How Movement Captures Hearts
As a Chicagoan, I am admittedly spoiled in the sense that I can find myself in the presence of house music legends on any given day of the week. That there is a healthy and thriving scene to indulge in whenever the mood strikes. To have several festivals steps from my front door. I had always heard high praises of Movement Music Festival in Detroit. This year I finally saw it with my own eyes, and I am hooked.
As a first-time visitor to Detroit, I was unsure what to expect. It seemed so small in comparison to my hulking home, but the city makes no mistake in letting you know what it’s about. Billboards tell you exactly where you are, the home of Techno. Detroit is so unapologetic in it’s pride. Every corner of the city was dripping with history and every local I encountered spoke fondly of this weekend. Before it became what is now Movement, they attended as children with their techno-loving parents. Seeing generations continue to carry the torch is part of what makes the weekend so special.
The uniqueness of an all-ages dance music festival is something that Detroit pulls off coolly. “My teenager is at another stage with his little sister”, said a mother I was dancing next to at Walker & Royce. “My mother took me when I was a kid”, remarked my Uber driver. Families in matching outfits and protective earwear bobbed their way through the crowd to find a place where the kids could cut shapes of their own. Techno is alive and well, and tomorrow’s tastemakers can say they were part of it all from childhood.
Saturday
Going into this festival I had music as the main focus in my mind, but it became apparent quickly that this festival was so much more. Each stage developed its unique personality, allowing festivalgoers to explore. There is importance in exposing yourself to something new, particularly when it’s set up so perfectly for you. A standout performance for me on day 1 was Shigeto Live Ensemble. This collective of talented artists perfectly highlighted the power of marrying live and electronic music together. While Movement is a techno-centric festival, it is, at its core, a Detroit-centric festival. With endless troves of talent to tap into, Shigeto Live Ensemble gave listeners the perfect taste to want more.
Naturally, as the evening progressed, the sounds on each stage evolved. I was sure to explore each stage thoroughly to get the full experience. I quickly found myself in the Underground Stage. When you look at the unassuming Hart Plaza, you won’t believe that there is a space perfectly fit for driving techno beats. The purity of this stage gives listeners a unique opportunity not often found in a festival setting. Experiencing techno played in a setting that highlights the rawness of the music is a magic experience. D.Dan played an explosive set that you could physically feel in your chest. The Underground Stage truly fosters a raw environment perfect for the genre.
I finished my evening at the Pyramid Stage with MK who after so many years pumping out some of the most danceable tracks, is still delivering gold. Despite having dozens of aftershow options, I opted for rest this evening as the weekend was young yet.
Sunday
I started day 2 at the same stage I had ended day 1 at. Fellow Chicagoan Hiroko Yamamura was tearing up the Pyramid for two whole hours. I had yet to have the privilege of catching a set from her and what a treat it was. She has an undeniable coolness and a keen sense of the classics. To see the stage packed out midday with movers and shakers, was unreal. Salute brought a tangible vibrancy to the Stargate stage. His bouncy pop rhythm was the perfect way to keep the body moving.
Next, I went to see Fullbodydurag deliver ghetto tech on a silver platter, and it was a delicious set. The Detroit stage perfectly highlighted the skill and diversity of the local scene. This was the perfect landing spot for anyone looking to expand their horizons and become inspired. I finished out my evening by splitting my time between Goldie b2b Photek ft Armanni Reign and Kevin Saunderson b2b The Saunderson Brothers. Both sets were electric and as much as I hate missing part of a set, choosing between so many pioneers isn’t a bad problem to have.
Monday
Monday rolled around and the anticipation was high. Not only because it was the last day, but the opportunity to see acts on smaller stages was exciting. Coming into Monday, I was nervous that crowd energy would be low, but that fear dissipated instantaneously. I kicked off my day with Zack Fox, who was one of my most anticipated acts of the weekend. Absolute chaos of dancing, electric energy, and pure fun doesn’t even cover half of it. A selection of booty-shaking, feet-moving tracks was the perfect beginning to a day of dancing. I made my way to Stargate to check out Leeds artist Prospa, my other most anticipated for the weekend. Their unmistakable sound is influenced by the classic UK rave scene for a unique experience in Detroit.
As I made my way to the Underground for the highly anticipated Horsegiirl set, the area became almost too busy. After wedging myself in a back corner with others who wanted to see Techno’s latest party girl, the space packed out. I knew I would catch her at the afterparty later, so I opted to bounce around and catch the likes of Seth Troxler and Claude VonStroke. Both delivered powerhouse sets that were hard to walk away from, but to get my fill of experience, it was important to immerse myself in something fresh.
Jamie XX who recently celebrated 10 years of his debut album “In Colour” brought together a diverse crowd. I’ve sought out a Jamie XX set for many years and as the sun set over Movement on the last day, everything clicked. There was just one last set for me to close out the weekend and after a last-minute switch-up, festival-goers were in for a treat. DJ Minx b2b Kevin Saunderson was the quintessential act to close out the festival. As they paid homage to the birthplace of Techno, the crowd roared as they raised their hands for one last time this unbelievable weekend. I fully believe everyone walked out of Hart Plaza for the weekend with a special new memory.
No Party Like The After Party
For those not quite ready to end their evenings at midnight or 11, Detroit offered up dozens of official and unofficial after-parties. Groovers are found in sprawling warehouses and intimate venues sprinkled throughout the city. Whether you just weren’t quite ready to end the night and needed a few more hours or if you wanted to move until the sun rose, there was a place for you. The only after-party I managed to make it to was Monday night at Russell. A venue that reminded me a bit of Radius back in my home city, ravers could find themselves bouncing between two different rooms to feed whatever they were looking for. Next year, I would love to explore more of these spaces and connect with even more people.
What Really Makes Movement Special
While the music blew me away all weekend, the most special part of Movement was the attendees. This is by far the most diverse and expressive festival I’ve attended yet. Self-expression was at the forefront and it showed through fashion, dancing, and heartfelt interactions. There truly is something special happening here in Detroit and I feel like I’m finally in on the secret. There is a sense of playfulness and urge to connect with not just the music, but the people around you.
While of course there are moments that feel they need to be captured, there is something else here. Many phone-free dancefloors! Moments between perfect strangers and memories that will last a lifetime are cultivated here. This is what it’s all about. This is what I have been searching for in thick crowds, and seas of bodies. Connection. Needless to say, I’ll be back next year and am already looking forward to the next edition. In the meantime, Detroit will still be doing what it does best in pioneering the sounds and selectors of the next generation. The electronic music world should keep watching closely. Until next year, Movement!