Interesting comments. I too think about this kind of stuff alot. A few thoughts:
I ended up in Detroit (city) 10 years ago this summer--coming from rural Indiana--when I got a job in Detroit rather than Chicago, my first choice. At the time I knew next-to-nothing about Detroit techno, except what a good friend had told me about a party he had attended where D Wynn, D May and R Hawtin changed his life forever--later I figured out that it was in the Packard Plant. Back in Indiana my buddy turned me on to the sounds of the Chicago and Detroit underground. I had to check-out that scene once I arrived in Detroit. I went to a party at the Packard Plant and I have been a fan and amateur DJ of Detroit-inspired techno and house ever since. I have often mused about what makes Detroit such a special place, being the soil in which soul, funk, techno and house have taken firm root and flourished. While Detroit has well-known negatives, these limitations (like someone said earlier) can be extremely rich sources of inspiration. I think this is why Detroit is such fertile ground for strong and self-directed people. However, many places have these same limitations, and sources of inspiration, but these cities did not oversee several musical revolutions, and perennially produce the remarkable musical talents of Detroit. Why Detroit? My personal opinion about this is that Detroiters (at least since the 20s) have been free-thinking, forward-looking, embracing of democracy and technology, but skeptical of Amerika. (The Diego Rivera mural in the Detroit Institute of Arts sums it up best for me). Detroiters have fought (for real) for their place in the middle-class. I believe that this struggle, and the passion for a better life and a more just world, comes through in the music and gives it the unique Detroit quality--at once dark and bluesy and optimistic and forward-thinking. Looking back over these last 10 years of my life (funny that it coincides with this list's anniversary), the people of Detroit have changed me in very positive, personal ways. But, it is the music that has always hooked me in, kept me refreshed and happy to stay put. I'm very proud of Detroit and its accomplishments, musically and otherwise. I want to thank the members of this list for reminding me of the greatness of this city, day in and day out. Peace, Scott Check it out: Commentator Cornel West talks with NPR's Tavis Smiley about why he thinks Detroit, Mich., is the music capital of black America. http://www.npr.org/features/feature.php?wfId=3179105 -----Original Message----- From: fwdthought [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, August 04, 2004 6:52 PM To: [email protected] Subject: (313) Techno Geography Friends, I think all of this talk on geography and how it affects our productivity/ involvement/ opportunities as producers, djs, artists, fans etc. is a key topic. It matters, and it does not matter. First, I must quote The Pet Shop Boys... "...there's a lot of opportunities, if there are'nt you can make them..." I've been very tempted to move to Detroit. However, after questioning my motivations, I see that by doing so, I am only chasing myths and ghosts of what I think a "Detroit" experience "should" be. I can say that the few times I have visited, I have been completely blown away: the sincere people, Detroit's love of ALL music, Detroit's freakishness...and of course all of the incredible artists that populate that city, in their varied mediums, not just techno music. I'm talking photgrapy, advertising, graphic design, political thought, journalism. Detroit Rock City! Godamn it! I really think you are born into it and must have it in your blood and veins. I am happy with the idea that it CANNOT be transplated by a simple change of geography. (Apply to your dream city/ situation of choice) Great teachers want their disciples to spread the word, set up their own churches, communes, record labels, clubs, 'zines...etc. Detoit is the teacher. I guess it depends on what you are doing. I have found that more easy going evirons fuel my creativity, as a producer. I can riff and ramble on this a lot more. My head hurts right now. Peace, Louis
