Capitol News

The MSU Museum is set to unveil a new exhibition titled “Techno: The Rise of Detroit’s Machine Music.” This exhibit will explore Detroit's significant role in the development of Techno music and its ties to Afrofuturism. Scheduled from February 4 to April 30, the exhibition will be held at the museum's temporary location in downtown East Lansing.

Afrofuturism combines African diaspora culture with speculative and futuristic themes, and it is prominently expressed through sound. Detroit’s Techno music exemplifies this genre by reflecting the city's cultural richness and its evolution through industrial changes. The exhibition aims to highlight stories of identity, place, and community while celebrating Black Detroit's innovative spirit.

Central to the exhibition is a 45-minute sound installation by Underground Resistance, a well-known techno collective from Detroit. This audio experience is accompanied by a video installation created by artist Andrew Charles Edman. Together, they aim to convey Techno's raw energy and global influence. Visitors can also view artifacts such as club speaker systems from Club Heaven in Detroit, album covers, and technological tools like the Roland 303 and TR-808 drum machines that were pivotal in shaping Techno’s sound.

John Collins of Underground Resistance remarked on the significance of technology for future creation: “Underground Resistance has always been about pushing beyond the expected, about showing Detroit youth that technology isn’t just something that replaces jobs — it’s a tool for creating new futures.”

The museum will host various programs during the exhibition period. Notable events include a panel discussion featuring producer Carl Craig and Underground Resistance founder Mike Banks on Techno's evolution. Carl Craig will also perform a DJ set showcasing Detroit’s unique sound. An all-female panel discussing women's contributions to electronic music will conclude with a performance by Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale.

Julian Chambliss, curator of the exhibition, emphasized Techno's broader cultural impact: “Techno is more than music; it’s a cultural movement that captures Detroit’s resilience and creativity.”

“Techno: The Rise of Detroit’s Machine Music” offers free admission throughout its run.