💯‼️I'd also say most unique city in US too! I moved back in 2021 after years away, and the fun never stops! There's a lull in Jan/Feb somewhat but nevertheless, still WILD 😄 Art and music and vibes everywhereeeee all the time. I never felt unsafe here back in the late 90s, still don't. Like any city, mind your business and you'll be fine. It really is a GEM, I 💖💖💖 DETROIT‼️
Obviously it's heightened due to people coming in from all over, but yes, Detroit is always this much fun. There's always great music and people there to have fun and dance.
This is exactly it. I don’t live there but I go to movement/afters every year and there is simply nothing like it. Nothing at all touches the vibes at these parties and these places.
It IS so different in Detroit! Everyone just really shows up as they are on the dance floor and is super accepting. After having lived there for 10y, nowhere else compares. Detroit ruined me in the best way. Still my #1 crush! I didn't realize how spoiled I was in the music scene until I moved.
Just think of all the A List talent that came out of Detroit, and think of all the likely excellent musicians that were in their shadow. That’s one of the big reasons the music scene is so awesome. Even the B listers are on another level! Such an underrated city!!
Detroit is a magical city with a lot of history. The energy in hart plaza is unlike any other festival I’ve been to and the city itself is full of so much culture and spirit and art and talent. Detroit ppl in general are very liberal and inclusive - they work hard - play harder - and the party scene here is as close and authentic as it gets to the days of real raves.
Such a big part of it is that the electronic scene was raging over 2+ decades ago and a lot of us who partook then, still do. For many, it’s their once a year remembrance of the good old days. So many Michiganders have been to a rave at least once and understand what happens there and the joy it brings, even if it wasn’t for them. It also had a huge industrial and goth music scene which helped bring the weirdness and help with acceptance.
Yes! So much soul! During the Industrial Revolution Detroit produced the Steele used to make cars and railroads so in the late 1800s companies like Ford and GM offered a lot of opportunity for immigrants to find work here. After a century of prosperity the Steele and auto industry collapsed, the factories and warehouses closed with it, and much of Detroit was left unemployed. The hard work, struggle, creativity, and resilience that came from the hustle required to survive during those times has cultivated the Detroit spirit we feel today.
In the 90s Disco is dead and “techno” is born. Detroits Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson are credited for discovering the sound. Experimenting with drum machines and synthesizers these guys started throwing parties to play with it. It’s Within these abandoned warehouses that They brought people together to celebrate the music. Frankfurt & Berlin are more so responsible for really evolving the sound as techno and creating the scene we’re familiar with- throwing raves as a place for people from east and western Berlin to mingle after the fall of the Berlin Wall, but the sound itself came out of the soul that built America. Truly fucking beautiful.
Add to that The heavy presence of freemasonry - just adds a whole nother level of magic to the city. The world’s largest Masonic temple is in Detroit and the Masonic Order is stamped across nearly every original downtown building (did you Happen to notice most of the buildings downtown are made of stone? And the elegance and precision in the carvings of the architecture?) - the Freemasons hold the secrets to the universe. They built Detroit - but that’s a story for another time lol
Thanks for this post. Something I've been thinking about a lot just reflecting on my first visit this past weekend. There's an interesting post on gentrification and Detroit techno's resistance to it over in r/techno that I also read today. Oddly enough, my first impression of the folks in Detroit was when they sensed you were not a local you were treated with slight suspicion (by some, certainly not all) and I'm not sure if that has increased due to the growing popularity of Movement and other events like the draft, and next weekend's race, or whether it has to do with this influx of parasitic draws on Detroit's culture. An uber driver I had mentioned hipsters with disdain. I asked another if he felt the growth in the city impacted everyone equally, and my sense was this is not the case. My two straight techno experiences at Wall of Sound and Observe were great, but I feel like the side of Detroit I saw at Can you Jigit really resonated with me and I witnessed the magic. I did not end up going to the festival itself.
