There are entities committed to enlightenment, shared knowledge, and understanding for the betterment of their communities. Through efforts of collaboration and instruction, these souls encourage new voices to spring forth and join life’s symphonic celebration. One such luminary is Richie Hawtin, a constant source of education and encouragement to peers and budding electronic devotees alike. His efforts have empowered a new generation of performers to manifest realms of creativity once considered unfathomable. On March 10th, and beginning in Detroit, the next phase of Richie’s mission commenced. From across North America, with roots that span the globe, gathered a cast of visionaries transforming the way techno is experienced. Assembled for Hawtin’s “From our Minds” tour, this collective emerged to demonstrate just how far they’re pushing the boundaries of sonic composition.
Representing Detroit and Michigan through their auditory stylings are Henry Brooks and Huey Mnemonic. Brooks’ sets have been described as experiences of introspection, akin practices in spiritualism, between he and his audience. Huey Mnemonic is a man of many talents: visual artist, DJ, producer, and founder of record label Subsonic Ebonics. His commitment to his craft is distinct, as he weaves a revolutionary tapestry punctuated by aural and graphic possibilities.
From Richie’s home country comes Canadian artist Barbosa, a DJ with a penchant for mesmerizing and warping audiences. Joining Barbosa was New York phenom Jay York, DJ, producer, and owner of TOCA records. Barbosa and Jay York not only performed individually, but also collaboratively for a series of unique back-to-backs throughout the tour, the first occurring in Detroit.
From Phoenix rose, Lindsey Herbert, who initially encountered techno as an EDM fan during Richie Hawtin’s influential CNTRL tour. Her sonic environment encompasses elements described as intense, mysterious, and intoxicating. Also materializing from the Phoenix area is Michelle Sparks, a renowned figure in the Southwest underground as DJ, producer, and co-founder of the rave series, “Circuit”.
Dallas sends Decoder, herald of sci-fi and deep techno sounds. Decoder is the originator of techno label Codec Recordings, and partner to Jay York at TOCA Records. Likewise, hailing from Texas is Declan James, sporting a genre-bending style that will captivate spectators through high-tech signals. In addition to solo duties, Decoder and Declan presented their side project, “Frame”, during the tour.
Born in Guam, and based in LA, Jia is both a performer, and director of 6AM Group, which supports the international electronic community. DJ Deep Pedi, founder of the “It’s a Journey” underground party, represents San Francisco’s electronic scene. Both Jia and Deep Pedi are integral to the new age of warehouse celebrations populating their respective techno communities, and will perform exclusive to West Coast.
Inside techno’s mecca on March 10th, 2023, begins a celebration of all that is, all that has been, and all that will be, techno. Richie Hawtin returns to Detroit, the city in which he formed his very first label +8, where he will be joined by Barbosa, Jay York, Decoder, Huey Mnemonic, and Lindsey Herbert, for the first of eight shows over ten days showcasing much of what makes techno outstanding. “From Our Minds” seeks to elevate a new school of futurists invested in redefining the boundaries of musical imagination. For more information on the artists of From Our Minds, visit www.fromourminds.com.
Be well, be successful. Bear Swiftly.
–Electro Scribe–
