Legendary techno producer Jeff Mills has once again proven his versatility with a powerful musical tribute to Afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen. Performed on September 29, 2023, at the iconic Trabendo venue in Paris, the performance featured Mills alongside acclaimed pianist Jean-Phi Dary and percussionist Prabhu Edouard. The trio delivered a mesmerizing blend of techno, jazz, and Afrobeat rhythms in a celebration of Allen’s lasting legacy.
This project continues a broader artistic evolution for Mills, who is best known as one of the pioneering figures of Detroit techno. Alongside the likes of Robert Hood, Carl Craig, and Joey Beltram, Mills helped define the genre’s raw, industrial edge. His minimalist DJ sets and relentless sound earned him international acclaim and a loyal following.
A founding member of the seminal Underground Resistance collective, Mills was instrumental in shaping its sound and ideology, working closely with “Mad” Mike Banks and Robert “Noise” Hood. Together, they crafted a catalog of gritty, politically charged tracks like “The Punisher” and “Seawolf,” fusing Detroit’s techno roots with hardcore acid and industrial influences.
Mills’ departure from Underground Resistance in 1992 marked a new chapter. Relocating to New York, he took up a residency at the legendary Limelight club and signed with German label Tresor. While some speculated on tensions within the UR camp, Mills and his former collaborators have publicly downplayed any lasting rift.
Before his rise in the world of techno, Mills cut his teeth as a radio DJ on Detroit’s WDET, spinning a mix of industrial, house, and early techno while studying architecture. His production career began in the mid-1980s with Tony Srock under the name Final Cut. A key moment came when he connected with Banks through the group Members of the House, ultimately leading to the formation of Underground Resistance.
Over the decades, Mills has remained at the cutting edge. His extensive discography includes the Waveform Transmissions series for Tresor, rare live recordings, and collaborations with Hood on the M-Plant label. In 2000, Mills made headlines with his ambitious new score for Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, performed live at major venues worldwide.
Now, with this tribute to Tony Allen, Mills continues to explore new frontiers. Blending electronic precision with the soul of jazz and Afrobeat, he honors the past while pushing the boundaries of his sound.
You can stream or purchase the full album ‘Tomorrow Comes The Harvest’ here.
