The techno originator, Juan Atkins, has died at 64

It’s a loss that’s beyond words. Juan Atkins, who coined the term “techno” and is often called “the originator,” has died at 64. My deepest condolences to friends, family, and so many people I know who worked with and were inspired by this singular human being.

Kevin Saunderson teaches a free 909 workshop, online and in Detroit

The best 909 Day reveal yesterday was this: on Saturday, Kevin Saunderson, techno originator and one of the Belleville Three, teaches a free workshop on the 909 with Roland (with Dustin Good). You can tune in online, and until tomorrow, there are in-person slots in Detroit, at Waajeed’s Underground Music Academy.

Peter Kirn - September 10, 2026

UR soul: John Jammin Collins’ story, Detroit’s story, as a call to action

Digging into the history of John “Jammin'” Collins, you hear a history of Detroit and the potential of music to give back. The techno and progressive soul legend’s journey is also intertwined with health. It all lands as a challenge to do something meaningful with our sounds and to care for the people around us.

Peter Kirn - August 13, 2026

For May Day, United Musicians and Allied Workers shares wins, goals

Peter Kirn - May 2, 2026

Michigan Synth Works has an open-source 303 processor and a new kit

Peter Kirn - March 3, 2026

The Living Wage for Musicians Act is getting a second push

Peter Kirn - August 20, 2025

Underground Resistance is back with new EPs, reissue, mix, and Detroit – Tijuana hookup

Peter Kirn - February 28, 2022

From Detroit and Berlin, a free set of sounds and a blazing compilation

Peter Kirn - January 6, 2022

In a documentary film, a return to Detroit and speaker f***ing

Peter Kirn - March 1, 2018