Detroit techno pioneers, e-Dancer, are back after more than two decades, ready to redefine electronic dance music once again. Spearheaded by the legendary Kevin Saunderson and his son Dantiez, e-Dancer is unleashing a brand new, self-titled album on May 21st, promising a groove-fueled techno experience straight from the heart of Detroit. This release marks a significant moment in the evolution of techno, bridging the gap between generations and solidifying the enduring power of electronic dance to move bodies and souls.
For enthusiasts of authentic Detroit techno and the global E Dance scene, this album is a must-listen. The ten-track collection is meticulously crafted to ignite dance floors worldwide, featuring the signature e-Dancer sound: propulsive rhythms, stripped-back percussion, and deep, resonating basslines. It’s a powerful blend of Kevin’s iconic 90s groove-driven style and Dantiez’s contemporary, dynamic energy, forging a sound that respects the legacy while boldly pushing techno into the future for a new wave of e dance devotees.
This monumental release also celebrates a decade-long creative partnership between Kevin and Dantiez. Their journey began with a memorable back-to-back set at Boiler Room’s Chicago House Legacy Session, sharing the stage with house music luminaries. This initial spark blossomed into a profound musical alliance, leading to the resurgence of Inner City, Kevin’s seminal house music group. Together, they propelled Inner City back onto the global stage, captivating audiences at prestigious festivals like Glastonbury and Warehouse Project, and releasing a new Inner City album after 30 years, featuring a collaboration with Idris Elba. Now, the e-Dancer project takes center stage, marking another milestone in their collaborative e dance journey.
Kevin Saunderson’s e-Dancer first made an indelible impact with the groundbreaking album “Heavenly” in 1998. Released during a period of social and political upheaval, “Heavenly” became a techno touchstone, a sonic call to arms that used the power of the groove to unite people. This ethos of unity through e dance has been a constant throughout Kevin’s career and deeply resonates with Dantiez in his own creative endeavors.
“When I decided to make music, my path was to make people dance,” Kevin explains. “It always will be. Dance is happiness; it’s joyful. It’s a connection between different cultures, races and people worldwide.” He adds, “I know it’s in Dantiez’s DNA too. When people hear the album, I hope they hear the connection between a father and son on the same path of creating music and the spirit of e dance.”
Dantiez elaborates on his approach, “My productions are often deeper and emotive because I focus on the feeling of people coming together, dancing as one. I experienced the unifying power of music at my first Movement Festival when I was 10 years old, and it left a lasting impact.” He hopes listeners will feel “the synergy between the original e-Dancer and its new iteration,” a testament to the evolving sound of e dance.
Dantiez, a self-taught producer who started his musical journey at 18, embodies the enduring appeal and transformative potential of electronic music. He seamlessly blends his heritage with a fresh perspective on Detroit techno, honoring his father’s pioneering sound while injecting his own innovative energy into the e dance landscape.
From Detroit, the birthplace of techno, to the global stage, e-Dancer and the Saundersons are continuing to shape the narrative of Detroit techno and electronic dance music. This new album is not just a return; it’s a reaffirmation of their commitment to the groove, to the power of e dance, and to the ever-evolving spirit of techno.
