HARD Events, one of North Americaâs most beloved event brands, has announced its return to Miami Music Week on Thursday, March 24 at famed Wynwood event space and food-hall, 1-800-Lucky. Read more
February is Black History Month, and it’s a special time to celebrate essential black voices whose impact is felt on and off the dance floor. Today and every day, pay due respect to the black pioneers of techno who have paved the way for future generations. This list is by no means exclusive, as it’s important to also acknowledge the black innovators and community who have promoted, supported, and given voice to the artists listed below. With that in mind, here are seven black trailblazers in techno that you need to know about.
Legendary Detroit producer and DJ Moodymann was arrested at gunpoint for allegedly breaking and entering on his own property in Detroit Michigan. The artist posted a video of the incident to his Instagram account, but it has since been taken down.
The shocking video included a caption describing the situation. According to Moodymann the police surrounded him in his own backyard and demanded to see proof of ownership. Despite having keys to his house and car he was then charged and arrested for breaking and entering.
Moodymann. Photo by Matthew Reeves
Detroit. The birthplace of Techno yes, but also the home of Motown and a selection of top-tier artists that symbolize a wide array of genres including Jazz, Gospel, Hip-hop, Rap, Rock and roll and of course Pop.
During the city’s second wave of emerging Techno artists, Kenny Dixon Jr., also known as Moodymann, represented an enigmatic figure that always strived to put music ahead of his own persona. He famously refused to give an interview for the first ten years of his career, despite becoming one of the genre’s most respected artist following the release of his ’97 debut Silentintroduction LP on Carl Craig’s Planet E Communications imprint.
During this past Movement weekend, Thump managed to gain access to one of Moodymann’s residencies in the Motor City. Located across from the Submerge record store, the characteristically Detroit three-story brick house turned out to be a living homage to the late Prince Rogers Nelson.
When asked about Prince’s biggest impact on his life, the Detroit producer quickly replied, “Girls. Women. I didn’t have to have no game, I just had to put a Prince record on. It was easy. I didn’t have to say nothing. They’ll come to the car where I’m playing it loud, and they’ll be like, ‘Can you turn that up?’ And I’ll be like, ‘No, you turn it up.'”
The following pictures tell the full story of Prince’s impact on Dixon as an individual, but also on his music, and by default on Techno as well.
Photo by Luis Nieto Dickens
Photo by Luis Nieto Dickens
Photo by Luis Nieto Dickens
Photo by Luis Nieto Dickens
Photo by Michelle Lhooq
Photo by Luis Nieto Dickens
Connect with Moodymann: Facebook | Twitter | Resident Advisor
Source: Thump
We are barely a third of the way through 2016, yet Cajual, Dirtybird and Hot Creations recording artist Doorly is having one of his strongest years to date. In February we saw him drop a strong remix of Carl Craig & Green Velvetâs âSo Whatâ, followed by the release of âWant Silverâ, a music collaboration with ZDS on This & That, Davide Squillace’s imprint.
He has kept going with a remix of Claptone âAnythingâ as well as House of Virus & Jimi Polo âBetter Days.â The coming year sees Doorly poised to release remix work for Idris Elba, Marshall Jefferson, DJ Pierre & Todd Terry and Gene Farris just to name a few.
Prior to his summer in Ibiza, Doorly will embark on a six-stop tour throughout the United States, with stops in California, Texas, New York and North Carolina. He will be accompanied by Moodymann, Andres, Native Behaviour, Tan Dem, Teddy Roosavelt, Will Forbes and a series of surprise guests yet to be announced.
Doorly in action. Photo courtesy of La Skimal
Full dates below:
05 MAY – MUSIC IS LOVE @ EOS LOUNGE (SANTA BARBERA CA)
DOORLY / NATIVE BEHAVIOUR
05 MAY – DOORLY & FRIENDS @ ETHICS (AUSTIN TX)
DOORLY/ TAN DEM / NATIVE BEHAVIOUR
07 MAY – TREETOPS @ HOUSE OF YES (BROOKLYN NYC)
WITH DOORLY / MOODYMANN / ANDRES / TEDDY ROOSAVELT
13 MAY – AUDIO (SAN FRANCISCO, CA)
DOORLY / WILL FORBES
14 MAY – DOORLY & FRIENDS @ SOUND (LOS ANGELES, CA)
DOORLY / SPECIAL GUEST TBA / TAN DEM / NATIVE BEHAVIOUS
15 MAY – CAMP SHIPFAM @ SECRET LOCATION (CHARLOTTE NC)
DOORLY + SPECIAL SECRET GUESTS
Red Bull Music Academy are heading to Leeds on November 15 bringing with them a stellar line up that further pushes the RBMA global sound brand. The event that will take place at Canal Mills will feature Moodymann along with a stacked roster of John Talabot, George Fitzgerald, Erol Alkan, and Daniel Avery while Mike Jones, People Get Real, and The Sonic Emporium will be providing resident support. For more information and tickets, click here.
