Theo Parrish and !K7 release new short film exploring the sounds of Detroit

Legendary Detroit DJ and producer Theo Parrish and !K7 have launched a new documentary exploring the sounds of Detroit: DJ-Kicks: Detroit Forward.

The film is directed by Kashira Dowdridge, and features interviews with the likes of WhoDat, Sophiyah E., Ian Fink and Nova Zaii — all of whom feature in Parrish's accompanying DJ-Kicks mix.

Titled ‘DJ-Kicks: Theo Parrish’, the 90-minute mix is available on CD, vinyl and online via !K7 — all 19 of the tracks are by musicians from Detroit, and apart from his own song ‘Real Deal’ – a collaboration with Duminie DePorres – each track that appears in the mix was signed exclusively by Parrish for the record, which he recorded and sequenced himself.

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In a statement about the project, Parrish said: “Detroit creates. But rarely imitates. Why? We hear and see many from other places do that with what we originate.

“No need to follow. Get it straight,” he continued. “In the Great Lakes there’s always more under the surface – more than what appears to penetrate the top layer of attention and recognition.

“What about those that defy tradition? Those that sidestep the inaccurate definitions often given from outside positions? This is that evidence. Enjoy.”

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The music explores the breadth of Parrish’s taste, as well as the diverse sounds of the Motor City, ranging from low slung house to improvised live instrument recordings.

Other than those featured in the video, music also comes from the likes of newcomer Meftah, De’Sean Jones, Raj Mahal and more.

Watch ‘DJ-Kicks: Theo Parrish – Detroit Forward’ below:

Full tracklist of ‘DJ-Kicks: Theo Parrish – Detroit Forward’:

01: De'Sean Jones & Ideeyah - Pressure

02: Donald Roland II - Simba's Theme

03: Meftah - When The Sun Falls

04: Theo Parrish & Duminie DePorres - Real Deal

05: Specter - The Upper Room

06: Deon Jamar - North End Funk

07: Ian Fink - Moonlite (Duality/Detroit Live Version)

08: John C & Meftah - Full

09: Monica Blaire - aGain (T's Edit)

10: De'Sean Jones - Psalm 23

11: Raybone Jones - Green Funk

12: Jon Dixon - Wind Drifts (Instrumental)

13: Whodat - Don't Know feat. Sophiyah E.

14: KESSWA - Chasing Delerium feat. Nova Zai

15: Raj Mahal - Hudsons

16: De'Sean Jones - Flash Spain

17: Jason Hogans - Surrounded By Trees

18: Howard Thomas - Experiment 10

19: Sterling Toles – Janis

Isaac Muk is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow him on Twitter