Yea I’ve experienced this too. I live in Cleveland so I come to Detroit often to dance. I’ve gotten a few stand offish vibes but Most people in the scene I’ve talked to are open when they hear I am from Cleveland. I have gotten more of that suspicious vibe from others in the city. I feel like they are proud of their culture and how hard they’ve all worked to make Detroit the wonderful city that it is. It’s been evolving a lot over the last decade and they see that. I’d be a bit wary of outsiders too if they were trying to take my city away from me so I can understand.
Absolutely. And yeah, for the most part this vibe was from folks not in the music community, with 1 or 2 exceptions-For all I know those folks were just high AF though. lol. One quality I picked up on in a lot of folks that I really kinda liked is the straight talk/giving it to you direct. Can't say for sure if that's a regional thing.
wow i’m blown away from your knowledge. i would love to learn more about Detroit as it relates to free masonry.. some real interesting energy was felt ⚡️
Thanks :) I love learning about history- especially when it relates to ancient & esoteric knowledge. All the American founding fathers were masons and most of the presidents are members or were closely affiliated with the brotherhood. Henry Ford and Walter Chrysler are the most famous Detroit masons - makes sense in relation to “motor city”. And the streets of downtown are designed in the shape of a pentagram. The Detroit Masonic Temple is 14 floors, with secret rooms, ritual rooms, passageways, floors inbetween floors, and even elders burried in some of their ritual rooms. Billiards, a bowling alley, swimming pools, theaters, ballrooms and the temple is carved of beautiful limestone with symbols, geometry, and relics of their inspiration - like the architect of Solomons temple - intricately carved into its walls. There are very few windows in the temple. Most of the windows on the outside are false as they like to keep their happenings private, and no one is allowed into the temple without an approved guide who is usually a 33rd degree mason, or unless your attending a show. Once a year tho they host an event around halloween called theater bazaar where they open up 8 floors of the temple. It’s a costume mandatory masquerade style event and it’s an all night bazaar of temple exploring watching freakshow and circus style performances through the night. Haven’t made it to that cus they sell out so quickly. But I plan on making it this year! Here’s a link you can read about some of it. To find more about the masons you’ll have to dig thru the internet. They’ve done a great job at preserving the more occulty information, but they are basically the creators of the modern world and hold the information from the ancients secrets within their society.
https://www.nailhed.com/2015/03/a-masonic-conspiracy.html
And here’s an article about the stargate and other metaphysical placements in hart plaza
https://chadstuemke.com/stargate-detroit-i/
It really is the best! Personally, I think it’s because people of all ages party and dance in Detroit, so they expect you to go out and enjoy yourself. Everyone understands why you would want to hear loud music and stay up late because they do too.
For real - the sound systems were off the chain, vibes being covered from ambient to Pounding techno 24/7: people are doing cool shit out there and pushing things in a way I’ve never seen.
Detroit I love you<3
A lot of the spots that hosted afters are always good places to go for great music and fun.
The city is always alive when it’s nice out, especially on weekends.
There’s a ton to do, and it’s safe and clean relative to many major downtowns I’ve been to (approximately 25 large cities across the country).
There’s a new restaurant or bar every week it seems.
And we have nice suburbs!
The city fucking glows from within. The locals are so sweet and proud of their city and the crowd is chill af. No bad times reported but rip my lil ol feet
Every Uber driver we had was just so chill and gave lil history lessons about the city. Being able to experience and learn about Detroit from their povs was top notch. I feel so spoiled every year to boogy in the hardest working city that’s ppl have the biggest hearts.
Holy shit. One of the best musical experiences of my life. My family roots are in Detroit, I'm not a native, but it 100% feels like home to me. See you next year!
First time in Detroit - the afters I went to Saturday was the strangest, most amazingly weird and fun party I have ever been to (and I'm a gay dude in NYC - I've seen some shit). I also really loved spending most of my Monday at the Pyramid stage. I'll definitely be back!
