Rhythim Is Rhythim (Derrick May)

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Rhythim Is Rhythim (Derrick May) · Rhythim Is Rhythim is the best-known production alias of Derrick May, an American electronic musician from Belleville, Michigan, born in 1963. At secondary school he became friends with Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson. Together they are known as The Belleville Three, the pioneers of Detroit techno. Atkins taught him to DJ, they listened to the radio show of The Electrifying Mojo and drew inspiration from Kraftwerk and disco. May later called his own sound Hi-Tek Soul, a blend of George Clinton and Kraftwerk stuck in an elevator. He also named Yellow Magic Orchestra, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Ultravox as influences.

Music and breakthrough

His own label was called Transmat, with Fragile as a second label for work with more samples. Under the name Rhythim Is Rhythim, tracks such as Nude Photo, Kaos, It Is What It Is and Strings of Life appeared between 1987 and 1989. The last of these became his best-known track. Frankie Knuckles, who gave the record its name, described how hard it hit in the clubs. Remarkably, the piece has no bass line: the tension comes from tight percussion and a driving sequence of piano chords, supplemented by strings from the synthesizer.

Influence

May also mentored younger makers, among them Carl Craig and Stacey Pullen. His residency at The Music Institute in Detroit became a meeting place for a mixed audience. His work often received more recognition in Britain and the rest of Europe than at home. In this way he became a key figure for later dance and rave culture. He has been called the Miles Davis of techno.

Listening

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  Strings of Life · Rhythim Is Rhythim (Derrick May), 1987
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