For those of you that aren’t familiar, Jeff Mills is one of the most important names in Detroit Techno. As a founding member of Underground Resistance and a successful solo artist in his own right, Mills has helped pave the way for countless artists in electronic music, specifically carving a path for black artists in the city of Detroit. HIs otherworldly sense of creativity has astounded audiences for decades, and the only thing more mysterious than his artistic presence is his prowess as a live musician.
This talent was in full display on Monday night as Mills closed out the main stage at Movement Electronic Music Festival, one of the most important music events in Detroit and a gathering that sends reverberations around the world. People come from far and wide to see what Detroit has to offer, and what better way to showcase the city than to have one of its greatest legends cap off an incredible weekend of cultural celebration.
Equipped with his trusty 909 drum machine, turn tables, synths, and more, Mills dropped a 2 hour long masterclass in the art of electronic music, seamlessly transitioning between different energies all with the ease and confidence that many artists struggle to find even just using CDJ’s. Billboard named it as one of the best sets at the festival, and we couldn’t agree more. There was a sense of significance in that moment, where it felt like the crowd knew how special it was that they were witnessing greatness in the flesh, and for those that stuck it out until the very end, there was a sea of loving embraces that represented a fond farewell to another successful year of celebrating Detroit as one of the most important electronic music hubs in the world.
We can’t wait to see what Paxahau comes up with for next year, and one thing is for certain, we will be there!
~
Article by Matt Boettke
