Techno Titan Richie Hawtin On Bringing The Noise For Prada
Nosebleeds, gorgeous visuals, George Lucas-level lasers, and an open bar: Prada's rave recipe was a treat last night at Miami Beach's Faena Forum (later). The following night, along with Art Basel, London and Tokyo will host the third edition of Prada Extends, a global program of progressive techno parties created by Anglo-Canadian electronica pioneer Richie Hawtin, aka Plasticman. The four-hour session included performances by Colombian Ella Minas and Buenos Aires-born hip-hop artist Sofia Gabanna (along with DJ Slim Soledad) around a typically no-holds-barred set by Hawtin himself. Images are property of AR Explorer Paula. Olea, Colombian artist Juan David Figueroa, QUALIA.AV Argentina – real name Adrian Lex – and experience designers Orlando and Ginger Lei, aka Synthestruct.
For this aging veteran, seeing Richie Hawtin live - and more importantly, hearing him - evidenced nearly three decades of pure and sonically impressive Proustian transport from the train era to the Edinburgh late-night kick drum that saw Hawtin, along with many of Detroit's golden generation, persist. by. Before the party begins, I catch up with Hawtin to hear his thoughts on the rise of underground techno and how he might collaborate with Milan's loudest house, Prada, on this wonderfully hedonistic endeavor. This is an edited remix.
© Photo: Getty Richie HawtinSorry for the fanboying, but tonight was the first time I'd heard them live on Pure since last night , probably around '94...
Clean it up! And the name says it all. Cigars 90; No hype, no money, you're only here if you want to have a good night and love techno music. And that's really the beauty of the dance floor, the perfect sense of how it should be. This is where like-minded people meet and interact. It can be a powerful experience.
How did you find your way down?
It was the late 80's and I was in Canada, right across the street from Detroit. When I was 14, 15 I went to the city for a concert and then I discovered techno and some amazing dance floors. I discovered music through Detroit radio and started visiting record stores and clubs. I was an introverted nerd who loved music and computers, and then I found my freedom on the dance floor and many other nerds like me.
The scene was so convincing, of course, it quickly came out of the underground and was commercialized. How do you read culture today?
I think what's really interesting is how comfortable and safe the dance floor was in the '90s, and how that was one of the things we lost as it got bigger and bigger. But now there's this awakening and a new generation coming in and making the dance floor a place of unity again and a safe place for all... Music has to be a force that brings joy and an outlet.
In addition to organizing the after party, you will also curate the set list. What's the plan?
Well, this is the third Prada Extended and the idea is that each night reflects the culture and landscape of the place. So here in Miami we like to explore and celebrate some of our Latin American roots and see the melting pot of Miami cultures. It's going to be a night of minimal techno, house, vocals and rhythm... and back to the energy of the dance floor, I think this is where music and fashion share the same mission, albeit in different languages, to give us all who we are, who we are and who we want to be, a way of expressing it.
So, was it Raf Simmons who drew you into the world of Prada?
We met many years ago. Raf once sat behind me and watched the game for hours. I always respect the people who are there and ride with me, especially when I'm playing 5, 6, 7 hours. He was there with no issues, enjoying the music and the travels and the other people we connected with. But I could feel how deeply drawn he was to the music, and it impressed me. And we saw each other again and again, and little by little it turned into a conversation, then a friendship, then a partnership.
And this collaboration started in 2020?
Appropriate. I have done four digital shows, Pandemic shows. And I think it's the perfect format for collaboration: we create a beautiful symbiotic relationship between image, sound and collection. And so the concept of Prada Extends was born.
Interestingly, the form of music developed 30 years ago still sounds high-pitched and destructive today. Do you think the '20s will see the rise of a new kind of music that sounds as sophisticated and revolutionary as '90s techno? Will the saboteurs always be defeated?
Hundred percent! And so we hope. But will we be a part of this or will we need new ears to listen? I don't know... but whatever it is, I'm sure it's going to come out of left field and hit us right in the face. I wish!
© Photo: Getty Sofia Gabanna performed at the event.
