- Smooth house and techno from a true Detroit legend.
- Detroit dance music thrives on intergenerational connections. In the late '70s and early '80s, the late Ken Collier mixed disco, soul and early electronic dance music in eye-opening DJ sets that left a mark on up-and-coming artists like Delano Smith. Once Smith established himself in the city's explosive techno community, he, in turn, influenced soon-to-be legends like Juan Atkins, Eddie Fowlkes, Jeff Mills, Norm Talley, Mike "Agent X" Clarke and others.
Now an elder statesman, Smith is etched into our history books as a crucial contributor to Detroit dance music, both house and techno. He's known especially for the Detroit beatdown sound he pioneered alongside Talley and Clark—slower, sexier records than what Detroit techno is generally associated for. (The trio even put out an RA Podcast under the name in 2010.)
It's more recently that Smith has become known as a producer. He started his own label, Mixmode Recordings, and became a regular on Berlin outlet Sushitech, where he released many of his albums, including the jazzy deep house masterclass An Odyssey. His style has evolved over the years to incorporate ambient, dub and more contemporary techno influences.
More recently, Smith's career has been sidelined by an ongoing battle with a rare and untreatable form of cancer. He's hosted livestreams throughout his ordeal to keep in touch with his fans. His RA Podcast, which he calls his "Legacy Mix," is a celebration of his favourite sounds: euphoric chords, jacking drums and deep-space melodies, the elements that have and will continue to reverberate through Detroit and beyond. It also marks the beginning of a more hopeful period for Smith, as he gets ready to travel again, especially with his Legacy Detroit series, which celebrates the lineage he's an indelible part of, and always will be.
What have you been up to recently?
Taking it easy mainly. Also working on various music projects— I recently started a live DJ stream since I'm not touring that much currently. The livestream airs on Sunday nights at 7 PM EST. I stream from my home studio, it's an outlet for me—I still love to DJ for people and streaming allows me to connect to my supporters. It's also therapeutic.
How and where was the mix recorded? And can you tell us the idea behind it?
I was excited to get the opportunity to do a mix for RA! Been having an issue with my main DJ mixer, which is a Rane MP2015, one of the channels had been shorting out, and wouldn't you know, when it's time to do the mix... the channel is completely out! I'm glad it didn't happen while I was recording! So instead I used my Pioneer XDJ-RX3 with my Pioneer PLX 1000 turntables. I wanted to play some of my favourites from some producers I'm feeling right now, while trying to keep it dance floor rather than "artsy," if you will.
What's one club or party that had a major impact on you as an artist?
Too many to mention. I'm still inspired by the scene as a whole: the DJs, the music, the dancers. It's all had a major impact on me as a fan and an artist.
This far into your career, what is it about playing records that keeps you coming back to it?
The challenge of keeping it current and fresh, adapting to the changing landscape and being an earnest and respected member of the community is why I stick around I guess. You're never too old to do what you love.
How is your battle with cancer going, and how has the response from the dance music community been?
I have good days and bad days. It's a matter of managing the pain and closely monitoring my health all the time. Diet and exercise, keeping my mind out of that dark place is a daily routine. The reaction from the community has been phenomenal! Forever grateful to all of my supporters, fans, Todd Johnson and Charivari, Chuck Flask and Paxahau, my wife and family and my agent Kelly! Right now, I'm in a good place and comfortable. Praise God!
Can you tell us about the fundraiser?
Since I'm unable to work or tour at the moment, we're still taking donations for medical and expenses. Donations can be made at the GoFundMe page.
What's one social or political cause you want the world to pay more attention to?
The 2024 presidential election. VOTE!
What are you looking forward to in the near future?
I'm looking forward to continuing to heal my body and mind and getting back over to the EU at some point to see some friends that I haven't seen since the pandemic. Also, I have some very interesting projects we're looking forward to releasing in the near future.
TracklistLouie Vega - Seven Mile feat. Moodymann
Fred P - High Rise
Steffi - Fallin'
Brawther - The Driver
Fred P - Only Subs
Franck Roger - Canned Heat (Dub Version)
Don Swing - Drama
Ellen Allien - Freak The Night (Radio Slave remix)
Janeret - PULSION
Robert Hood - Magnet
Steve O'Sullivan - Elemental Dub feat. Conforce & Prince Morella
Kerri Chandler - Never Thought feat. Sunchilde
Kerri Chandler - Subbie
Jesse Bru - Sleazy FM
Mr. G - U Feel Mi (Kai Alce New Feel Mix)
Brian Kage - 909 Nights
MANT - Provenance feat. Todd Edwards
Delano Smith & Brian Kage - For The Music
Seth Troxler & Audion - Hate
Norm Talley - Believe It
Byron The Aquarius - Not My Cell Phone
Delano Smith - Remembrance
Kyle Hall - Sabari