The Story of Detroit Techno
‘God Said Give ‘Em Drum Machines’ is the story behind Techno one of Detroit’s greatest contributions to world culture. This electronic music phenomenon was created by black artists in the 1980s transforming dance music internationally and blossoming into the multibillion-dollar industry of EDM.
Kevin Saunderson, Juan Atkins, Derrick May, Santonio Echols, Eddie Fowlkes, Blake Baxter, Richie Hawtin, Mike Huckaby
The story behind Detroit’s 1980s Techno music scene and how its underground culture revolutionized dance music forever. Detroit is best known for cars and Motown. What most people don’t know is that it also is the actual birthplace of Techno music, which evolved to become the $7.4 billion dollar EDM industry of today, one that is dominated by white artists. God Said Give ‘Em Drum Machines – The Story of Detroit Techno tells the story of the African American men who created it, and how the business of music betrayed them.
A production team made up of native Detroiters set out to raise awareness about Detroit’s most natural resource—music. Through the powerful medium of film, The Detroit Sound Project (DSP) has become a movement and a social brand that promotes the music of Detroit, its creators, and the influence it has all over the world.
DSP’s first release stars DJs Richie Hawtin and Black Coffee, and documents the DSP team’s journey in electronic music from Detroit to South Africa. Electric Roots: The Detroit Sound Project is currently on a film festival tour and has already made its European premiere at the Cannes Court Metrage Short Film Corner in 2014. Electric Roots also made its North American debut at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles.
The film God Said Give Em’ Drum Machines is the next phase in the Detroit Sound Project. This documentary film is set to debut at the Tribeca Film Festival summer of 2022.
Saturday June 11th, 8:00 PM
Sunday June 12th, 2:15 PM
Saturday June 18th, 12:30 PM
The latest news and updates on the film and it’s subjects…
Learn more about the world premiere of our film at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival.
The photographer Normski shot the image of the Techno 6 that exposed European audiences to the creators of Techno on the cover of Record Mirror Magazine.
Since 2011, independent production company Washington Hill Pictures has been documenting the Detroit music scene and producing short films, podcasts, and events all over the world. Their magnum opus on Detroit techno, is a visually vibrant and sonically ethereal love letter about the true origins of techno music in Detroit. Director Kristian R. Hill and Producer Jennifer Washington have made it their mission to create a counter narrative about Detroit through powerful storytelling that showcases the city’s beautiful side and its rich musical legacy.
Now based in Los Angeles, the Detroit natives have been working in the entertainment industry for over 20 years. Washington Hill Pictures has developed into an international team of storytellers and media professionals, collaborating virtually from South Africa to Detroit. After a 12-year long journey, the team is excited to announce the film’s world premiere in 2022! Stay tuned for the upcoming release of feature-length documentary ‘God Said Give ‘Em Drum Machines,’ coming soon to a city near you!
Motor City native Kristian R. Hill is celebrated and respected as one of Detroit’s most talented creative professionals. Excelling as a filmmaker, videographer and rising director with more than 20 years of experience in the business, Kristian has long cast his own distinct glow in the Film, Video & Entertainment industries.
Born and raised in Detroit, Jennifer Washington was inspired as a child by the rich musical culture of the city. Today, Washington’s most pressing mission is to help uplift her hometown’s image in the media. Most recently she co-founded Washington Hill Pictures. The company has produced uplifting precursory stories on the roots of Techno and its global influence with their Detroit Sound Project. Her first feature film God Said Give ‘Em Drum Machines is due out in the Summer of 2022. The documentary producer is also adding author to her resume with an upcoming book chronicling the extraordinary 12 year independent filmmaking adventure.
Washington Hill Pictures partnered with XTR and Shaka Senghor to bring their first feature-length documentary film ‘God Said Give ‘Em Drum Machines’ to audiences all over the world. XTR is a global nonfiction entertainment studio bringing the best stories to life. XTR works with outstanding creators to produce, distribute, finance and develop films, series, and podcasts across platforms.