You would expect the man who ‘started’ techno to be a little less modest, now wouldn’t you? I mean, you don’t just start a genre of music and then settle back and ‘do your thing’. Well, believe it, because he attributes the coming together as it were, between himself, Derrick May and Juan Atkins as “right place-right time”. And however many years on, the processes are the same, the fondness the same, and no less, the raison detr? is still the same. “I still have visions. And as I always have, I start experimenting with a bassline or drums – any parameters of sound – something unique. There are many different ways and approaches, but for me the best stuff is what comes together quickly; it’s all the magic of the moment”. Like any opportunity in life, the most extreme come when you’re not necessarily expecting them. It’s in the timing – and then of course, in the execution. “My music is exactly the same – you produce it and want to hear it on a big sound system hoping it feels the way you designed it and envisioned it. Sometimes you get huge inspiration from seeing people react – getting that point across on vinyl is special, especially when it sounds right. That is all a part of creating and that’s what we live for”. Indeed, it’s hard to fathom how a man, 20+ years into his career (music, don’t forget) is still as determined and hungry as he was day one. “Sure, I don’t think we have the same buzz going back then, but there are artists still keeping the sound alive. There are still a lot of great producers. We just travel a lot playing and spreading the sound. And while we don’t necessarily shoot to the top of charts, we play with love”. KMS Records (Kevin ‘Master Reece’ Saunderson, to be exact) was fashioned way back when, as an avenue to promote himself and his music. In time, it grew to be a well respected Detroit label that was used to advance a bunch of artists. For Kevin, it was important to have control over the when, where and the how. “Today, times have changed – records are released differently and you don’t move the same number of 12” as you did in the past – a lot of young kids download music for example. And lots of mix CDs are out – and my ambitions for releasing records have changed so I don’t release much now, perhaps just some back catalogs”. Of course when you hear a Saunderson record, whether it be in his own name, or under one of his alias’ (E Dancer, Innercity – there are many) you feel a rare texture and soul in the music. Innercity – a remarkable achievement in itself, was born of Kevin’s longing to do vocals. “I met a certain Paris Gray in Chicago in 1987 and wanted to let her write the first song, and right away I felt she was a great compliment to the music and I arranged for her to come to Detroit”. Subsequently the record was released and all the hype and promotion took everyone by storm. Kevin adds “I knew it was a good record but that was just my opinion”. Apparently everyone else felt it too. “That led to ‘Good Life’ and we continued making anthems for quite a while”. Even his wife did some background vocals and co wrote some of the songs. Furthermore, it seems like this was the project closest to his heart – “It is always nice to see people touched by this music. It lifts the room every time”. He is even optimistic of another release by Innercity soon, so don’t write it off just yet. And in his spare time? Well he just tries to relax. “I play basketball, I like to watch my kids play sports and help them organise their teams. I try to balance my life – there is no easy way to do it. I tour and then come home and spend some time with my family. It would be much harder if it just started happening that way, but it built up over time”. Either way, he’ll be giving you 3 hours of his time on 3 decks. If you only see one DJ play for the rest of your life, Kevin Saunderson should be close to the very top of your list.. Kevin is playing at the following events in your city: Check ITM whatson in each city for further details.
Fri 1 Oct – Melbourne – War of the Worlds – Hi Fi Bar (BUY NOW)
Sat 02nd Oct – Sydney (Gas Nightclub)
Sun 03rd – Perth (Delirium)