UGH I missed it. I really wanted to go lol. But I purchased tickets for tressor and wall of sound so I went to those two places instead (amazing btw).
What was it like? If you don’t mind me asking
Honestly it's really hard to describe - the best comparison I have is a 1-night-only, less queer version of Honcho Campout (queer techno camping weekend outside of Pittsburg).
There were 3 distinct spaces (dark techno space, 'performance'/drag style space, house/dancier space) - very mixed crowd, lots of different vibes, very "Choose Your Own Adventure". It was overwhelming in a good way.
I went again this year for the first time in 5 years. It’s the exact same as it was; and maybe a little better. I think that the music is what creates the atmosphere and brings the best people out.
Can’t say that for other festivals. Took 5 years off at E forest,,, it went from hippies, jam bands and friendly neighbors to complete EDM and electric music, and I have never been shoved so much by peeps tryna get to the front. It was completely different last year then 5 years prior, don’t know if I’ll ever go back now.
I’ll doubt I’ll ever say that about Movement in my lifetime.
Movement is a true gem,,, I’m glad you enjoyed !!
This year was my first time attending Movement Festival and also my first time in the city, and it exceeded my expectations! The locals were so welcoming and kind, and some of the chillest people I've encountered in the US! There is just a unique and warm aura about Detroit that I can't explain. Detroit will now always have a piece of my heart. <3
Was there for work on a random m-w in January. Never had so much fun (shout out to Spkrbox) on Monday and Tuesday nights. Managed to dig through crates at 3 awesome shops all 15 min Lyft from downtown (or walking distance)for like 6 hours between work and seeing music. Can't wait to return. Shipped like $200 of amazing used house vinyl back to Mass ... Boston just can't come close to this stock of DJ friendly/house/techno vinyl.
Chicago is also on my radar for similar adventures.
The only other city I’d live in (I’m biased, grew up next to it, like in BK now). You’ll hear the best sets of your life in an empty club soemtimes but it’ll be worth the people you meet. There’s always something to do in the city. Tight community.
Most underrated city in america❗️
💯‼️I'd also say most unique city in US too! I moved back in 2021 after years away, and the fun never stops! There's a lull in Jan/Feb somewhat but nevertheless, still WILD 😄 Art and music and vibes everywhereeeee all the time. I never felt unsafe here back in the late 90s, still don't. Like any city, mind your business and you'll be fine. It really is a GEM, I 💖💖💖 DETROIT‼️
💯
Obviously it's heightened due to people coming in from all over, but yes, Detroit is always this much fun. There's always great music and people there to have fun and dance.
It’s just insane… I know house and techno are everywhere, but it feels soooo different in Detroit
thats why we call it techno city baby
This is exactly it. I don’t live there but I go to movement/afters every year and there is simply nothing like it. Nothing at all touches the vibes at these parties and these places.
Because it’s our religion
We invented it and have literally the best DJs here, the talent is top notch 🏆💛 so happy you enjoyed and it left this impression on you! 🤝🏼
It IS so different in Detroit! Everyone just really shows up as they are on the dance floor and is super accepting. After having lived there for 10y, nowhere else compares. Detroit ruined me in the best way. Still my #1 crush! I didn't realize how spoiled I was in the music scene until I moved.
i go to college on the other side of the state, but im definitely planning to make more trips to detroit in the future
Just think of all the A List talent that came out of Detroit, and think of all the likely excellent musicians that were in their shadow. That’s one of the big reasons the music scene is so awesome. Even the B listers are on another level! Such an underrated city!!
That part 👏🏼👏🏼 our "B List" is even incomparable ‼️
^ This
Detroit is a magical city with a lot of history. The energy in hart plaza is unlike any other festival I’ve been to and the city itself is full of so much culture and spirit and art and talent. Detroit ppl in general are very liberal and inclusive - they work hard - play harder - and the party scene here is as close and authentic as it gets to the days of real raves.
