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Derrick May
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Derrick May
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Sometime in the past, the future began. In 1987, a shrink-wrapped record titled, “Nude Photo,” started appearing on the shelves of a few idiosyncratic dance shops throughout Europe. The techno uprising was underway. The music sounded other-worldly: sub-aquatic basslines raced with hi-hats constructed from welding sparks. It was like listening to the liquid electricity of one man’s soul. A part of the original Detroit “Holy Trinity” with Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson, Derrick took the Euro-electropop crystals of Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode and New Order beyond its own horizon, infusing it with house, experimental synthesizer work and just plain soul. Songs and albums like "Nude Photo", "Strings Of Life", "It Is What It Is", "Beginning", "Relics" and “Icon” run deeper than genre molds can grasp. Referred to as the "Miles Davis of Techno", Mr. May has worked with some of the most experimental and creative musical artists in the world, such as ABC, Depeche Mode, Fine Young Cannibals and System 7.
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Reviews & Discussion
Derrick May. The spokesman of Techno. Juan may be the teacher and the founder, but Derrick May takes the role as the ambassador by pushing the scene forward in the late 80's. I have a mix CD of his recorded live somewhere, and who else but him can mix Frankie goes to Hollywood (welcome to the pleasuredome) with Diana Ross (love hangover) with Green Velvet all in that order. Derrick never forgets the true grove of early Disco and House and all his sets remind us of where the scene started. There are rumours of a Mayday Mix vol 2, and in a recent interview with M8 magazine, he coyly answers that he hopes this is the case. The scene has a lot of heros such as carl craig and stacey pullen, but its true to say Techno would not be the same if Derrick May were to hang up his headphones.
Does he need an introduction? Only one or two other Dj's can inspire like he can, but even then he's got a special touch, something magical. Funky, melodic and spititual, raw, classic, trance, electro- even if he throws down I feel love every set, you still say to yourself, "If anyone can get away with it, Derrick May can."
If you're unfamiliar with his mixing and you want a good idea of what makes Derrick May special, go to betalounge.com and check his 1996 mix. It might be the best recorded mix I've ever heard- you can see how he takes Djing and techno to another level, and how he inspires people like me who love techno for itself, not the drugs or club/rave culture.
If you're unfamiliar with his mixing and you want a good idea of what makes Derrick May special, go to betalounge.com and check his 1996 mix. It might be the best recorded mix I've ever heard- you can see how he takes Djing and techno to another level, and how he inspires people like me who love techno for itself, not the drugs or club/rave culture.