The after-festival depression is setting in, I’m back in Texas and already missing Detroit. Movement, you were amazing! The crowd, the vibe, the insane weather, and the tunes were all stellar.
After a crazy adventure making it to Detroit, I was ready to let loose. We had a three-hour flight delay, a missed layover and lost luggage. We finally made it to Detroit, twelve hours later than expected. At last, we had our bags in-hand and were ready to grab a drink and decompress. Talk about a way to start a vacay!
Movement Day 1
The absolute highlight of day one was being able to assist in interviewing Orbital before the festival. They were extremely nice guys and being able to chat with them reinforced why they are legends in Electronic Music. They are always experimenting with sound, reinventing themselves and being humble in the process.
A total surprise during the early hours of the festival was the the shocking downpour of rain and wind. Movement was shut down for a little under an hour and the wind and rain were extreme, we got soaked! We ran back to the hotel, dried up, changed and made it just in time for Josh Wink.
The crowd was staggering back in and filling up the main stage. Josh Wink’s set was dramatic, deep and just what we needed to get back in our groove. Amelie Lens was up next and had the crowd in the palm of her hands when she hit the decks. She came in dark and freakin hard. She is a force to be reckoned with and the energy of her set was unmatched. She was in her element the entire time and had the crowd hypnotized by her banging beats. Orbital closed the night out with an astonishing set. The festival was even extended until 12:30 to be able to make up for the missed time due to the weather. The main stage was packed, and Orbital did not disappoint. They hadn’t played in the states in over a decade and their performance was worth the wait.
Movement Day 2
We took it easy day two because we had an after-party planned. Up first on our agenda was ANNA. The Brazilian born juggernaut blew the crowd away on the Pyramid Stage. Her throbbing beats had the crowd on their feet and she was fierce. Local Mid-West favorite, Noncompliant gave a superb performance on the Underground Stage. The place was packed, and the vibe was powerful. DJ Minx gained a new fan this weekend, we happened to be walking across the Stargate Stage and caught some of her set and I was blown away. This chick was relentless with her underlying groove and energized set.
One of the best parts of Detroit Techno Week are the afterparties, and we picked a great one. We made our way to Marble Bar for Sampled Seventeen for a phenomenal event. This afterparty was banging with the highlights being Tall Black Guy, Mark Farina, and Riva Starr. To say Riva Starr was outstanding would be an understatement. He brought it hard and closed out an extraordinary night.
Movement Day 3
By the time we got to day three, I was feeling a little drained. Once we made it into Movement my whole attitude changed, and we were ready to party. Standouts of the day were Get Real, J. Phlip, and Stephan Bodzin. J. Phlip had the Stargate Stage bumpin. The weather was still nice, and the stage was packed and grooving. Get Real featuring Green Velvet and Claude VonStroke were excellent. Their dynamic set flowed seamlessly. These guys are awesome solo but together they bring another level of awe-inspiring tunes. We closed the night with a techno pioneer Stephan Bodzin. His live set took the crowd on a journey and was exceptional. The rain was picking up and my ears were ringing but the energy at the Pyramid Stage was intense.
Movement 2019 was one for the ages and I have memories that will last a lifetime. To be able to enjoy this festival with my friends and make new ones along the way will always be a cherished event. If you haven’t had a chance to check out Movement for yourselves, put it on your to-do list for 2020!
A very special thank you Paxahau for allowing Fresh Music Freaks to cover the festival, thank you to Movement Electronic Music Festival for an unforgettable experience and thank you Detroit for your extreme hospitality! I left a piece of my heart in Detroit and I will see you in 2020 for next year’s Techno Christmas.
*Featured Image | via Stephen Bondio Photography*
