Documentary lovers and film freaks in our community may soon rejoice over an upcoming documentary. A film seven years in the making is on its way, expected for release in 2019. Jennifer Washington and Kristian Hill, known together as Washington Hill Pictures, are crowdfunding for it. If all goes well, techno fans will see God Said Give ‘Em Drum Machines: The Story of Detroit Techno.
The trailer on their Kickstarter page starts with a techno fan preaching his truth: Muslims go to Mecca, techno lovers go to Detroit. Starring Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, Derrick May, Eddie Fowlkes, Blake Baxter, and Santonio Echols, it shows a hidden history. Specifically, it shows how African-American communities founded techno, and were betrayed by the music industry.
Their goal of $30,000 USD will hopefully unlock one of Detroit’s best-kept secrets. “They’re the ‘hidden figures’ of the $7.1 billion dollar industry of electronic dance music…” reads their Kickstarter. Obviously, the industry of EDM holds many high profile names. But while those aforementioned techno pioneers are “considered gods overseas”, the film hopes to give them that same recognition right here in North America.
“Most people nowadays have no idea that techno has Detroit origins or that black people have anything to do with this music,” reads their Kickstarter page. It looks like an interesting collection of interviews, research, and storytelling, one that the diehard techno fan surely can’t miss. Those hoping to see and hear how techno music began will just have to wait until the film’ eventual release next year.
Interested in the film? Watch their trailer or back the project on their Kickstarter page! Let us know what you think on Twitter or Facebook!
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