Neo-American Techno: Richie Hawtin and the New Wave of American Minimalism

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Richie Hawtin is a British-born, Canadian-raised producer, DJ, music executive, and innovator. Touted as “one of the electronic dance world’s intellectual forces” by 

, Hawtin’s minimal, yet highly danceable techno sound and conceptual innovation as a performing artist puts him at the forefront of dance music globally. Though raised in Ontario, his unique techno sound is regarded as synonymous with Detroit’s electronic music scene.

Hawtin is a highly-decorated artist, winning Best Techno DJ at the DJ Awards in 2002, 2006, and 2008, with many other nominations and awards spanning over a decade. His alias Plastikman has also seen much acclaim and is the name he releases the majority of his music under, with seven albums and two compilations to date.

His critical acclaim goes well beyond the music scene; he collaborates and has seen support from countless influential figures in fine art and technology. One the most significant being Raf Simons, who called him the “Kraftwerk of today” and booked him for a special performance at the Guggenheim, New York’s iconic art museum. Other experimental crossovers include his collaboration with award-winning British Indian artist Sir Anish Kapoor on their Grand Palais turned art rave, as well as his soundtrack for the 2006 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, amongst many more. Further, he continuously collaborates with his younger brother and established graphic artist, Matthew Hawtin, with past notable exhibits at Art Basel/Art Miami and more.

Beyond his art, Hawtin is the label head behind Plus8 and MINUS Records. Through these ventures, he nurtures some of the hottest underground and emerging talent, from Speedy J in the 90s to Gaiser in the 2010s. With Plus8 co-founder, John Acquaviva, Hawtin co-founded the dance music hub Beatport in 2004.

He’s also committed to education, both educating burgeoning musicians and learning new things himself. He’s lectured at many colleges, provoking ideas and practices for young musicians. In 2015, he received an Honorary Doctorate of The University of Huddersfield for Outstanding Contribution to the world of Music-Technology.

Hawtin has performed around the world for decades, starting in Ontario, moving to New York, then transitioning to Berlin before setting off across the globe. He’s held residencies and performed in Ibiza at clubs like Vath and Space, where he shared his incredible ENTER. experience. ENTER. expanded to other places like Amsterdam, Madrid, Mexico, London, and Japan. He’s also performed at many of the world’s largest festivals, such as Ultra, Coachella, and Parookaville, with plans to hit ARC, CRSSD, Drumcode, and more this year.

Intertwining his auditory art with different mediums and experiences, Hawtin has accomplished the unseen and unheard, solidifying his title as an influential tastemaker and innovator.

acid house

canadian electronic

detroit techno

microhouse

minimal techno

techno

Richie Hawtin

Sweden

dark techno

raw techno

schranz

swedish electronic

swedish techno

Adam Beyer

progressive house

Cirez D

brazilian techno

electra

ANNA

Germany

high-tech minimal

Ann Clue

tech house

Azzecca

melodic house

Ben Böhmer

german house

german techno

Boris Brejcha

United Kingdom

house

uk tech house

Carl Cox

outsider house

Carl Craig

Belgium

belgian techno

Charlotte de Witte

Netherlands

dutch tech house

Chelina Manuhutu

chicago house

classic house

Chip E.

bass house

electro house

melbourne bounce

pop dance

uk dance

Chris Lake

Claptone

Cloonee

latin tech house

De La Swing

deep house

Derrick Carter

DJ Hyperactive

DJ Lady D

Italy

deep disco house

italian electronica

melodic techno

DJ Tennis

Eats Everything

italian techno

Enrico Sangiuliano

big beat

electronica

Fatboy Slim

Gene Farris

Get Real

Giolì & Assia

future garage

Gorgon City

Hiroko Yamamura

garage house

Honey Dijon

Joseph Capriati

fidget house

Justin Martin

Brazil

Kasablanca

ukg revival

kryptogram

gauze pop

Lane 8

arab electronic

Maher Daniel

Mike Dunn

neue neue deutsche welle

Moritz

South Africa

swiss pop

Nora En Pure

Öona Dahl

Pan-Pot

spanish techno

Paco Osuna

Chile

Ricardo Villalobos

Ron Carroll

Palestine

palestinian alternative

Sama’ Abdulhadi

detroit house

minimal tech house

Seth Troxler

classic dubstep

uk bass

Skream

Tini Gessler

brazilian edm

Vintage Culture

Australia

Wax Motif

ARC Music Festival is a relatively new addition to Chicago's rich festival scene, celebrating house and techno music. Hosted at the historical Union Park in Chicago, this festival aims to gather top-tier artists from these genres, giving attendees an immersive experience in the world of electronic music. Reflecting the city's deep-rooted house music culture, ARC Music Festival stands as a testament to Chicago's legacy and continuous contribution to the electronic music world.

