A new documentary tracing the rise of Detroit techno is on the way.
Following the lives of some of techno’s most influential figures, such as Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, Derrick May, Eddie Fowlkes, Blake Baxter and Santonio Echols, ‘God Said Give ‘Em Drum Machines: The Story of Detroit Techno‘ sheds light on how the city became the epicentre of techno in the 80s, from its roots within the African American community to “how the business of music betrayed them”.
Filmmakers Kristian Hill and Jennifer Washington have launched a Kickstarter campaign to help raise $30,000 for finishing funds (graphics, sound mix, color, animation, etc) and music clearance. The deadline for the project to reach its goal is November 21st.
“We’ve been documenting the lives of the founding fathers of Techno music in the States and abroad for over the past 7 years. They are Detroit’s best kept secret as they have been quietly exporting their products and services to audiences all over the world for the past 30 years. The stars of this film are considered gods overseas, but fail to get the same recognition here at home,” says the Kickstarter campaign, adding that “they’re the “hidden figures” of the $7.1 billion dollar industry of Electronic Dance Music, which is now led by the list of Forbes’ cash kings like: Calvin Harris, David Guetta, and Deadmaus to name a few. Most people nowadays have no idea that Techno has Detroit origins or that black people have anything to do with this music.”
Learn more about the documentary in the video below, and support the campaign here!
