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All the Movements We Saw at Movement Electronic Music Festival

Updated: Jun 07, 2022 07:00
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These last few years have been something else – full of discovery, disaster, and even some delights. Something that has brought many of us together during all of this has been the causes to support/protect. Something that, more recently, has been bringing more of us together, is the festivals that are making a comeback. So we ventured to Detroit over Memorial Day weekend to check out the Movement electronic music festival and asked (or politely guessed) artists and festival-goers alike, “What’s your Movement?”. Here’s what they, verbally or telepathically, told us:

movement detroit 2022

This lady and her supportive mans behind her were all about uplifting people no matter their color or what they’re made of… even if their color is a Pantone and DNA is wood. (Artist-in-residence Sheefy McFly)

movement detroit 2022

We tried to ask this festival-goer and his only answer was, “no”.

movement detroit 2022

This guy was really hollering about how “it’s okay for white people to have dreads”, (it’s not).

movement detroit 2022

The power of hugs wasn’t just limited to these superheroes, they found that a warm embrace saves many lives.

movement detroit 2022

We’re not even sure what this means but if they put it on a hand fan, it must be important.

movement detroit 2022

This fancy dancer felt on top of the world just by embracing that, “it’s totally cool to be in the spotlight sometimes”.

movement detroit 2022

Rapper Icewear Vezzo’s biggest concern is climate change – “Everywhere I go it just gets more icy!”.

movement detroit 2022

This 6’9″ gent just wanted “tall guy equality” and promised not to stand too far up front.

movement detroit 2022

This handsome hero has plans of taking down Qanon from the inside. With a wink, they said, “they’ll be changing their name to Queeranon after I’m done infiltrating”.

movement detroit 2022

Multitasking parents can still have fun while when the babysitter is in charge, but even they had to “put together our grocery list before the beat drops”.

movement detroit 2022

What’s a festival without everyone getting a little “consensually horny” says the team of Soul Clap.

movement detroit 2022

There’s a new wave of protestors supporting that cause that “naps are for anyone who wants to take them anywhere they want”.

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This is just a reminder that, collectively, we can make a Movement happen.

movement detroit 2022

Eris Drew is about empowered women empowering women (especially when it comes to the perfect next disc choice for partner Octo Octa).

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When it comes to the World Class Jit Crew, “it’s all about keeping the culture alive”.

movement detroit 2022

This guy’s shirt message was immediately debunked as he looked up into the sky.

movement detroit 2022

Wajeed had a message so clear, that it had to be printed on a shirt in plain black and white.

movement detroit 2022

The natural hair committee was spreading the word (and the love) for everyone to live their follicle freedom.

movement detroit 2022

These hammock hanging-outers let us know that, we “should’ve asked before the drugs kicked in” – fair enough!

movement detroit 2022

“Take PRIDE in you being YOU” – yes, they actually spoke in ALL CAPS.

movement detroit 2022

ANNA was just questioning, “Why isn’t there this much weed smoke everywhere in the world?”.

movement detroit 2022

They just kept chancing, “MAKE AMERICA DANCE AGAIN”.

movement detroit 2022

‘The Underground’ had a big grassroots movement for underground citizens’ equality. (Pretty dark stuff if you ask us.)

movement detroit 2022

The Blessed Madonna was all about women artists supporting other women artists (hence the Bikini Kill shirt).

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“I just wish everybody could feel the holy ghost!” Note: which holy ghost was not identified.

movement detroit 2022

A Canadian demonstrating for the ban on straws? Not surprised actually.

movement detroit 2022

Fun fact – female ducks pick their favorite male ducks to mate with based on dancing ability – “so why hunt them?”. A direct quote from A-Trak and Armand Van Helden’s Duck Sauce DJ duo.

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“W-A-T-E-R = Y-O-U-T-H”, spelled out by this 73-year-old festival-goer.

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“You’re never too young for ear protection” – we hear that little one!

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GRiZ = LGbT 🏳️‍🌈

movement detroit 2022

Wise Waldo Wisdom = “Sometimes you just gotta find yourself.”

movement detroit 2022

“Support black business”, that’s it, that’s the message.

movement detroit 2022

“Just read the sign.” – Stacey Pullen

movement detroit 2022

It’s more than just a ‘Beige’ idea to “save the trees”.

movement detroit 2022

We’ll never slut shame (because we’re definitely sluts) but we do advocate for safe sax.

movement detroit 2022

“Sometimes all you need to be is touched by an angel.” – Jeff Mills aka a true angel

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The legendary DJ MINX is not only the president of supporting Women on Wax… she’s a member.

movement detroit 2022

Flying Lotus’ key to enlightenment is equal parts headbanging and hydration.

movement detroit 2022

“Run into the light”… Bruh, did you see Poltergeist, Armanni Reign, did you?!

movement detroit 2022

It’s 2022, this should speak to A LOT of us.

movement detroit 2022

Neisha Neshae believes that making sparks is the first step in creating a relationship (even if it is with thousands of hip-hop heads).

movement detroit 2022

Natasha Diggs is all about sun protection awareness. Sunglasses? Check! Big hat? Check! SPF (shade-covered party funk)? We can digg it!

movement detroit 2022

Jazmin Re’Nae was spittin’ “Drop bars, not bombs!” – we see you, even in that hot camo outfit!

Being that discussions are open for the entire class in just one area, it is the one thing I cannot give an extension on since you have to reply to other students as well and it wouldn't be fair to those who submitted their responses and replied within the allotted 2-week timeframe.

“Whatever you do in life, make it FUNKY!” – Well said by the electrofunk legend, Amp Fiddler.

movement detroit 2022

“Stay gold and keep your boogie boots shined, partner!” – The Chillwave Cowperson

movement detroit 2022

DJ Godfather scratched us down a note: “Do what you love and you’ll never grow old” – experienced advice from someone who has over three decades of turntablism under their belt(s)… technically on top of those belts.

movement detroit 2022

“Make your name and live by it” is the motto of LTJ Bukem (the LTJ stands for “lotta techno jams).

movement detroit 2022

“Respect roots and each other” – Movement (yes, the festival will actually speak to you).

“Support your local photographer ex. Venmo @curtiscam!”

movement detroit 2022

Again, if it’s on a hand fan it must be something important. On the back, it said, “stay updated on Movement and download the festival app“.

Writer’s note: This photo essay is dedicated to electronics pioneer, Dave Smith. Smith created MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) and the Prophet 5 synthesizer – both of which revolutionized popular music and aided acts such as Kraftwerk, Flying Lotus, Michael Jackson, Hot Chip, Radiohead, Bon Iver, Dillon Francis, and Madonna. Dave passed of a heart attack while with family and friends attending Movement in Detroit this year.

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Curtis Conrad Schabath

Curtis Conrad Schabath

Prof. Curtis Conrad Schabath loves being a third-generation Detroiter, dog dad, vinyl slut, and old-school fool. This queer Cancer can be found equally at marches and rallies, on the trails, beach, or streets, taking time to volunteer and teach, and micro-dosing in the morning plus meditating at night just to handle it all. Phone on DND, camera on hand, a few dollars in the pocket, and heart full of love and protection is how they emote and float through this crazy thing (and electric word) called"life".