Detroit
My time in Detroit was the highlight of my trip to the USA. When I arrived on September 20th, 2019 with my 1997 Saab 900s which I bought in San Diego, I was relieved. Actually right from the start Saabi (that's how the car was called) had problems with the cooling water pumps. Nevertheless, we were able to run proudly 7.500 miles (12.000km) until interesting noises arose from the engine compartment at our accommodation on Hague Street. Saabi took me to my destination before (she) was given to other hands: Detroit.
I arrived slowly at Café 1923 in Hamtramck and sipped an iced coffee to cool down. I was looking forward to see what would happen to me in the next weeks.
I stayed with Jeff and Zac for almost three weeks, two wonderful people and musicians who took a lot of time to show me around.
After setting up and going to the first house party (where I saw John Collins the first time) I also unpacked my mobile studio at my new place. In addition to Ableton Live, I brought my little exciting Mutable Instruments Ambika, the MakeNoise O-Coast and the Analog Rytm MK1, which I always stored in my silver TK.Maxx case and hid well in the car during the road trip.
The song Door # 1 was created. I think I was quite intrigued by Detroit’s homes especially with their front facades. When you enter a house, you usually have to go through the front door. It grants you the inside of the building. The smell. The colours. The soul.
The only Detroit producer and DJ I knew before (actually from Windsor) was Richie Hawtin. When I rummaged a bit in “the” record store >Threads <, I met DJs who should inspire me in the future: Robert Hood, Juan Atkins, Jeff Mills, Theo Parrish, Derrick May, and actually the important Underground Resistance and Detroit Techno Militia (to name a few).
Door #1 is a result of several ideas, concepts, melodies and field recordings.
During my stay in Detroit, but also during my entire trip to the USA, I created a lot of “drafts”, a library of ideas I took back home to continue to work with.
