Movement Electronic Music Festival, known by most as simply ‘Movement’, is set to take over Detroit this Memorial Day Weekend 2017 (May 27-29). If you combine all the iterations of the festival, we’re looking at 17 years of celebrating House and Techno’s biggest and best artists, with this being the 11th year under ownership of the production company Paxahau. While I’ve been aware of Movement for most of my adult life, only recently has the festival built itself, in my mind, to one of the must-attend electronic music events in America – and I haven’t even attended yet.
What makes Movement so special, to me, is its focus on Detroit’s Techno roots. While I love festivals that have eclectic mixes of music and try to have something for everyone, it’s not as often as I like that I can attend an event that gathers and celebrates a community while attracting guests from all over the world. Everyone I’ve spoken to about Movement, and comments I’ve read by the artists who perform there, say the community aspect is simply unmatched. Anyone who knows the history of Detroit knows of its hardships in recent years and Movement acts as a release to forget about the bad times and focus on the good ones.
As with all festival previews we aim to share our excitement about the music and the artists performing at the events; this preview is no exception. As House and Techno are my two favorite types of dance music, Movement 2017’s lineup creates a huge amount of excitement about artists to be seen. Though I’ve heard the after parties are what makes Movement one of the top festivals in the U.S. (party in a museum anyone?), let’s talk about who I’m personally excited to see within festival grounds:
In no particular order…
- The Headliners (Richie Hawtin, Carl Cox, and Deadmau5 as Testpilot) – maybe I’m just a closeted hipster but I’m rarely attracted to festivals for the headliners or main stage acts. But since Movement is already known for the underground, the term “headliner” doesn’t hold much weight with me. The three artists above are juggernauts in the music industry. Richie Hawtin will debut his “CLOSE” act which we don’t know much about but can assume will be a must-see audio/visual master piece. And while Carl Cox needs no introduction, Testpilot is one to pique my curiosity as Joel Zimmerman puts on his Techno pants and plays to a highly educated crowd.
- Adam Beyer – another Techno legend who needs no introduction, I continuously listen to his Drumcode podcasts, but infrequently get to see him spin live. I know we’ll be in good hands as he takes to the decks for some pumping 4×4 beats.
- Barclay Crenshaw – Claude Vonstroke’s latest project has seen him releasing a full-length album and touring around the country under this alias. While it’s a far deviation from his booty bass House and Techno stylings, the Barclay Crenshaw show brings an eclectic mix of Future Bass and Hip Hop to the forefront.
- Dixon – my first time seeing the German Techno mastermind was at Day Zero Festival this year and after not understanding what all the hype was about, I’m now a believer. Dixon will take us on a musical journey that is sure to impress even the most die hard music lovers
- Cajmere – Another legend, I’m interested to see how his Cajmere sets differ from his Green Velvet performances. No doubt it will be a jackin’ good time.
- Soul Clap (Live) – I always get excited when these Boston natives are around. Even more so, I’m really excited to see what their live sets bring. No doubt it will be a funky and soulful experience.
- Patrick Topping b2b Nathan Barato – get me in front of speakers when Patrick Topping is spinning and I guarantee I’ll be moving. Add Nathan Barato to the mix and you have a dynamic and driving set full of thumping beats.
- The Saunderson Brothers – nothing says Detroit like these two. Strap in and let’s go!
Overall I’m excited to see DJs both new and old who will surprise and delight every person in attendance this year at Movement. Don’t sleep on purchasing tickets because your chance to attend will run out!