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The Soul of Detroit: In Interview with DJ 3000

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Detroit techno label Motech Records, now entering it’s eighteenth year, has consistently continued to support the development of underground artists through its diverse and imaginative A&R policy.

“Motech has always been about finding and exposing new exciting music whilst still collaborating with the more established and distinguished artists in the field” says label head honcho and Detroit legend in his own right, artist DJ 3000.

Key to Motech’s longevity, in a scene where only a handful of labels manage to maintain such underground consistency, is 3000’s resistance in compromising his signature sound, resisting pressure to place commercial success over creative passion, and maintaining true authenticity. 3000’ sunmarises, “We embrace current trends in techno whilst always remaining true to their creative roots”.

The latest release on the label, Illyrian EP, takes inspiration from 3000’s Albanian heritage. ‘3000 describes it as “a mix of Detroit style techno and signature ethnic rhythms, whilst still keeping the current overall sound of what’s today”, 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 ‘Illyrian’ title. The remix of ‘Illyrian’ comes courtesy from the ever-experimental Frankfurt-born artist Michael Klein of Pan-Pot’s Second State Audio Label fame. Klein adds his trademark dark groove, providing a track that once again highlights Motech’s ability to appeal to generations of techno enthusiasts.

The second track from DJ 3000 is ‘Kahvë’. Based around a Turkish-Albanian rhythm, the track is juxtaposed with techno chords synonymous with ‘3000’, 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 ‘Kahvë’. 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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Premiere: Detroit’s DJ 3000 returns to Motech With Two Vibrant Cuts and Remixes by Carlo Lio and Michael Klein

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Detroit’s DJ 3000 returns to his Motech imprint with two vibrant cuts entitled Illyrian EP including remixes from Second State’s Michael Klein and Rawthentic boss Carlo Lio.

Motech boss Franki Juncaj aka DJ 3000 holds a strong ethos for his Detroit label, a bastion of the underground sound now entering its eighteenth year. Juncaj first emerged onto the scene in 2002 through his ‘Somewhere in Detroit’ mix on Submerge Recordings and later that year launched his Motech imprint. His discography includes further releases on labels such as Playmobil, Submerge and Motech whose longevity stems from Juncaj’s resistance in compromising his signature sound whilst maintaining true authenticity.

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