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International
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Derrick May
photo courtesy of
Kevin
Saunderson photo 2004 ArtServe Michigan
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 Techno has been called “Detroit’s Gift to the World.” Its roots can be traced back to the 1980s, followed by a renowned influence on electronic European music and a gradual acceptance of it by America. What emerged next was an entire culture, ignited by the rave experience that embraces techno. The “Belleville Three” who created techno are native Detroiters Juan Atkins, Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson. In honor of their innovative contributions to the global music scene, the three are receiving the International Achievement Award at the 2004 ArtServe Michigan Governor’s Awards gala. They will be honored on November 18th at The Henry Ford in Dearborn. Most often associated with electronically fused futuristic rhythms and “extra-terrestrial” funk, techno is dance music characterized by a blend of soul and stripped down arrangements, with specific esthetics reflecting its Detroit roots. Capturing the spirit of a gritty city with an already established urban musical heritage, techno gradually received legitimate recognition under the hands-on tutelage of Atkins, May and Saunderson. Initiating themselves into electronics through DJing while still at Belleville High School, the three soon were mixing sounds and producing acclaimed pieces with a distinctively Detroit flavor. Their work led to collaborations and innovations, nurturing techno’s legitimacy for 20 years. In 2000, an entire mainstream celebration grew up around what has been dubbed “faceless and mysterious music,” with the debut of the Detroit Electronic Music Festival. The Detroit Historical Museum featured techno for 18 months in what the Detroit Free Press called “cool, hip and counter-culture” in a 2003 exhibit, the first tribute to music in the museum’s history. In describing techno for The Village Voice in 1993, May said, “[Techno] is just like Detroit, a complete mistake. It’s like George Clinton and Kraftwerk stuck in an elevator.” Juan Atkins credits life for his inspiration, stressing the importance of never restricting himself to just one style of music or any other interest. “I’ve always been a music lover,” he said in the same article. “Everything has a subconscious effect on what I do.” “I’m hyperactive and I like making hyperactive music,” said Saunderson on his website at www.kmsproductions.com. “Sometimes, [there’s] a bassline from some disturbed parallel universe, and sometimes it’s joyous gospel. Much music means many guises. That’s me.” Atkins summed up the importance of receiving the International Award. “It’s a great honor because it means that my art is being recognized by not just my home city, but my home state as well,” he said. And, because of this recognition, I have the opportunity to give something back to future generations of the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan, which is a very rewarding feeling.”
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