The (REAL) Detroit – Nu meets old and old becomes nu

Where: Corktown Music Festival / DETROIT, MI.

When: July, 24th, 2010

Links: http://www.spindetroit.com/, http://www.incorrect-music.com/, http://10critics.com/

http://www.anthonyattalla.com/

http://www.mattherdman.com/

http://soundcloud.com/johnjohr

http://www.myspace.com/djhadybashaa

The ‘real’ Detroit is as complex as nuclear physics, as dynamic as the solar system and yet as humble, close-knit and supportive as a semi-dysfunctional family.  Detroit is just an amazing community of DJ’s, Producers, Productions Co.’s, Party-goers and Venues, that prides itself on having one of  the most interesting connection to / history with electronic music.  However, it still CONSTANTLY vibes on its own brand of cool.  With it’s unique roots, ongoing commitment to its people, places and current industry faces, this city is quickly moving towards “that ‘it’ place” status faster than a drunk girl towards the bathroom.

I had the pleasure of accompanying DJ Matt Herdman to the “Corktown Music Festival” that featured some of Detroit’s (and Windsor’s) brightest, most dynamic talents in the electronic music scene today.

Going to Detroit is an experience in and of itself.  It is a very interesting and complex city.  You either take the Detorit-Windsor tunnel OR the Ambassador Bridge.  They are located several miles away from one another and have their pro’s and con’s.  I like the tunnel because it drops you off into the heart of the city and near the major highways in the most efficient and fun way possible.  I will always remember the first time I crossed the divide line between Canada and the U.S. for school and then again for fun (mostly shopping – the malls there are sick!).  My law school, University of Detroit Mercy, is located seconds from the boarder and so is the GM building, great local restaurants, stores and bars.  Taking the highway up towards the ‘burbs OR Chicago OR Sarnia, On. is pretty simple – if you know where you are going (GPS time!)– and can be uber-fun because it’s always adventure and there is so many beautiful, interesting buildings to look at along your way.  In Detroit it seems like the final destination is only a means towards an end.

Today, our final destination was Roosevelt Park,  where Spin Detroit (links above) organized a diverse, show-case type music/culture festival.  Incorrect Music artists were also well represented there.  Before it all went down I had the pleasure of having lunch with Anthony Attalla, his girlfriend and a good friend, and Matt Herdman at local bar/ amazing B.B.Q. joint.  The food was intensity on a plate.  The prices were crazy good for the quality of food and service we received. I would recommend it to ANYONE who enjoys a trendy, unpretentious, yet  up-scale American home cooking. (and yes those things CAN all co-exist).  What was even better was that it was located near the festival grounds.  The grounds had it all – tents, promo make-shift trailers and vendors for just about everything from local brewery’s to clothing lines.  It was lovely to see the community come together and co-exists in such a positive, AND FREE way.  Yes, the festival and parking were FREE!  Unheard of, right?

We got there just in time for Hady Basha, who also MC’d as well.  Next up was John Johr.  I have never seen him play live, and I was VERY impressed with his technical skills and commitment to the music.  He also played one of DJ’s Matt Herdman’s tracks, which is also a bonus.

Antony Attalla, who I saw DJ at Boom Boom Room (Windsor, On.) the night before, oozed his positive energy and skill to that crowd throughout his entire set.  He is an amazing DJ first and foremost, but a great performer / showman as well.  His set had everything – great tracks, high-energy Dj-ing, and lots of dancing in the crowd and around it.  Everyone reached for the beats, took them in and loved every minute it.   I dance on the grass and enjoyed the breeze, fans and smoke machine until it was time for the only Canadian on the bill to represent.

DJ Matt Herdman, represented for us with the intensity, skill and craftsmanship that comes from within and I love to see shine out in DJ/producers.   His technical abilities are dumbfounding.  Every time I see him perform I am blown away by his talent.  He ability to mix, adapt and think forward is just brilliant.  His set had such a great build-up.  When he played his most notable song to date – ‘Past Twelve” – things got a little crazy.  I love that song, I love the video.  Overall he engaged the crowd with the experience and wisdom of someone twice his age and decades of performance experience.  My host did his thing and showed Detroit that its neighbors may be peaceful, BUT can lay down some killer beats….we just keep it away from the boarder guards.

After Herdman’s set, we headed to the official after party club where Atalla was spinning that night.  I’ve always wanted to see the famed “10 Critics” private club.  This place has such an interesting link to the past, but still has a place in Detroit’s future.   Google that club asap! Read about its owners, past DJ performances, link to DEMF etc.  10 Critics is ‘understated cool’ personified.  Places like that – that showcase music NOT pretension –  thrive on their coolness and what is going down on the inside NOT its walls/pompous interior.  After a quick sound check, and a girly freshen-up, we all went back to the festival.  In a nut shell:  Detroit clubs almost have crazier histories than the city they are in – there are so many stories floating about of great things gone by BUT much more good times to come.

Everyone knows that techno was born, raised and educated in Detroit.  The techno roots run deep into the heart of those who play in it and those who love it.  However what one often doesn’t see is all the hard work, creativity and LOVE that people who live and play here have for their scene.   The electronic music scene is a close knit community based on respect, loyalty and love for music.

Just come to a REAL show, whether a festival, club or whatever picks your fancy and you can FEEL the vibe that makes this city great.   The innovation, fun and just awesomeness of the city translates into the music.  I love to party in Detroit whenever I can and I can’t wait for DEMF season (The Detroit Electronic Music Festival).

Note: Most in Detroit refer to April / May ‘DEMF season’ because so much goes down between then that D-town really comes alive and gives it it’s all almost every night at every techno / house / electronic music club I have been to as of yet.

Come and see what’s it’s all about – music made by thinkers, for admires in the most unpretentious, fake city out there that is still making pop-bashing electronic music – come see THE (REAL) DETROIT!

I couldn’t resist myself so bear with me – ‘put your hands for Detroit….I love this city’!

Thanks to everyone who hosted this Toronto girl in your lovely city – you guys really know what it’s all about.  I love the passion, the music and fact that you are so willing and happy to share it with others.  Keep living that REAL life – full of creativity, positivity and fun!

Kisses to Detroit!