All the Movements We Saw at Movement Electronic Music Festival

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:

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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”.

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”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

GRiZ = LGbT

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

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

“Just read the sign.” – Stacey Pullen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.