Derrick May (musician)
| Derrick May | |
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Derrick May (2015)
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | Rhythim Is Rhythim, Mayday |
| Born | April 6, 1963 |
| Origin | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Genres | Detroit techno, house, techno, electronic dance music |
| Occupation(s) | Producer, DJ |
| Years active | 1986–present |
| Labels | Transmat |
Derrick May (born April 6, 1963), also known as Mayday and Rhythim Is Rhythim, is an electronic musician from Belleville, Michigan, United States. He is an only child born to a single mother in Detroit. May began to explore electronic music early in his life. Along with his high school friends Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson, commonly known as the Belleville Three, May is credited with developing the futuristic variation that would be dubbed "Techno" by Atkins. Derrick May is the Innovator of Techno Music which set the groundwork for modern Electronic Dance Music, EDM. Derrick May is a refreshing reminder of the skill and innovation that electronic music is famous for. "Derrick took the Euro-electropop crystals of Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode and New Order beyond its own horizon, infusing it with house, experimental synthesizer work and just plain soul. Derrick is also considered the Miles Davis of Electronic Music."
At age 13, Derrick May began attending Belleville High School, and became friends with Juan Atkins in 1981. Atkins taught May and Kevin Saunderson the essence of DJing as well, formed a trio, Deep Space Soundworks, collectively existing to present their favorite music at parties and clubs. In an interview with a french magazine, May explain that people use to laugh at the ideas that they were entertained by Kraftwerk and disco sounds, we did our thing and continued to believe in ourselves, regardless.
He attended Belleville, Michigan high school with friends Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson, commonly known as the Belleville Three. May met Kevin Saunderson when the two were fourteen. May had decided not to pay Saunderson after losing a bet and, one day at school, Saunderson punched May in the face, knocking him out cold and giving him a concussion. After the altercation, May and Saunderson became best friends.
During high school, Saunderson and Belleville High School classmate Juan Atkins were fans of DJ Charles "The Electrifying Mojo" Johnson.
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