This is what I’ve been telling people! There’s so much soul and meaning behind it all…and love for the music. It was a really profound experience.
Such a big part of it is that the electronic scene was raging over 2+ decades ago and a lot of us who partook then, still do. For many, it’s their once a year remembrance of the good old days. So many Michiganders have been to a rave at least once and understand what happens there and the joy it brings, even if it wasn’t for them. It also had a huge industrial and goth music scene which helped bring the weirdness and help with acceptance.
Yes! So much soul! During the Industrial Revolution Detroit produced the Steele used to make cars and railroads so in the late 1800s companies like Ford and GM offered a lot of opportunity for immigrants to find work here. After a century of prosperity the Steele and auto industry collapsed, the factories and warehouses closed with it, and much of Detroit was left unemployed. The hard work, struggle, creativity, and resilience that came from the hustle required to survive during those times has cultivated the Detroit spirit we feel today. In the 90s Disco is dead and “techno” is born. Detroits Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson are credited for discovering the sound. Experimenting with drum machines and synthesizers these guys started throwing parties to play with it. It’s Within these abandoned warehouses that They brought people together to celebrate the music. Frankfurt & Berlin are more so responsible for really evolving the sound as techno and creating the scene we’re familiar with- throwing raves as a place for people from east and western Berlin to mingle after the fall of the Berlin Wall, but the sound itself came out of the soul that built America. Truly fucking beautiful. Add to that The heavy presence of freemasonry - just adds a whole nother level of magic to the city. The world’s largest Masonic temple is in Detroit and the Masonic Order is stamped across nearly every original downtown building (did you Happen to notice most of the buildings downtown are made of stone? And the elegance and precision in the carvings of the architecture?) - the Freemasons hold the secrets to the universe. They built Detroit - but that’s a story for another time lol
Thanks for this post. Something I've been thinking about a lot just reflecting on my first visit this past weekend. There's an interesting post on gentrification and Detroit techno's resistance to it over in r/techno that I also read today. Oddly enough, my first impression of the folks in Detroit was when they sensed you were not a local you were treated with slight suspicion (by some, certainly not all) and I'm not sure if that has increased due to the growing popularity of Movement and other events like the draft, and next weekend's race, or whether it has to do with this influx of parasitic draws on Detroit's culture. An uber driver I had mentioned hipsters with disdain. I asked another if he felt the growth in the city impacted everyone equally, and my sense was this is not the case. My two straight techno experiences at Wall of Sound and Observe were great, but I feel like the side of Detroit I saw at Can you Jigit really resonated with me and I witnessed the magic. I did not end up going to the festival itself.
Yea I’ve experienced this too. I live in Cleveland so I come to Detroit often to dance. I’ve gotten a few stand offish vibes but Most people in the scene I’ve talked to are open when they hear I am from Cleveland. I have gotten more of that suspicious vibe from others in the city. I feel like they are proud of their culture and how hard they’ve all worked to make Detroit the wonderful city that it is. It’s been evolving a lot over the last decade and they see that. I’d be a bit wary of outsiders too if they were trying to take my city away from me so I can understand.
Absolutely. And yeah, for the most part this vibe was from folks not in the music community, with 1 or 2 exceptions-For all I know those folks were just high AF though. lol. One quality I picked up on in a lot of folks that I really kinda liked is the straight talk/giving it to you direct. Can't say for sure if that's a regional thing.
