Published
Thu, May 26, 2016, 14:30
- Carl Craig and Eddie Fowlkes were also presented with the award by Detroit's City Council this week.
A group of influential Detroit techno and house artists have been presented with awards by Detroit's City Council.
The Spirit Of Detroit Award is presented to individuals or groups for "outstanding achievement or service to the citizens of Detroit." A host of electronic music names were awarded in advance of this year's Movement Festival, which runs from this Saturday, May 28th through Monday the 30th. Former classmates the Belleville Three—AKA Juan Atkins, Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson—were among the names presented, along with fellow pioneers such as Jeff Mills, Kelli Hand, Eddie Fowlkes and Carl Craig. Movement Festival organiser Paxahau Events, Underground Resistance and Submerge Techno Museum were also awarded.
"I would like to pay honor and pay tribute to those who helped found this genre," Detroit councilor Scott Benson said. "Most of the music is seen in dance clubs and around the world. The fact that it was established here in Detroit needs to be reflected here and identified as well as just celebrated."
The news comes after Detroit mayor Mike Duggan declared May 23rd to 30th Detroit Techno Week in honour of Movement. For a comprehensive guide to Movement Festival and other parties happening in Detroit this weekend, head to RA's dedicated microsite.
Photo courtesy of Kevin Saunderson