Juan Atkins has left a huge legacy within electronic music history. The musician responsible for some of the pioneering work that helped establish techno has passed away at the age of 64.
News of his passing came through via his management to Resident Advisor on the 1st of November. Following an incident in Mexico City on the day of his gig at YuYu Cine Club, Atkins was found unresponsive in his hotel room. He was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death has not been confirmed.
Very few artists can claim to have helped create a whole new genre of music. Atkins story is closely tied to Detroit, the industrial city located in Michigan. In his school days, he met Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson. Together they formed the Belleville Three. His roots start with Cybotron, where he worked alongside Richard Davis to experiment with Synthesizers, drum machines, and futuristic electronic sounds, helping to create the unique sound of Detroit. In 1985 he released ‘No UFOs’ which stands as one of the most important records of the early Detroit techno movement. He went onto further expand his influence with Metroplex Records, the label he created to push forward innovative electronic music. In 1988 he released ‘Techno Music’, which would also stand as an important release. The record featured on Virgin Records landmark compilation album ‘Techno! The New Dance Sound Of Detroit’. This helped put Detroit on the map with their music and helped create the terminology we know today.
Often referred to as the godfather of techno, Atkins isn’t just important because of the records he has released. His ideas, records, and support of other artists helped create the foundations for countless artists.
Kevin Saunderson took to Instagram to pay respects to his “brother”.
“Juan was the originator of Techno, a true visionary who opened the door for so many of us, myself included.”
Saunderson continued:
“I’ll never forget how he showed me how to finish my first record, ‘Triangle of Love’. That meant a lot to me then, and it still does today,” he continued. “We shared a journey that changed music forever, and I’ll always be grateful for his friendship, guidance and everything he gave to our scene.”
Atkins has left a massive influence on the genre which has grown from the underground of Detroit to dancefloors worldwide.