or learn more, visit rolandlifestyle.shop, zanerobe.com, or 1500soundacademy.com.