It is impossible to reference techno without paying homage to it’s motherland, Detroit. Over the years Detroit has remained the pinnacle of techno through festivals like DEMF and techno mainstays like Derrick May, Jeff Mills, the Underground Resistance label and quite possibly the Detroit’s most influential producer and techno activist, Carl Craig. As founder of one of Detroit’s most respected imprints (Planet E) and its premier festival (DEMF), Carl played an insurmountable role in the exposure of Detroit Techno to the rest of the world. Part missionary, part innovator; Carl’s productions have remained relevant in the ever changing world of electronic dance music. For nearly 20 years, Carl has been producing classic dance music that has bridged the gap between soul and silicon, helping launch a revolution in dance music that inspired the world. With over a dozen monikers and well over a hundred release to his credit, Carl is quite possible the most influential dance producer in North America, if not the world. As a DJ Carl’s track selection and skills behind the decks are legendary. He’s performed at nearly every major club and festival around the world. Simply put, Carl Craig is the man when it comes to techno and we’re incredibly excited to have him back in Seattle for the first time in over a decade.
Though his birth certificate says Texas, Matthew Dear’s true calling came from Detroit. Influenced by the early sounds of Detroit Techno, Matthew began producing his own brand of underground dance that paid homage to the classics, while offering something fresh in the way of vocals. In 2004 Matthew decided to focus this more techno-centric productions on a new moniker known as Audion. His first EP “Kisses”, released on Spectral Sound, took the dance world by storm. The new sound was rawer, dirtier and contained infectious hooks often associated with early techno hits by producers like Green Velvet, Dan Bell and Richie Hawtin. After the equally classic releases “Just Fucking” and “The Pong” EP, Audion quickly became a household name in the techno community. Since then, Audion has delivered track after track of quality techno, that has made Dear both a go to remixer and world renowned DJ. For the first time in several Seattle appearances, Matthew Dear will be performing live as Audion.
With nearly 80 releases and nearly 30 aliases spanning his 20 year career, Orlando Voorn is a true techno pioneer whom has stood the test of time. Orlando has a long standing relationship with Detroit Techno through collaborations with Juan Atkins and Blake Baxter, in addition to releasing records on Derrick May’s Transmat and Kevin Saunderson’s KSR imprint. Orlando will be performing live.
Opening the showcase will be a debut Seattle set by Paxahau resident DJ Chuck Flask, whose largely responsible for the amazing roster of talent DEMF have put together the past three years under Paxahau’s leadership. Chuck’s fantastic taste in underground dance music should offer a welcome introduction to a night filled with both the legacy and innovative spirit of Detroit.
Featuring visuals by: Punch Drunk Productions, Leo Mayberry, Scott Sunn and Scott Pagano