It's that time of year again. Oh yes. Every year for five years now the world hath descended upon Detroit (well...not really...but humor me for dramatic purposes) for one of North America's most prominent electronic music festivals (......................) and three days of amazing after parties that follow shortly thereafter.
The following are ten picks during the festival that I will be checking out and I highly reccommend. I realize that making these picks make me sound like some sort of techno scholar, but I'm really not. That would be some of my fellow writers around the Detroit area. I just know what I like. I would give time slots and stages if they were available but as of this writing they are not.
So without further ado:
10. KEVIN REYNOLDS (Live)- This is my sleeper pick, but this guy's been silently playing live sets around the area when not helping to run Transmat in his free time. His sound has developed over the years and it will be interesting to see which direction his live set travels. Look for some classic Detroit techno with modern influences.
9. KILL MEMORY CRASH (Live) - Electro-industrial guys from Chicago that are on Ghostly. For those who like that sort of stuff, it's about as good as its gonna get this year. Almost as if it's the substitute variable that was filled years before by Adult. and Wolf Eyes. Much to the festival's credit, they are at least bringing these acts to the table.
8. ROLANDO- The UR DJ is definitely a DJs DJ. Look for him to mix UR tracks with classic stuff that Detroit sound was built upon. Rumor has it he will be closing the main stage on Saturday, which is definitely fitting.
7. LEGOWELT (Live)- Harder edged, disco fueled electro techno. Yeah. That about sums it up. Last time they played Detroit they tore it up. Expect more of the same this time.
6. DEREK PLASLAIKO- Well. This is it. Derek's leaving us for the golden shores of the meat district of NYC. This isn't his final farewell, but it's only appropriate that the man who is a central figure in this community gets a slot to tear it up. My only question is: what will he play? Will it be a rock set (*fingers crossed*) or more of his banging speciality? Here's hoping he mixes it up and shows the true breadth of his musical tastes and influences.
5. DJ LANGUAGE- This will the be the closest thing to Metro Area that will be on the bill this year. The first time I saw Language he was actually opening for Metro Area at a party in NYC. He impressed the hell out of me and is most definitely going to bring a hell of a fun set along with him. This is one you will not want to miss. If I can get some time away from my activity of this year's fest (which will be subject of a lengthy rant tomorrow), I will be in the front row dancing to his mix of afrobeat, disco, funk, soul and hip hop. Anything goes and it's going to be fun as hell.
4. RYAN ELLIOTT/MIKE SERVITO- I know for a FACT that Ryan is playing, but if the rumors are true that the Movement folks finally woke up and selected Servo to play this year, it's going to be wild. You're not going to want to miss Servito tear it up either. It's about time the man got his props, especially when the majority of this year's festival reads like the Detroit Electronic New York House Festival.
3. FRANCOIS K- This sweaty fuck really let me down this year, and I still can't figure out why I'm rating him so high. His set was about as exciting as pancakes without syrup, butter or any other topping. Actually, it was like eating Pancakes with ketchup (or catsup). Rather than play to his potential and mix it up like he did at Body and Soul NYC and Deep Space, he played the most predictable shite and it left me with an empty feeling in my soul -- the exact opposite feeling he usually musters. I'm really hoping redeems himself this time around by playing to his potential, instead of playing with himself and his absurd amount of unnecessary gear.
2. MADLIB, PEANUT BUTTER WOLF AND JAYDEE- Oh yeah. This is going to be AMAZING. I really hope they put this on the main stage at a late time, because the world needs to see just how amazing this is going to be. If they're on point, it's going to be the hip hop highlight of the whole festival for all five years, and quite possibly one of the fest's best moments. If not...well...I dunno. Let's just say I'm hoping for the best
1. CLAUDE YOUNG- This pick has some serious weight and sentiment behind it. I've never seen Claude Young DJ. Ever. He's the last one on my list and quite possibly one of the most technically talented DJs that left Detroit. I remember listening to him on Planet 96 late at night -- turning the sound down on my nintendo/TV system and just listening. He made such a better soundtrack than any game could ever realize. Anyways, my sole exposure to Claude's DJ sets come from mix CDs and sets online. It's going to be punishing, minimal techno. It's going to be genius and I'm guarenteeing you I'm going to walk away with a huge grin on my face.
That's all for now. Check back later for a rundown on the afterparty scene.
Posted by rob at May 24, 2004 03:50 PM