Each year on Memorial Day weekend, thousands of people from across the globe gather in the birthplace of Techno to celebrate the rich musical history of Detroit and its cultural influence that spans decades. As one of the longest-running dance music events in the world, Movement Festival is dedicated to offering an authentic electronic music experience unlike any other. Taking place each year at Detroit’s legendary riverfront destination, Hart Plaza, the event consistently showcases a wide array of musical talent from all over the globe and this year is no different. From hometown heroes to global giants, the lineup is always one to behold. No one can catch every set, but we’re here to provide guidelines for your musical excursion so that you experience some of the rare talent gracing us with their presence during Techno Christmas. With that being said, the Robotic Peacock staff is pleased to present our top 10 must see acts of Movement Festival 2019 (in no particular order).
Wajatta – LIVE | Saturday May 25 from 6-7pm | Red Bull Stage
The collaboration we never knew we needed, Wajatta (pronounced “WA-HA-TA”) combines the deep dynamic beats of John Tejada with Reggie Watts melodic instinct and luscious vocals. Together their sound makes for a 90s inspired dance party that everyone can get down with. With the recent release of their debut album, Wajatta champions an underground house sound with crossover appeal. Expect a lively electronic set that is dynamic, interesting and funky as hell. As one Youtuber commented, “Reggie’s voice and melodies + John’s chords and basslines = HEAVEN.” ‘Nuff said.
Channel Tres | Sunday May 26 from 6:45-7:45pm |Red Bull Stage
“I gotta do somethin’ different out here…Detroit ain’t never heard shit like this from the block before,” croons the opening lyrics on “Top Down,” a lowkey banger that put Compton-native Channel Tres on the radar. He is known for his unique way of effortlessly blend of West Coast hip-hop with Detroit-influenced house beats. A gifted rapper/producer combo, Tres’ silky smooth voice is a perfect vessle for his lifestyle lyricism, punctured only by his deep swaggy beats. With all of the talent wrapped into one fella, rest assured he will be bringing that West Coast heat for his Detroit debut.
Yaeji |Monday May 27 from 10:30-11:45pm |Ghostly International Stage
Closing out the festival, Yaeji is going to bring her DJ A game to the Red Bull Stage where she will weave an eclectic tapestry of musical textures on top of dreamy live vocals. that will have you shaking your ass off. Known for her dreamy pop vocals, catchy bilingual lyrics and experimental house beats that leave you feeling like you’re a million bucks. Expect a DJ set that leaves you with all the feels.
Shigeto – LIVE | Monday May 27 from 5:15-6:15pm |Ghostly Stage
Shigeto’s development as an artist has been awe-inspiring to watch. With origins as a drummer, the native Detroiter has added many titles to his repertoire, including head honcho of his newly founded record label, Portage Garage Sounds. His debut LP on the imprint last year received high praise from day-one fans and critics, showcasing his musical range & eclectic sound. Fans can expect Shigeto to show off his percussive dexterity, blending it in with other live instrumentation and sampled midi beats. Mixing a blend of experimental electronic tones and hip-hop inspired rhythms, Shigeto’s live set is a perfect primer for the icon that graces the stage after him: Madlib.
Madlib |Monday May 27 from 6:15-7:45pm |Ghostly Stage
The illusive Madlib is set to grace Movement with his presence for the first time since he rocked the main stage with J Dilla in 2004. His musical taste stretches across a mind-bending number of genres woven seamlessly around a hip hop backbone. The J Dilla, MF Doom and other Stones Throw cats are sure to pop up in his set, but write him off if you’re not into hip hop! It’s a rare treat for Madlib to play live at all, let alone in Detroit. The vibe should be great with Shigeto playing directly before. We can’t wait to camp out at The Ghostly International Red Bull stage on Monday!
DJ Bone | Monday May 27 from 8-9:30pm | RA Underground Stage
DJ Bone is a Detroit native and a DJ’s DJ known for creating some technically stunning yet very dance-able sets. He came up in the early days of the Detroit electronic scene and took after heroes like Jeff Mills, Ken Collier and Blake Baxter. Expect some expertly crafted blends and masterful fader tricks to always keep tracks fresh. This globe trotter is hard to catch in the USA these days, so do not miss this set! The Resident Advisor stage better be ready Monday because DJ Bone is set to lay down one of Movement’s top sets. Finger’s crossed that DJ Bone and DJ Nobu sneak in a mini b2b between their set times!
DJ Nobu | Monday May 27 from 9:30-11pm | RA Underground Stage
Paxahau must have pulled out all the stops to land Japan’s DJ Nobu in Detroit. The Robotic Peacock crew is ecstatic to catch his set to close out the Resident Advisor Underground stage on Monday. His label, Bitta, and party series, Future Terror, hammer this selector’s eclectic style. Nobu is known for threading different musical styles both thoughtfully and seamlessly to conjure up a truly unique musical experience on the dancefloor or as a release. Unless you plan on jet setting all over the world with DJ Nobu, you’d be wise to dedicate your Monday evening to his time slot…he might not be back for a while!
Whodat | Monday May 27 from 2-3:30pm | Star Gate Stage
Whodat AKA Terri McQueen is typically floating around the top parties during Movement weekend, but we’re excited to see this Detroit force kicking off the Star Gate stage on Monday. Local Detroit DJ’s are known to really lay it down in any timeslot at Movement, so don’t sleep on this 2PM start. She just teamed up with Viola Klein for the latest Workshop release out of Berlin. Those two have previously released a killer EP named Exchange a couple years back. She even helped Kyle Hall come up in Berlin as an 18 year old. This Detroit legend is sure to bring it, and the Robotic Peacock crew will be grooving until the last beat.
Norm Talley | Saturday May 25 from 4:30-6 pm | Origins Stage
Detroit native and veteran DJ Norm Talley is one of the best behind the decks, period. His distinct sound can only be described “Detroit deep,” and blends inspired sounds from afro-beat, Chicago house, techno and gospel. The dude slays vinyl behind the decks and consistently delivers top-notch mixes that leave you desperate for more. Living in Detroit, we are blessed to catch him regularly and he always leaves us in a tizzy. If you’re visiting from out of town, do yourself a favor and catch this Detroit icon while you can. You won’t be disappointed; your feet may hurt from hittin’ that dancefloor hard but your ears will thank you!
Circle of Live | Sunday May 26 from 3-9 PM | Tito’s River Garden
Movement is setting up something very unique this year with a 6 hour jam session in the laid-back Titos Garden (craft beer area near the river.) Amp Fiddler, Mathew Jonson, Sebastian Mullaert and VRIL will be creating a truly live setup. Sebastian will likely have most of the cables running into his spellbinding live rig. He’s one of the few electronic artists capable of creating extended live sets that don’t lose focus or direction. Amp Fiddler has got to be Detroit’s top live collaborator (maybe next to Andres on percussion!) His smooth keys always shine the soulful and deep side of the track he’s playing on. Amp’s live set was easily one of Robotic Peacock’s favorite of the weekend last year. On the darker side, Mathew Jonson and VRIL will keep things introspective and rooted in the core of what makes Movement a special event for people all over the world. Sebastian describes this project best himself:
“…the core aim of the project is to allow both us, the artists, and the audience to drop concepts and habitual patterns in the creative process of dance and music.” – Sebastian Mullaert
Come camp out with us 3 – 9 at Tito’s River Garden
