Blake Baxter
Revered as the "Prince of Techno," stands as a pioneering figure in the Detroit techno scene.
Blake Baxter is a Detroit native renowned for producing steamy, deep, whispering electronic music. He's a pioneer of Detroit techno and one of the originators of its distinctive sound. He is famous for his productions, spoken-word vocals, and lyrics in dance music.
Baxter began producing in 1985, with his first official release 1987 on KMS Records. As part of Detroit's first wave of house and techno music DJs and producers, he contributed to early releases on labels like Transmat and Underground Resistance. His funky hi-tech bass lines became a signature, featuring prominently in tracks like "Kaos" on Transmat Records.
In 1988, Baxter was featured on the compilation album "Techno" (The New Dance Sound of Detroit), which introduced Detroit techno to the world. He later released music on various labels, including Tresor Records in Berlin, where he produced three albums in the "Dream Sequence" series.
Blake founded Mix Records in 1990, operating under the "Mix Media Music Group" umbrella, which includes labels like Acid313, Afrodesitrax, Raw Data Recordings, and Technological Audio Research.
As a DJ, Baxter was among the first to play dedicated Chicago house and techno in Detroit clubs during the mid-'80s. He held residencies at Detroit's "City Club" and "Majestic Theater," as well as at Tresor in Berlin.
Throughout his career, Baxter has collaborated with various producers, maintaining his distinctive sound. He tours worldwide and is known for passionate performances that take audiences on a journey through dance classics, techno, and house music.
Blake Baxter's influence on the Detroit techno scene and electronic music remains significant. His career spans over thirty years of production, DJing, and innovation in the genre. His steamy, deep, whispering style has become a hallmark of his work, cementing his status as a true techno legend.
