Derrick May
USA, 1986–now
The Innovator of the Belleville Three — 'Strings of Life' (as Rhythim Is Rhythim) gave techno its soul: string stabs, broken joy, no bassline needed.
MusicRoots documents 3 artists who influenced Derrick May and 2 artists Derrick May influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.
Who influenced Derrick May?
- Juan Atkins — Atkins was May's high-school mentor in Belleville — he taught May DJing and production, the founding apprenticeship of the Belleville Three.
- Kraftwerk — May's own definition of techno names its parents: 'like George Clinton and Kraftwerk stuck in an elevator'.
- George Clinton — Half of May's own definition of techno: George Clinton and Kraftwerk stuck in an elevator.
Which artists did Derrick May influence?
- Richie Hawtin — Hawtin crossed the river from Windsor to Detroit's parties as a teenager — May's Rhythim Is Rhythim was his documented gateway.
- Ken Ishii — Derrick May's Detroit techno redirected Ishii's music entirely; critics hear May's feel most clearly in his work.