Drumline for Carl Craig and Stacey Pullen
All photos by Matt Christ unless labeled otherwise with ** to denote photo by the author.
What can 20 years of an EDM festival teach us? First, 20 years is nothing to scoff at. The life expectancy of most people in ancient Rome was only 20 years. Most current Fortune 500 companies don’t make it to 20 years. I’d looooove it if my dog lived healthily to see his 20th birthday!
Now, Movement, the Paxahau-driven incarnation of Detroit’s lauded electronic music festival, blew out 20 laser-lit candles this year. Years aren’t always synchronized with growth. Some of us get older, yet we may not achieve growth. The kind of growth that can only be metaphorically described as metamorphosis - something everyone deserves and many seek. What has now become a multigenerational event, bookended by hundreds of pre-parties and after-parties spanning days before and after gates open and close, has been made possible only with a focus on true, collaborative growth.
Detroit is the birthplace of techno music. Detroit, during the time techno music was created (late 70s/early 80s), was predominantly a Black city. Now, it’s the largest majority of minorities for a major city with an 88% non-white population - that in itself is growth and is a direct intrinsic connection to techno music. A genre stemming from black, brown, queer, and underserved communities - communities historically oppressed - should always be a celebration of growth.
To be able to bring hundreds of thousands of international fans to historic Hart Plaza- that’s a true birthday party! With each year it celebrates, it’s a reminder of what growth can look like for all of us. It’s about being what you want, where you want, with whom you want, and how you want. It is love, joy, bliss, experiences, and memories. You’ll see throughout the interviews and the beautiful capturing of artistry and joy some common threads: support, proudly uplifting future generations, rooting oneself in something meaningful, finding your passion, being true to yourself, and creating community.
Danny Brown
In the midst of annual hugs, miles of dancing, out-of-this-world outfits, and sounds only science fiction could produce, we set out to ask trailblazing artists one question:
“With Movement having grown so much in 20 years, what would you want to see for the festival, Detroit, the scene, and/or yourself in the next 20?”
Dru Ruiz, Detroit native since day one and a multi-decade DJ, kicked off the festival with a set and sentiment of, “I definitely see myself here in the next 20 because this is my heart and this means everything. I wholeheartedly feel I was meant to be involved with this music, and it’s (Detroit) a very special place - I feel the festival and sound of Detroit are in good hands, and I feel and hear the new and young DJs keeping the sound and soul alive.”**
The Dare
Young, yet tenured, multi-hyphenate artist BEIGE feels (not beige at all if you ask them) that “One kind of growth I’ve noticed, and hope continues, is the focus on highlighting local talent, especially up-and-coming homegrown artists to be seen not just on the ‘Detroit’ stage and prioritized on the lineup. The scene at large, we focus on tending and nurturing local instead of just the touring circuit - the music at home is just as good, if not better, than anywhere else in the world.”**
Sara Landry
DJ STAKXX, would like to see “The scene and city be more respected since a lot of things come from us, and people need to know and see that. For me, it’s more growth, more DJing, and more keeping the people moving. That’s for me, baby!”
Zack Fox b2b Jyoty
DJ and vocalist, amongst many other talents, Tammy Lakkis, sees (through super dope glasses), that Movement has done a great job - amplifying up-and-coming artists, queer and fem artists, especially in Detroit - way more in the last few years! There’s also been a big growth in DIY events and parties- year-round - it’s a beautifully inclusive scene. **
Miss Bashful
International DJ, singer, actor, promoter, and Detroiter, sillygirlcarmen was serious when she thinks growth is, “More inclusion and emerging innovation. We’re bringing more “local'“ on the scene, giving multi-genres chances; ghettotech, house, techno, so many things that can go here. An opportunity for exposure to so much variety. The mindset for expanding the landscape and what this scene is about - that’s all you could hope for.”
Dom Dolla
Vocalist, producer, filmmaker, stylist, and DJ, KESSWA wants to see growth look like “…great art and real support across the world and across our city.” Periodt. **
Claude VonStroke
Rebecca Goldberg finds it hard to believe it’s been 20 years, as she first played at the 10th anniversary and has been attending since the incarnation of Movement. “I want to see it continue… everyone involved has grown together through change in the industry, world, and Detroit. What we’ve learned has set us up for a good run! So many opportunities from the festival as the center of the weekend - the impact, culturally and economically, just because of THIS is incredible to contribute. For myself, accomplishment on projects and performances, but a break will support growth. I’m going to do some living to make that happen. Who you’re supporting and why, and the awareness is important… there are new names, and that’s going to continue as a platform for this new generation.”
Terrence Dixon
DJ Holographic
Auntie Anita fan, and incredibly renowned artists, Rimarkable, would enjoy seeing “The festival (Movement) as the last festival standing. So much of the industry is changing and so many infrastructures are collapsing in the culture. I love that it advocates for Detroit and our culture - the propensity for us to be the last standing is my hope that it continues to thrive off of connectivity, being true to ourselves. I wish the same for myself, to not be swayed or distracted by the outside world and to not conform. Continue the course of truth and be an important voice for the last, and next, 20 years.”
Dames Brown
Stacey Hotwaxx Hale would love to see “…this grow to a week (without killing us) and physically grow - make the whole area bigger, bring more of us in, and still have it not centered around money.” The legend continued on about the pending Grand Prix that tears up downtown for a quick sponsorship-powered weekend, but they have lawyers, so we will leave it at that!
Boys Noize b2b MCR-t
Garrison XR is also celebrating an anniversary and feels, “I would love to see Detroit do its thing - to see how it has developed, especially over the 10 years I’ve lived here - it blows my mind. It’s so special, it’s its own groove. I love Detroit; whatever its finished product is, it’s for me!”**
DJ Godfather
These 10 artists are a beautiful representation of the 115+ beat-bringers from all walks of life. These humans and creatures, having the times of their lives, paint a phenomenal picture of bliss. All reminders of growth being embodied as place and time where we can truly be free, love who we want, be what we need, and dance our cares away, together. That is why 20 years of Movement is a perfect reminder of what growth should and could look like. Until next year (and 20 more following that because we should plan to be around that long), keep groovin’ growin’!
