Kevin Saunderson is respected and acknowledged as one of techno’s most influential pioneers, so it’s fitting that there’s now a release that properly captures this legacy. History Elevate is a retrospective of Saunderson’s work over the past 20 years that spans across two discs. The first is a collection of his remixes for other artists as varied as Cerrone, Pet Shop Boys, Lighthouse Family and The Presets, while the second disc is an assortment of his own work that’s been remixed by massive names like Luciano, Carl Craig, Simian Mobile Disco, Claude VonStroke, Joris Voorn and more.

ITM finds out more about History Elevate, and the comprehensive journey that it takes through Kevin Saunderson’s musical history.

Tell me more about your new album History Elevate.

History Elevate is a combination of a few remixes I’ve done in the past dating back, as I was the first one to start the remix the way we hear today. You check out the music, and you create a whole new track from what the original is. So it’s a history of songs, and some of the greatest remixes that I’ve been able to do. Also you have remixes of classic works that have been done by people like Carl Craig, Loco Dice, Luciano, Vince M and more. It’s a special project. It’s a double CD and it’s something I’m very proud of.

So how long did it take to put it together?

It took me about a year and a half to compile it.

In your opinion, what do you think of the current state of electronic dance music? What do you think of today’s techno and house music?

I still think there’s some pretty good music for DJ’s to play. It’s still quite strong, you know. It’s not in the past, it’s still very well received by many people around the world and people love to dance to it.

As a Detroit native, what is your opinion on the decline of the Motor City itself? Do you think there is still hope for Detroit?

Well, as long as you have a vision, there’s always hope and you have some strongminded people here who want Detroit to bounce back. It’s a very tough time, the economy is very tough, people are losing their homes. I’ve seen GM and Chrysler gone bankrupt, and it’s our market. We’re the first into recession, and we’ll be last to come out. But hopefully, yes I’m optimistic Detroit will rebound at some point.

A DJ once said, “Only Detroit techno can save Detroit.” Do you agree with that?

Music is possible. Yes it can. It can save Detroit. It’s definitely possible. I’d say that.

What songs do you have in your iPod?

I’ve got disco. I’ve got some soul. I’ve got Parliament Funkadelic. I’ve got some Kraftwerk. I’ve got some Supernature by Cerrone, Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now. Kinda the stuff I listen to. The stuff I grew up with.

Tell me about your upcoming tour?

My upcoming tour, I’ll be touring in Europe. I’ll be doing Kevin Saunderson DJ dates, some Inner City dates. Then, I’ll be in Australia in November.

Wow, is Inner City returning?

We’re just testing the water with Inner City. I don’t think we’re going to return. But we’re going to tour live a little, a mini tour, we’ve got a couple of new records, and we’ll see. When it’s right, it’s right.

Are you happy that Big Fun is still played in clubs today?

It’s a classic. It’s a record I can’t control. So, yes I’m happy. Still, it has some damage. Big Fun, Good Life, and you know, the very special homage. Very special memories.

Which profession do you enjoy more? DJing or producing?

I think I enjoy DJing. But, it keeps me away from home so I also love producing, to sit down and work in the studio. No need to be on airplanes, in my timezone, you know. It’s difficult, you get to see the world, meet different people in different cultures, eat different foods. It both goes hand in hand. But in fact, I tour three months in a year, and stay at home rest of the months in the year.

How did you get to be the Kevin Saunderson you are today?

I think the way my parents raised me, my ambition, the person I am. I’m the person I created. So, you know, I’m a person that doesn’t give up, a strong-minded person. And If I want something, then I want to make it happen. I don’t quit, and music is something, you know that is a part of that vision.

What’s do you think of your European counterparts? What do you think of European techno?

There’s always good Techno no matter what. European techno is so much of a different thing, event though they are influenced by us. It changes towards times, and new genres comes in, and influences not from Kevin Saunderson, but also Tiesto. You know what I’m saying. The reality is, Kevin Saunderson ha been doing this for 22 years, so you know, everybody can’t sound the same like Kevin Saunderson. It is what it is, and you know I just play good music and what I think is great.

Lastly, do you have any advice for aspiring DJs & producers who wants to make it into the scene?

Just go hard. Just go and dream. You’ve gotta work hard. You’ve gotta be a fighter. You’ve gotta keep working. You gotta believe in your abilities. Learn your history too. Learn your history about music.

Kevin Saunderson’s History Elevate is out now in Australia through Fabric and Inertia.