Windsor looks Beyond EDM

By Maciejka Gorzelnik

 

Electronic music history was made in Windsor Nov. 7 when a local techno pioneer was presented with ceremonial keys to the city.

Richie Hawtin, also known as Plastikman grew up in LaSalle and began his career in the early 90s with the Detroit techno scene. Best known for his minimal beats, he has travelled and performed at clubs worldwide while working towards advancing the genre. Mayor Eddie Francis presented the keys to Hawtin.

“In addition to being the world’s best DJ and the most technologically advanced artist in electronic music,” said Francis, “Richie Hawtin is being recognized by the city for his continued efforts in advancing art and music with a new generation both here and abroad.”

Music in general has historically been about pushing boundaries. In the 50s, rock and roll emerged to mixed reviews. While some people embraced and loved it, others hated it. The same happened in the late 60s with heavy metal and every musical genre thereafter. It can take time for new styles to break through and it doesn’t happen overnight. Electronic dance music is currently in that process.

Hawtin, along with DJs Loco Dice, Ean Golden, Carl Craig and Eddie “Flashin” Fowlkes stopped in Windsor as a part of the CNTRL: Beyond EDM educational music tour. Hawtin summed up the event in three words – educate, inspire, entertain.

“I don’t think my music is mainstream or should be mainstream. I wouldn’t want it to be,” said Hawtin. “But I do think there’s a lot of people out there who appreciate what I do as a DJ.”

Even though the turnout was small in comparison to other tour stops, only filling approximately half of the University of Windsor’s Ambassador Auditorium, the event was well received. Independant public relations representative Sophia Rose was in attendance and said it was the “most interesting and fun” lecture she had attended.

“The panelists actually put into action via the technology present what they were talking about,” said Rose. “They were willing to share personal opinions and experiences with the audience through their own discussions and when answering questions.”

Also in the audience was University of Windsor graduate assistant Ritwick Gupta. He said the lecture accomplished what it set out to do but Windsor still has a long way to go.

“People who had no clue about EDM got a lot of info about how it started, progressed and mutated to get to its current form,” said Gupta. “(In Windsor), there is a bunch of people who are passionate about it but it should be more supported than it is. We have a market for $3 vodka shots, not EDM.”

Local DJ Justin James is in the process of being signed to Hawtin’s Minus label. James said being from Windsor and the proximity to Detroit has helped him along the way but the key is to keep innovating and not settle for mediocrity.

“This is techno. It’s technology. It’s about pushing forward,” said James. “Creatvity is contagious. People don’t have to like (electronic music) but they shouldn’t deny its existence.”

The Boom Boom Room located in the 300 block of Ouellette Avenue has been at the centre of Windsor’s electronic music scene and celebrated its seventh anniversary in conjunction with CNTRL. All panelists performed live sets following the lecture and co-owner of BBR Remo Agostino said the event was a great success.

“This city is home to so many fantastic artists that go unrecognized. With the help of Richie and others in the city we look forward to the return of the arts scene here in Windsor in a big way,” said Agostino. “The Boom Boom Room since 2005 has been proud to be a part of the ongoing heritage of downtown Windsor and we thank everyone for their continued support. It’s going to be difficult to top year seven.”

Follow Maciejka on Twitter @miss_emg

For more information about the event visit Cntrl: Beyond EDM on facebook.