This mini-documentary reveals intimate conversations, providing unique insights into the tight-knit co-op at the center of Detroit techno—the creators, pioneers, and futurists who embody the spirit of the genre.
Detroit’s a tough Midwestern city with a can-do spirit. It’s famous for innovation, like the auto industry that put it on the map. But that drive extends far beyond cars. Detroit’s music scene is just as groundbreaking. It’s not just about the rich history of jazz, blues, funk, and rock – Detroit birthed techno. Even more amazing is how artists keep creating despite the city’s challenges. The folks at Submerge will tell you there’s simply no place like it.
Detroit’s motto, “Resurget Cineribus” or “It will rise from the ashes,” isn’t just for the city itself, it applies to its vibrant music scene too. On “The Boulevard,” where the legendary Motown Studios once stood, Submerge embodies the “Detroit Way.” This multi-purpose space – museum (Exhibit 3000), record store (Somewhere in Detroit), and artist incubator all rolled into one – is a living example of an interconnected electronic music community. Founding figures like “Mad” Mike Banks of Underground Resistance and historian Cornelius Harris explain how Submerge connects to the wider story of the City, one of resilience, musical innovation, and the unwavering pursuit of artistic freedom.
It’s all mixed up together. Musically, progressively, fashion-wise, and art-wise, we have some of the baddest.”
–“Mad” Mike Banks
“Detroit is a big town with deep connections and legacies. What can we do to work on the infrastructure to make it appealing for young people to stay? Because if they’re not staying, there’s a gap in the culture.”
–Crystal Mioner
Drawing on everything from the interstellar scope of Afrofuturism to the genre-shattering electronic sounds of Yellow Magic Orchestra and Kraftwerk, Underground Resistance, Submerge, and Detroit resist easy categorization. In the birthplace of Motown and the spiritual home of Parliament-Funkadelic, the lineage of inspiration runs deep. Moreover, the twin legacies of radio and live DJ culture helped shape the cultural landscape of this wildly eclectic community.
“I had a mentor Don Davis who owned United Sounds Studio where Parliament recorded. Don taught us about publishing and showed us the evils of the record company. For us, the underground was real.” –“Mad” Mike Banks
Detroit’s techno scene wasn’t born in a vacuum. Back in 1990, a group of electronic artists craved creative and financial freedom. Enter Underground Resistance, a label built for just that. As techno grew and a global fanbase emerged, Submerge stepped in. Founded to distribute Underground Resistance’s music, Submerge quickly became a hub for the burgeoning Detroit scene. Today, Submerge is more than just a distributor – it’s a full-fledged artist collective. With its museum (Exhibit 3000), recording studios, and record store (Somewhere in Detroit), Submerge fosters local talent. Together, Underground Resistance and Submerge continue to be a global force, delivering raw, curated techno that keeps Detroit’s musical spirit burning bright.
“Ability to have information and knowledge in a town like this saves people from quitting and being in harmful, unsafe environments. Places like Submerge are like safe zones or havens where people can come and get that care.”
–Saylem Celeste
As a reminder of the often discredited and marginalized community that created what we now call techno, Submerge founded the world’s first recognized museum, Exhibit 3000, to preserve the genre’s origins. In a lovingly assembled environment, the museum celebrates the personalities, achievements, and challenges of Detroit as a whole and Underground Resistance in particular. Through vinyl, flyers, artwork, and assorted physical media, it contains the true origin story of Detroit techno.
As home to the revered Detroit School of Arts, it’s no surprise that music education plays a vital role in Detroit’s past, present, and future. The presence of prodigies from every performance discipline speaks to the city’s endless talent pool. Underground Music Academy, an extension of the values of Underground Resistance, Submerge, techno, and the Detroit community, continues to inspire the next generation of artists.
“It’s essential Detroit stays in the electronic music game. When you remove the colors, you gonna lose the future Juan Atkins, J Dilla.”
–“Mad” Mike Banks
“Detroit techno is a huge part of the legacy of Black music in the city. Teaching at Detroit School of Arts, I’ve become a part of this community of young musicians. It’s important they understand the weight and responsibility of sharing that legacy.” –Maritza Figueroa-Garibay
“The neighborhoods are changing. Taxes increase, and people get pushed out because they can’t afford it. Somebody comes with a lot of money and moves in. We just happen to be on the other side of it. For now. Since we’ve been here so long, we might be okay. But, you know, it’s hard to say.” –Bridgette Banks
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