New Detroit Techno Documentary in the Works

A new documentary recounting the origins of Detroit techno is in the works. “God Said Give 'Em Drum Machines: The Story of Detroit Techno” is currently seeking finishing funds in a Kickstarter campaign, which ends on November 21. The film features interviews with dance music pioneers Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, Derrick May, Eddie Fowlkes, Blake Baxter, and Santonio Echols. According to a statement, it "depicts Detroit’s 1980s unsung African American community that created Techno music and how the business of music betrayed them." Check out the trailer below. The film is directed by Kristian Hill and produced by Jennifer Washington, alongside Washington Hill Pictures.

Revisit Pitchfork’s 2005 feature on the origins of Detroit techno and house, “From the Autobahn to I-94.”