Jennifer Washington and Kristian Hill, an ambitious team of Motor city filmmakers, has established a Kickstarter campaign to raise $30,000 to finish production on God Said Give ‘Em Drum Machines: The Story of Detroit Techno, a documentary that tells the story of Detroit techno stars Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, Derrick May, Eddie Fowlkes, Blake Baxter, and Santonio Echols.
The film’s narrative is focused around how these artists pioneered DJ culture and a musical style in the ’80s that blossomed into a global business that “betrayed them.” The producers wrote the following about their campaign:
We’ve been documenting the lives of the founding fathers of Techno music in the States and abroad for over the past 7 years. They are Detroit’s best kept secret as they have been quietly exporting their products and services to audiences all over the world for the past 30 years. The stars of this film are considered gods overseas, but fail to get the same recognition here at home. They’re the “hidden figures” of the $7.1 billion dollar industry of Electronic Dance Music, which is now led by the list of Forbes’ cash kings like: Calvin Harris, David Guetta, and deadmau5 to name a few. Most people nowadays have no idea that Techno has Detroit origins or that black people have anything to do with this music.
It has been our personal mission to set the record straight by producing a documentary feature film to bring this important but overlooked part of black history to mainstream audiences. Until now, this has been an independent venture. But, now we need everyone’s help.
Contributions will help Washington and Hill finish the film and complete music clearance. Donations can be made here.