Juan Atkins: "Before house music, a lot of the DJs on Chicago radio were playing a lot of Italian imports because I think the Italians were the only ones that continued with the disco sound when it all died out everywhere else.
"Berry Gordy's Motown may no longer rule the airwaves, but Detroit has found a new beat. Since 1981 [on Fantasy records], the compositions of techno visionary Juan Atkins have sent shock waves through contemporary music. On the heels of the German group Kraftwerk, he and partner Rick Davis formed Cybotron, fusing austere European techno-pop with street-level funk. In 1985, Atkins formed Metroplex Records, not knowing that his unique brand of techno would soon inspire the anthems and soundtracks of the digital age -- the latest world music."
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Hot Wired Article & Interview 6.26.94