In this country it's very hard for creative thought to escape capitalism. I was more surprised when I first went to Europe and found that white kids could enjoy dance music.

Does it surprise you how slowly the United States has embraced electronic music, dance-oriented or otherwise? Techno-rebels notwithstanding, some technologies are absorbed very quickly into our culture.

The Third Wave was only inspirational, although we did use hybrid words like 'cybotron' and 'metroplex,' and Toffler spoke of these futuristic combinations. We never tried to apply any of those principles. Does this concept have anything to do with techno's use of older analog synthesizers or keeping the production of vinyl alive? You've said elsewhere that the term 'techno'was partially taken from Toffler's term 'techno-rebels' in The Third Wave – those who didn't see the need for technology to be overwhelming or alienating. When your surroundings change, you go through change. Also, Detroit is unlike any other city in the transitions it has endured. It goes as far as the science fiction I was into early on and the class I took in high school called 'Future Studies.' One of the textbooks I had to read was Alvin Toffler's Future Shock. It's always been about insight and forward thinking. Wired: What is your definition of techno? Is it essentially a combination of technology and funk? His current projects include the 12-inch single 'I See the Light' (Metroplex, Detroit) and the LP Sonic Sunset (R&S Records, Belgium), both under the moniker 'Model 500.'

Wired spoke with Atkins about his early inspirations and how they may bring about musical metamorphosis on a wider scale. In 1985, Atkins formed Metroplex Records, not knowing that his unique brand of techno would soon inspire the anthems and soundtracks of the digital age – the latest world music. On the heels of the German group Kraftwerk, he and partner Rick Davis formed Cybotron, fusing austere European techno-pop with street-level funk. Since 1981, the compositions of techno visionary Juan Atkins have sent shock waves through contemporary music. Juan Atkins was playing techno when most of its current practitioners were playing in the schoolyard.īerry Gordy's Motown may no longer rule the airwaves, but Detroit has found a new beat.

Techno rebels