Gorillaz sample Korg founder on Doncamatic

This isn't actually what a DoncaMatic looks like...
This isn't actually what a DoncaMatic looks like...

In calling their new single Doncamatic (All Played Out), Gorillaz are drawing attention to a vintage range of Korg rhythm machines. However, what's less widely known is that the song features a vocal sample of Korg founder and chairman Tsutomu Katoh.

Between 1963 and 1966, Katoh oversaw the production of four DoncaMatic rhythm machines, and it's him that you can hear saying 'DoncaMatic' on Gorillaz' single. What's not clear is whether or not Damon Albarn and co used any DoncaMatic hardware in the creation of the track - our suspicion is not.

Don't worry, though: we can bring you some real DoncaMatic action right now.

Doncamatic (All Played Out) features British singer/songwriter Daley and will be released on 22 November. Gorillaz are currently on tour in North America, and will kick off their UK and Ireland dates in November.

Ben Rogerson

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.