Digital music in the 1980s saw the birth of new technologies that changed how music was recorded, distributed, and consumed. The compact disc (CD) was introduced in 1982 by Sony and Philips, offering higher sound quality and greater durability than vinyl records and cassette tapes. The CD quickly gained popularity, leading to a shift in the music industry towards digital recording and mastering. Synthesizers and drum machines, such as the Roland TR-808, became key instruments in the production of music, especially in genres like pop, new wave, and hip-hop. These digital instruments allowed artists to experiment with electronic sounds, creating hits like Madonna’s Like a Virgin and Prince’s Purple Rain. The Walkman revolutionized how people listened to music, making it portable and personal. By the end of the decade, digital music was firmly established, laying the groundwork for future innovations.