Mia Khoirunisa
Juneteenth, a pivotal holiday marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, is being vibrantly celebrated across the United States through a surge of musical joy and community engagement. This year, the organization Black Techno Matters is at the forefront, curating a comprehensive community calendar of events and highlighting recent musical releases that resonate with the spirit of liberation and artistic expression. The organization’s efforts underscore the holiday’s significance not only as a commemoration of freedom but also as a crucial moment for broader communities to actively support the dismantling of systemic racism.
The contemporary relevance of Juneteenth is particularly poignant in light of global events. As Europe grapples with policies resembling "ICE-style deportations," as reported by The Guardian, the ongoing struggle for collective liberation takes on a heightened urgency. In times of significant social and political challenge, the interconnectedness of global communities in their pursuit of justice and freedom becomes increasingly apparent. The assertion that "in the bleakest of times, we are all working for one another’s collective liberation" serves as a powerful reminder of shared responsibility in the fight for human rights and equality.
From Berlin, where the original article’s author is based, the proliferation of Juneteenth events across the U.S. is viewed with enthusiasm, particularly as a potent political counterpoint to oppressive tendencies. The deliberate suppression of joy is identified as a primary tool of authoritarian regimes, making the reclamation and celebration of this joy a vital act of resistance. This focus on reclaiming joy is especially resonant for many in the techno music scene, who have expressed disillusionment with trends toward financial homogenization and Eurocentrism within the genre. The article posits that the solution to this perceived stagnation lies in seeking out and supporting more diverse and exceptional music, arguing that the perceived lack in certain musical spheres often stems from inherent exclusivity and racism. Consequently, the presented events and music serve as both an artistic offering and a call to action.
Spotlight on Emerging Artists and Essential Releases
Black Techno Matters consistently delivers on its mission to amplify underrepresented talent. The organization’s platform is lauded for its ability to surface artists whose work might otherwise be overlooked by the traditional music industry, often due to limited access to promotional channels or geographical limitations that place prominent artists outside of major cultural hubs. The author expresses particular appreciation for the immediate discovery of compelling music on Black Techno Matters’ Bandcamp page, a refreshing contrast to typical promotional inboxes.
Xav’s "Temporal Inertia" EP: A Masterclass in Production and Vision
Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Xav, a member of the Black Techno Matters collective, demonstrates a remarkable translation of DJing prowess into a distinct production vision. His recent release exemplifies meticulous attention to detail and craft. The EP opens with "Fishing (Dub)," a gentle, wetland-inspired track characterized by its dubby atmosphere. This is followed by "Temporal Inertia," a heavy and groove-laden piece that evokes a strong desire to experience it on a dance floor. "My Way" is described as pure, Detroit-inspired perfection designed to inspire movement, while "Coalescence" and "Funhouse" showcase the artist’s full range, each serving as a hypnotic B-side. These tracks collectively highlight Xav’s sophisticated approach to electronic music production, blending influences with a unique artistic voice.
yNOTi’s "On Vantablack Wings": Cinematic Depth and Dancefloor Appeal
Los Angeles-based artist yNOTi delivers a compelling release with "On Vantablack Wings." The title track, "Sweet Nothings," lives up to its evocative name, providing a rich sonic experience that challenges studio sound systems. The music is characterized as cinematic and deep, possessing an effortlessly dark aesthetic that avoids overt goth sensibilities. It manages to be both profound and irresistibly danceable, a rare combination that the author notes has been missing from recent musical discoveries. yNOTi’s background as a violinist informs her work, notably on "Dead of Night," where pizzicato strings drive the groove forward without any hint of kitsch. The EP demonstrates a remarkable balance, where elements that could easily become excessive are instead perfectly integrated, leaving the listener eager for more of yNOTi’s innovative sound.
Juneteenth Event Calendar: A National Celebration of Black Electronic Music
The Juneteenth celebrations highlighted by Black Techno Matters present an array of exceptional lineups, prompting reflection on the persistent issue of booking practices that often marginalize Black artists in mainstream festival programming. The author suggests that many festival lineups could be significantly enhanced by mirroring the inclusivity and talent showcased in these Juneteenth events.
