Just around the corner is one of North America's most anticipated music festivals for electronic music devotees of all ages. Anchored at the heart of the city where it all began, Detroit Movement Festival is a commemoration of a music and culture that began in the city backstreets during the 80's and is still recognized today as one of Detroit's game-changing contributions.
More than just a genre, techno is a state of mind. The uniqueness of it has spread further than many could have ever anticipated. Movement celebrates everything that has come to be thanks to the groundwork laid by Juan Atkins "The Originator", Derrick May "The Innovator", Kevin Saunderson "The Elevator" and Eddie "Flashin" Fowlkes. With numerous showcases to choose from at Hart Plaza and the festival's official afterparty venues, you'll come to find that the the selections are a testament to the multifold of musical styles and performers that Detroit has influenced.
Here are some of our showcase and afterparty picks we think you should circle on your agenda.
Ghostly International Showcase – Sunday May 24 – Made In Detroit Stage
Just a few miles outside Detroit lies Ann Arbor, MI, home to the Ghostly International record label. Started way back in 1999, the label’s found its biggest success through crossover stars like Tycho and Com Truise, but it’s easy to forget how much great dance music has come from Ghostly, especially its house and techno-focused sub-label, Spectral Sound. Movement is a perfect time to showcase this side of the label; in fact, many of the artists still call Detroit or Ann Arbor home. This year Matthew Dear leads a regiment of excellent up-and-coming DJs, with a little variety like Shigeto and Heathered Pearls thrown in. Be sure not to miss Matrixxman and Fort Romeau, two of Ghostly’s rising tech-house stars, who will hold the afternoon down from 2-4 P.M., Ryan Elliott at 9, and of course Matthew Dear, closing the night out with what is sure to be an unforgettable set. Below, you can check out a marathon-length mix of him going back to back with Carl Craig in Miami a few months back.— Mike Waite
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Detroit Love Showcase – Saturday May 23 – Made In Detroit Stage
Kicking off Day 1 of the festival, Carl Craig's Detroit Love Showcase is the 12-hour party to visit for that taste of Detroit many make the trip for. Hosting an abundance of Detroit bred talent, Detroit Love guarantees to give you the nostalgia, education, and good time you can only find in Motor City. Featuring performances by Terrence Parker, Gaiser, Urban Tribe, and Korrupt Data covering daytime vibes, Recloose, Stacey Pullen, and Paul Woolford got you covered for the later portion. Detroit specialties Robert Hood under his Floorplan moniker and Carl Craig featuring Mad Mike Banks are set to close this one out (as it should be).
Get in the mood with Floorplan's Fact mix below. — Raquel Olmedo
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Disclosure Presents Wild Life – Saturday May 23 – RBMA Stage
Can’t make it to Brighton for Disclosure and Rudimental’s two-day Wild Life festival next month? No problem, Disclosure is bringing the party to Detroit! For all of Saturday, May 23rd, the Red Bull Music Academy stage will feature artists from their brand new festival’s eclectic lineup. Expect plenty of house mastery from the likes of Kerri Chandler, Rick Wilhite, and Eats Everything, and even an appearance from Method Man. Disclosure closes out the night, and afterwards the duo will join Kevin Saunderson at the Detroit Masonic Temple for one incredible after party double-bill.
Disclosure’s likely to drop some new material, including their latest release, “Bang That.” Check it out below if you missed it.— Mike Waite
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Nina Kraviz трип 2 Detroit – Sunday May 24 – Populux
Movement veterans would argue that what makes the festival are its afterparties, and Nina Kraviz plays host this year to one of the more enticing afterparty offerings for those wanting to continue the night with awakening acid-tinged sound textures. As Kraviz and трип affiliates Exos and Bjarki ready for a label take-over, Terrence Dixon and Robert Hood join the bill to make this a cross-continental partnership you won't want to miss.
Listen to Terrence Dixon's Boiler Room NYC set below. — Raquel Olmedo
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BNR 10 Year – Sunday May 24 – Detroit Masonic Temple
If you’re looking for a quick change to something rowdier and more electro-oriented, Boysnoize Records' 10 Year Anniversary after party is definitely the place for you. Head honcho Boys Noize is bringing along label artists like Pilo, Destructo, and Escor Crist, as well as a few monstrous special guests; Skrillex and Danny Brown. Boys Noize and Skrillex will be performing earlier in the day as Dog Blood, but this will be your one opportunity to see an always unpredictable solo set from Sonny. There are even rumors of another still-unannounced guest in the works.
Check out a recent collaboration between Boys Noize and Pilo, “Cerebral,” below. — Mike Waite
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INTERFACE | SCENE – Sunday May 24 – The Works
Already in its 4th installment at Movement, Droid Behavior & Blank Code team up for another esteemed party, and it's packed with talent. As Raiz, Luis Flores, Subversive, and JAK bring their west coast vibes, DJ Hyperactive, Mike Gervais, Joe Sousa and Project 313 cover the midwest.Then there's the trans-atlantic aspect of this party that sees Steve Rachmad, Reeko, and RØDHÅD joining in. Mick Finesse and Deraout also hop on to add some zest to the event.
Ready yourself with Subversive's CLR podcast below and be sure to check his Detroit debut @ The Works. — Raquel Olmedo
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