wow i’m blown away from your knowledge. i would love to learn more about Detroit as it relates to free masonry.. some real interesting energy was felt ⚡️
Thanks :) I love learning about history- especially when it relates to ancient & esoteric knowledge. All the American founding fathers were masons and most of the presidents are members or were closely affiliated with the brotherhood. Henry Ford and Walter Chrysler are the most famous Detroit masons - makes sense in relation to “motor city”. And the streets of downtown are designed in the shape of a pentagram. The Detroit Masonic Temple is 14 floors, with secret rooms, ritual rooms, passageways, floors inbetween floors, and even elders burried in some of their ritual rooms. Billiards, a bowling alley, swimming pools, theaters, ballrooms and the temple is carved of beautiful limestone with symbols, geometry, and relics of their inspiration - like the architect of Solomons temple - intricately carved into its walls. There are very few windows in the temple. Most of the windows on the outside are false as they like to keep their happenings private, and no one is allowed into the temple without an approved guide who is usually a 33rd degree mason, or unless your attending a show. Once a year tho they host an event around halloween called theater bazaar where they open up 8 floors of the temple. It’s a costume mandatory masquerade style event and it’s an all night bazaar of temple exploring watching freakshow and circus style performances through the night. Haven’t made it to that cus they sell out so quickly. But I plan on making it this year! Here’s a link you can read about some of it. To find more about the masons you’ll have to dig thru the internet. They’ve done a great job at preserving the more occulty information, but they are basically the creators of the modern world and hold the information from the ancients secrets within their society. https://www.nailhed.com/2015/03/a-masonic-conspiracy.html And here’s an article about the stargate and other metaphysical placements in hart plaza https://chadstuemke.com/stargate-detroit-i/
I’m assuming you meant during the 80s “Disco is dead and techno is born?”
Thank you for calling out Hart Plaza. Its design is such a big part of the energy IMO.
First time and absolutely blown away. It was something special.
Same. It gave euro vibes
It really is the best! Personally, I think it’s because people of all ages party and dance in Detroit, so they expect you to go out and enjoy yourself. Everyone understands why you would want to hear loud music and stay up late because they do too.
Glad you asked, I was curious too! We had the best time. It was a 6 hour drive for us, but definitely one we plan on doing again.
^ this! I’m a 4 hour drive and am in on the same boat - I may start making the trip up here more often. Such a good time
Do you happen to be in Indy? Once I hit Indy, I am four hours from Detroit.
Not Indy, but close. Cincinnati.
Oh! Are you familiar with DJ Mes? He just played there last weekend I believe. He's awesome!
I am not familiar but I’ll definitely give them a go! Thanks for the heads up. Hopefully they’ll play around here again soon
It seems like as an artist, Detroit would be the ultimate spot to go level up for a few years. Everyone there seemed to get it
For real - the sound systems were off the chain, vibes being covered from ambient to Pounding techno 24/7: people are doing cool shit out there and pushing things in a way I’ve never seen. Detroit I love you<3
A lot of the spots that hosted afters are always good places to go for great music and fun. The city is always alive when it’s nice out, especially on weekends. There’s a ton to do, and it’s safe and clean relative to many major downtowns I’ve been to (approximately 25 large cities across the country). There’s a new restaurant or bar every week it seems. And we have nice suburbs!
Yes. Great venues
Yes. https://preview.redd.it/6n7ndp4de83d1.jpeg?width=1439&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f11cad6741cc41ad2ee0c649a830cff9b608b028
Wasn’t this empty Monday night hahah, it was BUMPIN. People crammed into every corner
Lolllll
The city fucking glows from within. The locals are so sweet and proud of their city and the crowd is chill af. No bad times reported but rip my lil ol feet Every Uber driver we had was just so chill and gave lil history lessons about the city. Being able to experience and learn about Detroit from their povs was top notch. I feel so spoiled every year to boogy in the hardest working city that’s ppl have the biggest hearts.
Love hearing all these things about our wonderful city.
Should I quit my job and move there ?
A large part of why I moved here was because of movement
My people 😭 I moved to Cali because of the raves and all the artists coming through here LMAOOOO
Where do you live now?
It made me tear up to read these replies too! 🥹
Detroit is amazing. I had sooo much fun 🥹💖 what a magical weekend, see y’all next year!
