Inner City
Artist
Previous Events
Bio
The story of Inner City is intractably linked with its founder Kevin Saunderson, widely created as one of the progenitors of techno and a landmark figure in dance music. But while it intertwines with his own career, the group’s longevity – spanning wildfire success, indelible club classics, a handful of full-length albums, and sales of over six million worldwide – is a result of multiple independent chapters over a remarkable 30 year run time. In 2017, with Kevin’s son and creative protégé Danitez as a new addition to the group, a new one is unfolding. The beginning of Inner City as a project came in 1987, one of many creative outlets that could be traced back to Saunderson. The music he was playing and producing in Detroit at the time, alongside fellow The Belleville Three members Juan Atkins and Derrick May, laid the path for what came to be known as Techno, and birthed an entire global culture to follow. Inspired by marathon sets by pioneering DJs Ron Hardy and Larry Levan, Saunderson set out to break from the strictures of Detroit techno’s tracky, dark machine funk by adding vocals to his productions. Work with contemporaries at the time had led to a unique sound based on colourful keyboard chords and snappy drums – and, crucially, a chance collaboration with Chicago vocalist Paris Grey (née Shanna Jackson).
Music style
Acid House, Chicago House
Popular Songs
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