Detroit is the birthplace of techno music. Its creator is Juan Atkins, known as the “godfather of techno,” and after more than three decades in the scene, he’s still performing and making new music. Stateside’s Emily Fox spoke with Atkins about the legacy of Detroit techno. Atkins' latest album, under the name “Model 500” is out today. It’s called “Digital Solutions.”
Atkins said techno and electronic music are synonymous.
“It was music born out of technology basically, and produced from all electronic instruments and also computers and sequencers and drum computers and everything that developed out of the technological movement,” he said.
While techno has its roots in Detroit, it took longer to take off in the United States than it did in Europe. Atkins attributes this to the way the music industries differ in the U.S. and Europe – the U.S. has larger, more multi-national companies in its music industry than Europe does. Change, therefore, takes longer.
Nonetheless, Atkins stays in Detroit.
“When it comes to music, specifically electronic music, the atmosphere is unmatchable anywhere else. I mean, Detroit is like no other place in terms of creativity.”
DAILY DOSE OF TECHNO !
I finally managed to make it out to Detroit last year and I have to agree, the atmosphere there was incredible. Had one of the best times of my life jumping from afterparty to afterparty.
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Love it. Born and raised in Detroit and Southern, MI. I was supposed to be back for the holidays, but had to go out West instead. Thanks for sharing this interview. I call Detroit "The City That Brought You The 20th Century" cuz they built it all there. Peace!
Are you sure? Techno had its roots with a band called Kraftwerk in Germany in the 70's But, ok. Great post, as I love Infected Mushrooms :)
Well that's the problem i know that germany is the brith country of techno but the articles say differend. Infected Mushrooms are true kings alongside with Carl Cox.
The crazy thing, is Kraftwerk is still doing it. They all are old men now :/ and you are right about both IM and Carl Cox :)