Every Memorial Day weekend, music festivals abound and choosing which particular one to attend can become a difficult decision for anyone, but for those who love techno, Movement Music Festival in Detroit is the mecca. Considered the birthplace of the genre, Detroit holds a special space in the heart of all techno lovers and thousands flock to Motor City on this special weekend for three days of non-stop music and dancing. With a lineup that boasts the likes of Richie Hawton, Carl Cox, Claude VonStroke’s side project Barclay Crenshaw and Dusky to name a few, the weekend is filled with amazing sets and the party continues long after the festival closes for the night.
The after-parties for Movement, both official and unofficial, are legendary in the techno community and below are some, in no particular order, that are sure to be out of this world with great music.
Plan to arrive early to Old Miami, this party starts at 7:30 a.m. Monday but the line has been known to begin queuing in the wee hours of Sunday night. If this is your first Movement, Need I Say More is the ultimate after-party to hit. The lineup doesn’t get released until the week of the event, but past events have seen artists such as Taimur b2b Ostrich, Mike Shannon and DeWalta, Matthew Jonson Live, Derek Plaslaiko and Magda. The proceeds from Need I Say More get donated in some way to charities focused on bringing music programs to Detroit schools. Tickets are $10 and are sold at the door.
Tickets for Interface are already on their third-tier pricing and going up, so if you’re thinking about attending, snag them as soon as possible! Interface starts on Sunday at 10 p.m. and goes until 7 a.m. Monday morning, making it the perfect spot to hang before heading to Need I Say More. With an incredible line-up of artists including DVS1, Tommy Four Seven, Luis Flores, Janice, Denise Rabe, Plural, Raiz, Project 313, Corbin Davis, Subversive, John Kaberna and Lindsey Herbert it’s no wonder this event is considered one of the best techno/dark techno after-parties year after year. Tickets are currently priced at $45.00 and available here.
What would techno be without Dirtybird Records? Legendary Claude VonStroke’s label brings it’s special brand of funky tech house to Movement with performances from Justin Martin, J.Phlip, Will Clarke, Walker & Royce and VonStroke himself. Sunday’s Dirtybird Players will be held at The Fillmore and tickets range from $25 to $75. The price tag may be high on this one, but the lineup is stellar and promises to be an unbeatable night of fun.
REcharge: Unofficial Movement Music Brunch & Daytime Oasis
After a few long days (and nights) of dancing and moving, you’ll be feeling the exhaustion hit you. What better way to relax and recharge than a yoga sesh, massages or meditation on a lazy Sunday afternoon? REcharge will also have live music, art installations, food/drinks and various vendors. This funky spot has all your bases covered and promises to be relaxing and fun at the same time. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door.
Smartbar Movement Opening Party & BBQ
Start your weekend off with a bang and BBQ at the Movement Opening Party hosted by Chicago favorite Smartbar on Friday evening. This opening party is a Movement staple if you make it to Detroit early enough. BBQ, beats and a dozen artists performing for almost 12 hours is the perfect way to start your weekend in Motor City. Tickets are $22.50 here and are available at the door.
Paradigm Presents Dixon b2b Seth Troxler: An Official Movement Afterparty
Good luck finding tickets to this sold-out Paradigm Presents event featuring veteran producers Dixon and Seth Troxler. The two will be going back-to-back for the entirety of the 8 hour event, so bring your dancing shoes and get ready to groove at the iconic and abandoned Leland Hotel.
The Barge Movement Boat Party – Worthy
Test out your sea legs with this daytime party thrown at Rivard Plaza on the Detroit River. Spend the day on the river shaking your booty to the artfully mixed house and bass sounds from Dirtybird Record’s Worthy. The four-hour event also features Sherif, ADMN, Soul Mob, Twin Cousin, Aboudi Issa, Warren Ross and Adam Westing. Tickets are $67.50 and the boat weighs anchor at 1 p.m. on Saturday!
From an abandoned hotel to a barge on a river, Movement promises the funkiest venues to listen to the sweetest beats. Make sure you grab your tickets to these events before they sell out and thank the techno gods for Movement!