Union Park

ARC Music Festival

The Martinez Brothers

ANOTR

uk house

TSHA

acid techno

Amelie Lens

KILIMANJARO

Denmark

danish electronic

danish techno

deep euro house

Kölsch

Benin

afro house

AMÉMÉ

deep tech house

CamelPhat

italian tech house

Fideles

Hot Since 82

Jaden Thompson

Joris Voorn

leipzig electronic

Paul Kalkbrenner

ambient techno

float house

intelligent dance music

shiver pop

Daniel Avery

FJAAK

australian experimental

HAAi

afrofuturism

Jeff Mills

Juliet Fox

jazz house

Barry Can't Swim

The Blessed Madonna

Eliza Rose

salute

Craig Richards

Christian AB

 has carved a significant space in London's electronic music landscape, becoming synonymous with top-tier underground house, techno, and electronic sounds. More than just a series of performances, this festival offers an immersive experience, highly praised for its exceptional sound quality and its distinctive, atmospheric setting. The brand has a strong and well-defined identity within the competitive festival scene, appealing to those who appreciate a curated, less mainstream electronic music experience.

The festival's origins lie in the vision of its founders, driven by a deep passion for electronic music and a desire to fill a perceived gap in London's festival offerings. Their aim was to recreate the energy and spirit of London's renowned club culture in an open-air environment. This core principle of prioritizing the music has been central to the festival's growth, influencing everything from artist selection to the intricacies of its production. Initially, Junction 2 focused heavily on techno, aiming to bring the intense and immersive atmosphere of London's underground nightlife to a larger festival scale. This clear musical direction in its early years was crucial in establishing its identity and attracting a dedicated following.

Musically, Junction 2 is primarily celebrated for its deep exploration of house and techno. These genres form the foundation of the festival's sonic identity, consistently featuring prominently in its lineups. This unwavering commitment has cemented its reputation as a key destination for fans of these specific electronic music styles. While house and techno remain central, the festival has also shown a willingness to explore a broader spectrum of electronic music, occasionally incorporating genres such as drum and bass and more melodic forms of electronic music. This gradual expansion indicates an effort to appeal to a wider range of electronic music tastes while staying true to its foundational principles.

Over the years, Junction 2 has welcomed an impressive roster of internationally acclaimed DJs and live acts, solidifying its position as a major player in the global electronic music scene. The festival has consistently drawn some of the biggest names in the industry, including influential figures like 

. Beyond these established legends, Junction 2 has also been recognized for its dedication to showcasing emerging talents, creating a dynamic platform that celebrates both the pioneers and the future of electronic music. This blend of established and rising stars ensures a vibrant and forward-thinking atmosphere for attendees.

Since its inception, Junction 2 has undergone a significant evolution in its scale and duration. Starting as a smaller, one-day event, it has grown into a multi-day festival, reflecting its increasing popularity and ambition. This expansion has allowed for a more extensive lineup of artists and a more immersive overall experience for festival-goers.

Throughout its history, Junction 2 has consistently been held at Boston Manor Park, a location that has become intrinsically linked with the festival's identity. A particularly distinctive feature of this location is the presence of the M4 motorway flyover, beneath which one of the main stages, often referred to as "The Bridge," is situated. This unique integration of urban infrastructure into the festival setting has become a defining characteristic of the Junction 2 experience.

The atmosphere at Junction 2 is frequently described as open and welcoming, with a strong sense of community among electronic music enthusiasts. Despite attracting a dedicated and often "cool" crowd, the overall vibe is one of shared enthusiasm for the music and a celebratory spirit. Contributing significantly to this immersive experience are the festival's renowned staging and production elements. Beyond the iconic "Bridge" stage, Junction 2 has introduced various creatively designed areas, such as "The Woods" and "The Warehouse," each offering a distinct visual and sonic experience. More recently, stages like "The Grid," "The Quad," and "The Blackout" have further enhanced the festival's unique aesthetic. A consistent emphasis on cutting-edge sound systems ensures that the music is delivered with power and clarity, creating an unforgettable auditory experience.

Junction 2 stands as a significant and continually evolving force within the electronic music festival landscape. Its unwavering commitment to showcasing quality underground music, coupled with its distinctive atmosphere and innovative production, has cemented its place as a must-attend event for electronic music enthusiasts seeking an authentic and immersive festival experience. The festival's journey reflects a dedication to its core values while embracing growth and adaptation, ensuring its continued relevance and appeal within the dynamic world of electronic music.

Richie Hawtin

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