Twitter account Tech Product Bangers has compiled Nokia 8800 ringtones and alerts – most of which the late pioneering Japanese musician created.
Following the news of Ryuichi Sakamoto’s passing yesterday (2 April), a compilation of Nokia 8800 sounds that he composed has been shared. In addition to his film scores, extensive solo and collaborative releases and output as one third of Yellow Magic Orchestra, Sakamoto created many of the signature mobile phone ringtones and alerts for the Nokia 8800 back in 2005.
“In honour of Ryuichi Sakamoto,” Tech Product Bangers wrote, “I have created a video compilation of all the ringtones and alerts on the Nokia 8800, most of which are his work. Please take a listen, some lovely sounds here.”
In honor of Ryuichi Sakamoto who passed away today, I have created a video compilation of all the ringtones and alerts on the Nokia 8800, most of which are his work. Please take a listen, some lovely sounds here.https://t.co/J9w8AyA8Jc
— Tech Product Bangers (@techprodbangers) April 2, 2023
Yesterday it was confirmed that Sakamoto passed away on 28 March aged 71 following an ongoing battle with cancer. At the beginning of this year, he released his last album 12 which was recorded in 2021 and 2022. He had recently been announced to perform at Manchester International Festival.
A Tribute to Ryuichi Sakamoto: To The Moon and Back was released last November to mark the musician’s 70th birthday, featuring reworked versions of his music by artists including Thundercat, Devonté Hynes, Alva Noto and David Sylvian.
In a tribute statement to the acclaimed composer and producer, Sakamoto’s management company Commmons wrote that “while undergoing treatment for cancer discovered in June 2020, Sakamoto continued to create works in his home studio whenever his health would allow. He lived with music until the very end.”
Listen to the Nokia 8800 compilation below.
Read: A guide to Ryuichi Sakamoto’s cinematic storytelling through sound.