Derrick May, born on April 6th, 1963 in Detroit, Michigan, is an American DJ, record producer and pioneer of the Detroit techno scene. May is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of electronic music.
May began his career as a DJ in the early 1980s playing at local Detroit clubs. His early influences included Kraftwerk, Giorgio Moroder, and Yellow Magic Orchestra. He soon began producing his own music, and in 1985 he released his first record label, Transmat Records. May's production style was distinct and unique, and his influence in the Detroit scene was growing.
In 1988, May teamed up with fellow Detroit producers Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson to form the influential group, the Belleville Three. The group was instrumental in the development of the early Detroit techno sound, and May's production style was a key element in the group's success.
May's influence extended beyond the Detroit techno scene, and he was also known for his collaborations with other famous electronic music producers such as Carl Craig, Laurent Garnier, and Jeff Mills. He also released several solo albums, including Innovator (1991) and Classic Waveform (1993).
In the mid-1990s, May began working as a DJ again. He toured the world, performing at some of the most renowned clubs and festivals. He has also been a resident DJ at several of the world's top clubs, including Amsterdam's Trouw and London's Fabric.
In recent years, May has been involved with a variety of projects, including producing music for film and television, and launching his own record label, Retroactive Records. He has also been a vocal advocate for the Detroit techno scene, and has regularly appeared at various music events throughout the city.
Derrick May is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of electronic music. His unique production style has been a major influence on the Detroit techno scene, and his collaborations with other notable producers have helped to shape the electronic music landscape. May continues to make a lasting impact on the world of music through his work as a producer, DJ, and advocate for the Detroit techno scene.
