808 state

The group 808 State formed in 1988 in Manchester, England. They were considered pioneers of the acid house sound, a staple and foundation of rave music. Martin Price, who owned a popular and legendary record store called Eastern Bloc and who founded the independant label Creed, joined up with producer and local musician Graham Massy. They teamed up with Gerald Simpson, who collaborated the effort. At this time, 808 State recorded the debut EP Newbuild, in 1988.

Simpson left the group to form his own solo project. At this point, the remaining personnel enlisted Andrew Barker and Darren Partington (known as the Spinmasters) to record an EP called Quadrastate in 1989. A very popular hit on the club floors came forth from this effort, entitled "Pacific". Their next album, 808:90, was well-received by the ever-growing rave culture at that time. There were other singles released, some of which ended up on the 1991 album Ex:El, which featured vocals from Bernard Sumner (New Order) and ex-Sugarcubes vocalist Bjork.

In 1992, Price left the group to do solo producing, eventually forming his own label called Sun Text.

The remaining members carried on in 1993, releasing an album called Gorgeous, and after that, did some remix work for David Bowie, Soundgarden, and other performers, before returning with the album entitled Don Solaris in 1996. They released a greatest-hits compilation named 808:88-98 in 1998.

The band is still active, touring and performing DJ sets, and releasing albums and singles to the dance and rave scene. The most current information can be found online at http://www.808state.com.

Submitted by jw.