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Although
he's technically a Canadian, Richie Hawtin will forever
be associated with putting his beloved Detroit on the
dance music map. Along with fellow Detroit pioneer Carl
Craig, Hawtin helped break the second wave of Detroit
techno. From north of Detroit in Windsor, Ontario, Hawtin
has been a DJ, a producer, a record label owner, and a
flag-waver for the underground Detroit scene which is
only now getting the respect it deserves in the United
States. Hawtin started his career DJing at underground
parties in clubs like Detroit's Shelter. There he met
his partner, John Acquaviva, and together they launched
the influential Plus 8 Recordings label. |
| Hawtin
created a unique techno sound, which is regarded as synonymous
with the city of Detroit.That sound, electro house, is
very minimal, yet highly danceable. He is known for his
use of the Roland TB-303 bass machine and that sound has
become inseparable from quality acid house and electro
recordings. These days, Hawtin kicks around with a TR-909
drum machine. Hawtin signed a record deal with Nova Mute
in 1993, and is considered a star in Europe, where he
has enjoyed success with his project, Plastikman.In 1994,
rumor has it that Hawtin was scheduled to perform at a
rave held inside the Brooklyn Bridge. Allegedly, while
crossing the border from Canada, guards stopped him, assuming
he was attempting to work illegally in the US due to the
massive amount of equipment in his car. Supposedly he
went home and recorded a set to DAT and shipped it to
the promoters. To this day, no one can say for certain
whether that headlining slot was live or on tape.Today,
he has gained the respect of a larger US audience.In May
2000, Hawtin performed at the first Detroit Electronic
Festival alongside Derrick May, Juan Atkins and other
techno masterminds. More than 200,000 people attended
from all over the world. |