Detroit techno label Motech Records, now entering itâs eighteenth year, has consistently continued to support the development of underground artists through its diverse and imaginative A&R policy.
âMotech has always been about finding and exposing new exciting music whilst still collaborating with the more established and distinguished artists in the fieldâ says label head honcho and Detroit legend in his own right, artist DJ 3000.
Key to Motechâs longevity, in a scene where only a handful of labels manage to maintain such underground consistency, is 3000âs resistance in compromising his signature sound, resisting pressure to place commercial success over creative passion, and maintaining true authenticity. 3000â sunmarises, âWe embrace current trends in techno whilst always remaining true to their creative rootsâ.
The latest release on the label, Illyrian EP, takes inspiration from 3000âs Albanian heritage. â3000 describes it as âa mix of Detroit style techno and signature ethnic rhythms, whilst still keeping the current overall sound of whatâs todayâ, and this package is perfect evidence. Filled with luscious jazzy fills and stabs DJ 3000 doing what he does best, capturing the Albanian Warriors connotations attached with the translation of the âIllyrianâ title. The remix of âIllyrianâ comes courtesy from the ever-experimental Frankfurt-born artist Michael Klein of Pan-Potâs Second State Audio Label fame. Klein adds his trademark dark groove, providing a track that once again highlights Motechâs ability to appeal to generations of techno enthusiasts.
The second track from DJ 3000 is âKahvĂ«â. Based around a Turkish-Albanian rhythm, the track is juxtaposed with techno chords synonymous with â3000â, the overall result is super funky. Canadian techno don Carlo Lio also makes a long and highly anticipated debut on the label with his remix of âKahvĂ«â. Lio utilises the percussive elements of the original and layers serious floor shaking weight, resulting in a chunky slammer full of soul, completing an EP that has something for everyone that likes to dance.
We took the chance to speak to DJ 3000 about his Detroit roots, the soul of the city that gave birth to techno and, of course, the A&R vision and direction of Motech Records.
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