- Baltimore, MD: NECTAR, a queer party at Club 1722, features Amarji King, Flotussin, and Sdot.
- Chicago, IL: Juneteenth Club Hospitality collaborates with Heartwrench at Podlasie Club, presenting Asl Princess, Byrell the Great, and Cobra B, with an afterparty featuring Schooch a Lil Closer.
- Detroit, MI: Marble Bar hosts a Juneteenth event with Huey Mnemonic, DJ I.V., and Candor.
- Hudson, NY: HYDROMANCY is a two-day event at Pocketbook Hudson, boasting a substantial lineup.
- Los Angeles, CA: Black Techno Matters presents JUNETEENTH LIBERATE HOOD RAVE at an undisclosed location, featuring Waajeed (Detroit), Trovarsi, Rivussy, E.M. Bae, and 92JELANI. Notably, the event’s artwork includes contributions from Drexciya and UR artist Abdul Haqq.
- New York City, NY: Nowadays Nonstop features a diverse roster including DAY/DEM, Gladstone Deluxe (Live), Mike Dearborn, SHinedoe, SHYBOI, and Underground Resistance. Another NYC event, Juneteenth x Paragon Broadway, showcases UNIQU3, DJ SWISHA, SHEKDASH, and KYRUH.
- Pittsburgh, PA: Freaknik presents DJ Love, Huny XO, and Manny Dibiachi.
- Portland, OR: Liber8, a Black Techno Matters event, features AMX (Detroit), b_x_r_n_x_r_d (DC), and jenngreen (Seattle).
- Richmond, VA: Juneteenth at LSO includes sets by Juana, Lucid, and Desertsprings, with additional performances by Athena, VLE AMAU, and Ghost on June 20th.
- Washington, D.C.: Splash Zone: Groove Haul x LUV202 presents a comprehensive lineup drawing talent from various regions. Transmission daytime features TROMAC, DJ Unt.il, DJ Dolla, Anysia Kym, Izzy Holmes, and Kilian Fonlon.
The sheer breadth and quality of these lineups underscore a critical conversation within the electronic music industry regarding representation and the historical roots of genres like techno.
Contextualizing Techno’s Origins and Artistic Lineage
A recent discussion initiated by Jaymie Silk highlights the crucial need to accurately acknowledge the origins of techno music. Silk addressed the misconception that techno is solely a European invention, emphasizing that while Berlin’s UNESCO recognition is acknowledged, the foundational contributions of Detroit artists must not be overlooked. This perspective aligns with a broader understanding that Black artists, both within and beyond the seminal Belleville Three, as well as Latinx and other artists, have been instrumental in shaping electronic music’s development across the United States. The contributions of figures like Alan Oldham, whose name was reportedly included in the Berlin UNESCO application, and artists like Halim El Dabh from Egypt, who explored early electronic music principles, further broaden this historical narrative. This ongoing discourse is vital for ensuring that the history of electronic music is told with accuracy and inclusivity, recognizing the diverse cultural tapestry from which it emerged.
The article also features visual and auditory examples of the vibrant culture surrounding these events. A video of b_x_r_n_x_r_d preparing for the Liber8 PDX event captures the energy and dedication of artists involved. Furthermore, listeners are encouraged to explore E.M. Bae’s guest session for dublab, a platform known for its diverse and experimental programming. The inclusion of live sets from Trovarsi and 92Jelani, showcasing their distinctive styles and the capabilities of instruments like the Elektron Model:Cycles, provides tangible examples of the innovative music being produced and celebrated. These sonic explorations serve as both a testament to the artists’ talents and a powerful reminder of the rich, ongoing evolution of Black electronic music.
The collective efforts of organizations like Black Techno Matters, coupled with the artistic output of individuals like Xav and yNOTi, and the extensive network of events celebrating Juneteenth, paint a vivid picture of a thriving and essential artistic community. These initiatives not only commemorate a significant historical moment but also actively shape the future of electronic music by championing diverse voices and challenging established norms, ensuring that the spirit of liberation and innovation continues to resonate through sound.
