Nineteen-nineties Detroit techno backdrop serves as inspiration for Richie Hawtin's new film-making venture.
In the world of electronic music, the name Richie Hawtin is synonymous with innovation and passion. The Canadian-born DJ and producer is the executive producer of a new short film, "Kids Like Us," which offers a unique insight into the early days of the Detroit rave scene.
Directed and written by Michigan-based filmmaker Luke Jaden, "Kids Like Us" is a careful consideration of the past, aiming to reflect an honest and engaging narrative of what transpired. The film was shot on 35mm film to feel "as real and authentic as possible to an actual techno party experience."
At its heart, "Kids Like Us" centres on one of Hawtin's illegal raves at the abandoned Packard Automotive Plant, where his Plastikman alias debuted in 1994. Luke Jaden, inspired by the stories of the early days of the Detroit rave scene, wanted to uncover the true magic of those times.
For Jaden, the film offers a "sacred place for self-exploration" and represents a "womb for acceptance and freedom." It explores themes of "identity, dislocation, and connection" through the lens of Hawtin's experiences in Detroit's electronic music scene.
The film also provides an experience of the techno party atmosphere to those who haven't experienced it before, and to those who have, it recreates a special and profound moment. Part of the film was shot at a real-life techno event in Detroit, with a narrative constructed from archival material and personal interviews with former ravers.
Richie Hawtin believes that the project offers a chance to reflect on a pivotal chapter in his career and events that touched countless individuals' lives. Last year, he reissued the seminal minimal techno project Musik, originally released under the Plastikman alias, in recognition of its 30th anniversary.
Notable attendees at the Spastik party, mentioned in the film, included The Blessed Madonna and Mute Records' Daniel Miller. The film is now available to watch via Nowness or YouTube.
In a 2016 interview, Hawtin discussed the making of Plastikman's Sheet One. If you're interested in delving deeper into his career, that interview is worth a read.
In conclusion, "Kids Like Us" is a must-watch for any techno enthusiast or anyone interested in the history of Detroit's electronic music scene. It's a testament to the power of music to bring people together and create unforgettable experiences.
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