How often do you work with an artist who created a genre? This month I’ll reconnect with legendary DJ and producer Juan Atkins, who pioneered early techno music in Detroit in the early 1980’s, for Mercury Soul’s January 27 show at San Francisco’s Public Works. Juan will perform alongside a string orchestra that’s performing new arrangements of his music in addition to the music of JS Bach and Philip Glass.
Juan and I first collaborated at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. I invited him to headline one of my KC Jukebox shows because of his historic role in the creation of techno in early 1980’s Detroit. Amidst the continuing adulation of DJs from northern Europe, Juan Atkins stands apart for this astonishing vision and seriousness of purpose.
Many fans of electronic dance music don’t realize the genre emerged from the ashes of Motown, created by African-Americans who were hacking synths and drum machines in a kind of futuristic utopia. The so-called Belleville Three – Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson – are credited with inventing techno in the abandoned warehouses and factories of Detroit.
Techno was the beginning of the soon-burgeoning genre of electronica, made up of a universe of different dance beats, from house to trance. Using jacked audio gear to conjure an Afro-futurist soundworld of robotic synths and beats, Atkins earned the moniker ‘godfather of techno.’
On Jan 27, Mercury Soul pairs this unique artist’s industrial sound-world with a string orchestra at San Francisco’s Public Works. The stunningly effective pairing of live musicians and Upper Midwest techno is a first for the Bay Area.
Key Atkins releases of that era will be featured, such as the groundbreaking “Clear” (from Atkins aka Cybotron). It’s a fun challenge to create arrangements for music this stripped-down, yet in some ways the electro-acoustic mix can be more successful than with more produced tracks. Having a bit more sonic space allows the strings to spread out more in the mix.
Leading up to Juan’s appearance will be performances of iconic classical works from JS Bach and Philip Glass. The Bach preludes feature mechanistic and motoric rhythms, while the Glass explores an early minimalist aesthetic. The richness of the string orchestra beautifully supports the futuristic sounds of Juan Atkins.
Also performing are DJ Milan Aerial, DJ Justin Reed (illmeasures), and yours truly, DJ Masonic. Rarely is Juan Atkins seen in the Bay Area, so don’t miss this very special event!
For more information and tickets visit Mercury Soul on Eventbrite.