New documentary explores the birth and growth of techno from Detroit to Berlin
From Detroit's birthplace to Berlin's dance floors
Deutsche Welle, the German public, state-owned international broadcaster, has shared a documentary that traces the roots of techno music and its profound impact on Berlin's contemporary cultural scene.
How Techno was Born: From Detroit to Berlin and Back incorporates interviews with renowned figures such as Alan Oldham (DJ T-1000), Ellen Allien, Juan Atkins and Dimitri Hegemann, the mind behind Berlin's iconic Tresor club. The film delves into the epoch following the collapse of the Berlin Wall, highlighting Detroit's pivotal role in shaping the burgeoning techno landscape.
The documentary is studded with archival material from the late 80s and early 90s, providing glimpses into the genesis of Tresor and other seminal clubs, complemented by retro interviews with Blake Baxter and Paul van Dyk. The film, a brainchild of journalist Ute Pfeiffer, is available on YouTube.
Watch How Techno was Born: From Detroit to Berlin and Back below.