ICA Press release: 26 May 2016 Detroit: Techno City 27 July – 25 September 2016 ICA Fox Reading Room Preview 26 July Techno! The New Dance Sound of Detroit (1988). Courtesy Neil Rushton and 10 Records LTD The next ICA Fox Reading Room exhibition will present a studied look at the evolution and subsequent dispersion of ‘Detroit Techno music’. This term, coined in the late 1980s, reflects the musical and social influences that informed early experiments merging sounds of synth-pop and disco with funk to create this distinct music genre. For the first time in the UK, a dedicated exhibition will chart a timeline of ‘Detroit Techno music’ from its 1970s origins, continuing through to the early 1990s. The genre’s origins begin in the disco parties of Ken Collier with influence from local radio stations and DJs, such as Electrifying Mojo and The Wizard (aka Jeff Mills). The ICA’s exhibition explores how a generation was inspired to create a new kind of electronic music that was evidenced in the formative UK compilation: Techno! The New Dance Sound of Detroit. Using inexpensive analogue technology, such as the Roland TR 808 and 909, DJs and producers including Juan Atkins, Blake Baxter, Eddie Fowlkes, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson, formed this seminal music genre. Although the music failed to gain mainstream audiences in the U.S, it became a phenomenon in Europe. This success established Detroit Techno, as a new strand of music which absorbed exterior European tastes and influences. This introduced a second wave of DJs and producers to the sound including Carl Craig, Richie Hawtin and Kenny Larkin. The display concludes with a focus on Underground Resistance, a collection of DJs and artists that includes Mike Banks, John Collins, Robert Hood and Jeff Mills (until his departure in 1992). Their collective ambition was to challenge commercial mainstream entertainment industry and re-establish Detroit techno music’s authenticity with an emphasis on the city as a source of inspiration. To accompany the exhibition ICA will present a season of online programmes featuring Detroit artists from the past and present on NTS Radio. The ICA Fox Reading Room was made possible by the generous support of the Edwin Fox Foundation. -END- For further press information and images, please contact: Victoria Heald | Press Manager ICA | [email protected] | +44 (0)20 7766 1407 Listings information: Detroit: Techno City 27 July – 25 September 2016 ICA Fox Reading Room Preview 26 July Gallery opening hours: Tue–Sun 11am – 6pm, except Thurs, 11am – 9pm. Closed Mon. The ICA is a membership organisation with Day Membership set at just £1 to visit exhibitions during gallery opening hours. No Day Membership is charged on Tuesdays. Full Annual Membership available from £30 Students and under-26s can join Annual Membership from £10 Further information on Annual and Day Membership can be found here. ica.org.uk | Twitter @ICAlondon | facebook.com/icalondon | Instagram @icalondon Book online ica.org.uk | Call Box Office +44 (0)20 7930 3647 | Textphone +44 (0)20 7839 0737 Institute of Contemporary Arts, The Mall, London, SW1Y 5AH Related Events For more information and updates about related events please visit ICA and NTS Radio websites NTS Radio To accompany the exhibition ICA will present a season of online programmes featuring Detroit artists from the past and present on NTS Radio Friday Salon: Sounding Dark Friday 9 September, 2pm In response to current exhibition, Detroit: Techno City, Sounding Dark examines the ways that darkness is often recontextualised as blackness, with a particular focus on voice. Educators’ Tour: Detroit: Techno City Wednesday 21 September, 5pm This Educators’ Tour is led by the exhibition’s curator Matt Williams Editor’s notes About the ICA Founded in 1946, the ICA seeks to embrace the urgency surrounding contemporary art and culture. Continually looking forward, the ICA lays claim to an extraordinary legacy, being home to the Independent Group, as well as playing a pivotal role in the development of Pop Art, Op Art and Brutalist Architecture. It charted the course of Punk, Performance, Independent Cinema and Young British Art, while showcasing numerous international artists, from Yoko Ono to Gerhard Richter. The ICA has always supported interdisciplinary practice, encouraging artists to experiment and explore unresolved ideas. Comprising film screenings, exhibitions, talks and events, the ICA Programme can be experienced at our base on The Mall, via our website and social media, or as 'Off-Site' projects at alternative venues, nationally and internationally. The ICA has a longstanding fascination with the evolution of Pop culture in our mass digital age. ica.org.uk Media partners: The ICA is a registered charity no. 236848 .