>I think the reason you haven't been asked to play is because you don't play >what the rest of Detroit is into anymore.
And what is the rest of Detroit (ie the electronic music community) into? It sounds remarkably diverse to me! It's defined more by its qualities - funk and soul and individualism - than a specific sound? There are many sounds, at any rate. Remember the minimal sound that European techno is now known for has its roots in what Alan, UR, Jeff, Rob were doing. Though I've never heard a set I >own a few of your records, which are solid, and have an indication of what >you play from the comments you've made on this list. Hard and minimal is my >guess, the way Detroit used to do it, and from all reports mixed up in >inspirational style. But with the exception of Hawtin, Mills and yourself >(and maybe Rolando), it doesn't seem to me that that's what Detoit musicians >are into anymore. You can't assume that just because person A doesn't play what person B does doesn't mean they don't like it. > I like the Detroit sound you helped to >pioneer. But I think somewhere it got stuck in a groove. And the rest of >Detroit kept moving on. I disagree, people just go down their own paths. It's called artistry! >I still like what you're doing, and I think lots of Europe like it too. I >just don't think that your lack of invitation is a personal thing: it's more >that your sound no longer represents present day Detroit. I think Alan does more gigs in the US than many of his peers, so that's not it. >I'm keen to hear how you (very very lucky) people at DEMF sum up the Detroit >sound circa 2000. I guess we're lucky in Australia as the laws are less rigid. You can have parties that go all hours, virtually. That way you could have everyone play. I think this is a fantastic event (I've been reading all the reports in the Detroit Free Press Online) and I would urge the organisers to consider doing more press overseas in future years to really raise its international profile. I, for one, would be happy to co-ordinate and pay for interview calls and things so it didn't put anyone out or cost anyone anything. There is considerable interest in Australia (which let's face it is about as far away from Detroit as you can get). I understand that first and foremost the event is for the people in Detroit and that's wonderful but getting people from overseas brings in revenue to the city. Also it may mean that newer talent gets exposure to international promoters who would then be happy to tour them.
