22 January 2025
The exhibition “Techno: The Rise of Detroit’s Machine Music” will be on view from 4 February to 30 April
Michigan State University (MSU) Museum has unveiled its forthcoming exhibition, “Techno: The Rise of Detroit’s Machine Music”, spotlighting Detroit's pivotal role as the cradle of techno music and its profound connection to Afrofuturism.
At the heart of the exhibition lies a compelling 45-minute original sound installation crafted by Underground Resistance, the legendary Detroit techno collective, complemented by a visually striking video installation from Detroit-based artist Andrew Charles Edman (ACE). This immersive audio-visual experience vividly encapsulates the unyielding energy and far-reaching influence of techno music. Visitors can also engage with a curated selection of artifacts, including historic club speaker systems from Detroit’s iconic Club Heaven, vintage album covers, and groundbreaking instruments such as the Roland 303 and TR-808 drum machines that were instrumental in shaping techno’s sonic identity.
Reflecting on the significance of the exhibition, John Collins of Underground Resistance, who also served as a community curator for the project, remarked: “Underground Resistance has always been about pushing beyond the expected, about showing Detroit youth that technology isn’t just something that replaces jobs—it’s a tool for creating new futures. This exhibition captures that spirit of possibility, showing how Detroit’s techno pioneers turned machines into voices of hope and transformation.”
Julian Chambliss, the exhibition's curator, elaborated on the broader cultural narrative: “Techno is more than music; it’s a cultural movement that captures Detroit’s resilience and creativity. This exhibition invites visitors to explore how music influences identity and inspires visions of the future.”
Rooted in the ethos of Afrofuturism—a cultural framework blending African diaspora traditions with speculative and futuristic themes—the exhibition delves into Detroit techno as a defining expression of this movement. By tracing its emergence and evolution, the showcase celebrates the city's rich cultural legacy and the innovative spirit of Black Detroit while exploring themes of identity, place, and community through a futuristic lens.
The exhibition is further enriched by a series of dynamic programs honouring key figures from Detroit’s techno lineage. Highlights include a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring legendary producer and DJ Carl Craig alongside Underground Resistance founder Mike Banks, offering an in-depth exploration of techno’s trajectory. Carl Craig will also present an exclusive DJ set, embodying the distinctive essence of Detroit’s sound. Additionally, an all-female panel will shine a spotlight on the indispensable contributions of women to electronic music, culminating in an electrifying performance by Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale.
“Techno: The Rise of Detroit’s Machine Music” runs from February 4, 2025, to April 30, 2025, with free admission, inviting the public to immerse themselves in the powerful legacy and futuristic vision of Detroit’s techno pioneers.