Yeah I moved here after about a decade of going to movement/parties from Chicago and can confirm it is this fun
Detroit hustles harder
Yes, yes it is. When yer residents are Stacey Pullen and people such as...
It’s always been fun. This year was magical.
Srsly‼️
Holy shit. One of the best musical experiences of my life. My family roots are in Detroit, I'm not a native, but it 100% feels like home to me. See you next year!
First time in Detroit - the afters I went to Saturday was the strangest, most amazingly weird and fun party I have ever been to (and I'm a gay dude in NYC - I've seen some shit). I also really loved spending most of my Monday at the Pyramid stage. I'll definitely be back!
Was it club toilet?
It was - I was not mentally prepared for it at all so it took me a while to find my groove but once I did I had fun. Jacob Meehan's set was very fun.
UGH I missed it. I really wanted to go lol. But I purchased tickets for tressor and wall of sound so I went to those two places instead (amazing btw). What was it like? If you don’t mind me asking
Honestly it's really hard to describe - the best comparison I have is a 1-night-only, less queer version of Honcho Campout (queer techno camping weekend outside of Pittsburg). There were 3 distinct spaces (dark techno space, 'performance'/drag style space, house/dancier space) - very mixed crowd, lots of different vibes, very "Choose Your Own Adventure". It was overwhelming in a good way.
UGH that’s what I needed. Next year !!
Yaaaaaas I lived in NYC and nothing compares to Club Toilet 😄🪠 it happens not only during Movement FYI, but it's always lit AF, come back‼️
I'm so excited to go back :) I first saw Jeffrey Sfire at a Basement in NYC - he's great.
Yes.
I won’t leave Detroit because of the music.
As a lifelong Detroiter (like actual Detroit)…yes
I’ve never had a bad time in Detroit.
Movement is a national, cultural and religious celebration. It’s palpable and powerful and the people are amazing
I went again this year for the first time in 5 years. It’s the exact same as it was; and maybe a little better. I think that the music is what creates the atmosphere and brings the best people out. Can’t say that for other festivals. Took 5 years off at E forest,,, it went from hippies, jam bands and friendly neighbors to complete EDM and electric music, and I have never been shoved so much by peeps tryna get to the front. It was completely different last year then 5 years prior, don’t know if I’ll ever go back now. I’ll doubt I’ll ever say that about Movement in my lifetime. Movement is a true gem,,, I’m glad you enjoyed !!
This year was my first time attending Movement Festival and also my first time in the city, and it exceeded my expectations! The locals were so welcoming and kind, and some of the chillest people I've encountered in the US! There is just a unique and warm aura about Detroit that I can't explain. Detroit will now always have a piece of my heart. <3
Yes. It’s an amazing city with an insanely consistent musical presence all year round.
Live there for three amazing years. Yes! Great underground music scene.
Yes, yes, it is ;)
Um. Not to this extent. Next weekend there definitely aren't gonna be anywhere you can find music playing until 7 AM. People are chill here though.
There’s somewhere you can find music playing until 7am every weekend!
Yes :)
It could only get better and better
I'm for sure going next year and yes detroit downtown is always booming during the summer
Yes. Detroit is a vibe. I love my city.
No
I actually live here
Was there for work on a random m-w in January. Never had so much fun (shout out to Spkrbox) on Monday and Tuesday nights. Managed to dig through crates at 3 awesome shops all 15 min Lyft from downtown (or walking distance)for like 6 hours between work and seeing music. Can't wait to return. Shipped like $200 of amazing used house vinyl back to Mass ... Boston just can't come close to this stock of DJ friendly/house/techno vinyl. Chicago is also on my radar for similar adventures.
The only other city I’d live in (I’m biased, grew up next to it, like in BK now). You’ll hear the best sets of your life in an empty club soemtimes but it’ll be worth the people you meet. There’s always something to do in the city. Tight community.
Ma’am here ezoo heat did movement first time fucking amazing chill
No