Celebrating Black History: Detroit techno icons

The elusive Moodymann is a master of funk, house and techno prowess and played an integral role in spreading the Detroit sound throughout Europe, producing classics like 'Why Do U Feel'. Keen to keep his persona away from the public eye, interviews are extremely rare, but his personality comes through in politically-charged tracks such as 'Sloppy Cosmic' and his playful onstage persona which commonly sees him MCing his own sets and pouring out drinks for the front row.

Underground Resistance is a true representation and crucial music segment of the city and proclaims through its vigorous progression that “without this music, there will be no peace, no love, no vision”.

Founded by Jeff Mills and “Mad” Mike Banks in the late '80s (soon joined by Robert Hood), the artists created a clear channel of musical inspiration welded between the social, political and economic situations that were shaping Detroit. The group was less of a music outlet and more of a movement, building a commanding culture essential to the development of techno.

Underground Resistance continued to run as a label until 2010, acting as a platform (along with sister label Happy Records) for Mike Banks to release his music, but Mills left the collective in 1991 to concentrate on solo projects. The innovator set up his label Axis Records and has gone onto present his obsession with science, space and time with concept shows such as Time Tunnel.

Robert Hood, aka Floorplan, pulls heavily from soul music and is a master of the kind of out-of-body, religious experience techno as proved by this set at Weather Festival. As an ordained minister in Detroit, Hood’s brand has become something of electronic gospel, finding a safe haven of acceptance and revelation in the genre. Many of his achievements are counted as milestones in Detroit techno’s history, including the 1994 release of his ‘Minimal Nation’ LP which was issued through Mill’s Axis imprint.

Blake Baxter is an influential producer in the Detroit techno realm who's remained fairly under the radar throughout his 30-year career. Even though two of his productions - 'Forever And A Day' and 'Ride Em' Boy' - feature on seminal 1988 compilation 'Techno! The New Dance Sound Of Detroit', he chose to keep himself out of the limelight, later moving to Berlin.

He's also released on Kevin Saunderson's KMS label ('When We Used To Play'), Underground Resistance ('The Prince Of Techno') and Berlin label Tresor, where he released debut album 'Dream Sequence' and 'The Project' with Eddie Fowlkes.

Conceptualized by Lenny and Lawrence Burden in the developmental years of Detroit techno, Octave One is a pioneering family affair, including revolving members Lynell, Lorne, and Lance, that has contributed hugely to the techno culture.

They first appeared with ‘I Believe’ on Derrick May’s Transmat label and have been prolific on their own 430 West imprint since the early '90s. Their live sets are still coveted, sporting a complex hardware setup and holding a unforgettable stage presence comparable to their Detroit legacy. This footage with an orchestra proves they've still got it.

Sydney is Mixmag's US Digital Content Editor. Follow her on Twitter here