I’ve been a huge fan of the electronic music created in Detroit that has inspired the world. I’ve interviewed many of the people behind the movement. Yet it wasn’t until recently that I finally interviewed Juan Atkins, the visionary most often cited as Techno’s primary creator.
Atkins’ fascination with science fiction that led to the creation of Cybotron is perhaps nothing new. His dedication to fashion is apparent with each outfit he wears for each live appearance. What was especially endearing to me, however, was Atkins’ lifelong dream of performing live on the main stage at Hart Plaza. It’s a dream that would only come true with the establishment of The Detroit Electronic Music Festival, now morphed into Movement Detroit.
As Cybotron, the project he started with Rik Davis in the early 1980s, Atkins performed on the main stage for Movement in 2023. Surprisingly, it was the very first Cybotron performance in its hometown of Detroit. (Davis is not currently a part of Atkins’ Cybotron.)
The funk, future, and fashion of Cybotron:
an interview with Juan Atkins
by Liz Warner
(Metro Times, May 24, 2023)
Our conversation runs deep with mini-revelations about Atkins that all seem to make sense in hindsight. Some of the mystery is revealed, and that’s when Atkins truly comes to life.
Before you head over to the feature in Metro Times, take a look at a moment when the late, great Virgil Abloh knew to feature Cybotron for his Louis Vuitton fashion line in 2020. If this is what the future looks like, you can deal me in.
Top Image: Cybotron live, borrowed from the feature, “The funk, future, and fashion of Cybotron.” published by Metro Times, courtesy Paxahau. Feature image courtesy Juan Atkins.