Little did some know, Richie Hawtin’s live gig at the Guggenheim was actually a recording session. Resurrecting his influential Plastikman alias after 11 years, the Detroit/Windsor techno artist is back with a big one. For years under his given name, Richie has discovered new corners of the techno universe through his unique influences from Detroit to Berlin. We can’t really explain what’s going on in his head, but Hawtin is truly a creator.

Not many can match Plastikman’s influential rise during the birth of techno. Crossing the Canadian border into Detroit to dj and produce, the young Hawtin led the charge as techno’s second generation took the genre from motor city to the world. As one of the original few Djs to extensively gig in Europe; under Plastikman, Richie helped plant the seed for influential cities like Berlin. In recent years, Hawtin’s own event, Enter has run Ibiza. Seriously it’s only true standout on the island. Techno and Sushi, what can go wrong?

After recent wispers regarding an album, Richie dropped a preview on June 4th (coincidentally his birthday). Revealing that the tune was recorded at his jaw-dropping Guggenheim Museum Show in NYC, we expect nothing short of extraordinary techno. The two and a half minute teaser presents and abstract build ending in a groove fit for Space. By Space we mean the Ibiza super-club where Hawtin hosts his 14-part summer series. A perfectly planned release just in advance of the season will once again rule the island each Thursday.

Keep watch for the rest of the release, coming soon on June 10th. Holding a back of tricks that seemingly never ends, we don’t even know what to expect from Hawtin.

Today’s Note From Richie:

 

 

Not only is June 4th my birthday but also an anniversary date of many special and pivotal moments for my Plastikman project.

The early birthday LODGE party celebrations were inspirational for the early Plastikman releases and the first rendition of Plastikman Live debuted on June 4th, 2004 at Montreal’s Mutek festival. Keeping with this tradition, I thought today was the perfect day to announce another development in my life (getting older!) and the next step for the Plastikman project!

11 years after the last album “Closer”, I’m very happy to announce the NEW Plastikman album “EX”.

Last November while I was preparing for a special Plastikman performance at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, I blocked out time in my schedule and locked myself away in a series of intense and inspiring studio sessions. Quickly and nearly effortlessly (that’s what happens when inspiration hits), I recorded enough material for the performance and then realized that there might be a complete new album within. Performing this new material at the Guggenheim allowed me to step away from the dance floor, giving me a huge amount of freedom to explore any sonic idea that I had.

EX is an EXcursion into the past EXploring the uncertainty of the future, EXpanding and EXtending the immersive atmospheres of what a Plastikman album was always about.

Happy Birthday to me, Happy birthday to you all. I hope everyone enjoys the MUSIK. Looking forward to performing Plastikman LIVE at Sonar Festival Official Page!

-Rich

Full details: www.plastikman.com
Vimeo trailer: http://vimeo.com/97308552