Detroit music icon DJ T-1000 discusses his latest mix and the rigorous studio setup he employs for a flawless sound.
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Title: Techno Pioneer DJ T-1000 Unwraps His Journey in Detroit's Fiery Scene
Stepping into the realm of techno veterans is like getting a warm welcome from none other than DJ T-1000, aka Alan Oldham. His story begins in the era when 'techno' was just another unheard symphony.
Oldham, a visual artist and DJ/producer, was among Detroit's trailblazers who pioneered the genre. Starting in the birthplace of techno, he joined forces with the influential crew known as the Belleville Three and Jeff Mills. Oldham graced the underground techno scene during the early 90s with the Underground Resistance collective. Now based in Berlin, his studio is as minimalistic as a monk's cell: a Maschine and a laptop.
Back when Oldham first embarked on his musical journey, he hosted Detroit's public radio station WDET-FM's show, 'Fast Forward', one of the earliest electronic music programs in the city. In 1987, he illustrated the cover of his friend Derrick May's first record, and later impressive record sleeves for the label DJax-Up-Beats.
"I'm mastering my ass off right now." This was DJ T-1000's response when our team asked him about his experience with our website.
Decades later, his view on electronic music is a revitalizing breath amidst the modern hustle and bustle of the genre. We recently caught up with him to chat about starting a label, gear addiction, creative processes, and the pulse of techno.
Detroit in Its Heady Days
In the early 90s, music production was still a new world, sparking curiosity and exploration in budding artists. Oldham spent time learning the tricks of the trade at a MIDI studio, where his ear picked up the nuances of gear and music. Once he started earning from his DJ gigs, he invested in the same equipment that fueled his music. These were the days of Tradin' Times – no Craigslist, no eBay, no Amazon. Musicians still bound themselves with MIDI chains, recorded music on metal cassettes, and edited on reel-to-reel with a razor blade.
Radio in His Journey
Having a radio station as an ally was essential for Oldham's development as an artist. The station's library offered a wealth of music to learn from, while access to the production facilities after his late-night shows provided the opportunity he needed to hone his craft.
Trudging a Path He Helped Pave
The genre that Oldham played a crucial role in creating has evolved over time. Some see it as a nerd-infested subculture dominated by self-proclaimed tech aficionados. However, he welcomes the emergence of female artists fostering new sounds, preserving techno's spirit while keeping frat-boy influenced styles at bay. Artists such as Luke Slater and Steve Rachmad continue to influence, ensuring the genre's longevity.
The Crucial Role of Community
Though he's spent years away from Detroit, Oldham continues to monitor the city's techno scene and remains encouraged by the local talent maintaining Detroit's musical legacy.
Europe's Techno Capital: Berlin
Oldham resides in Berlin, which he deems the most intriguing city for art and music. Berlin prides itself as the techno capital, renowned for its energetic vibe and potential not seen since New York City in the late 80s and early 90s. The city's affordable living stands as a paradoxical contrast to what one might expect given its global musical influence.
Art and Legendary Collide
As a graphic designer, Oldham has contributed to iconic record covers such as Derrick May's Transmat label collection. He credits clients sending sound files, vibing off album titles, or specific requests as his inspiration for album art, and commends the growing popularity of album covers in the digital age.
Modifying His Process Over Time
Oldham now works with Maschine, and occasionally dabbles in Ableton. Before immersing himself in Berlin, he managed a traditional MIDI studio for years, continuing to use outboard gear despite squeezing in with digital musicians. However, after discovering the modern efficiencies of Maschine, he embraced the shift, valuing the technological breakthroughs that improved his output.
The xfive Label Saga
In 2006, Oldham started the CD-only label xfive. Driven by a burning desire to change his sound when minimal sounds dominated, he took advantage of cheaper, easier CD production and decided to release a collection of non-dancefloor tracks. Although xfive is no longer active, it left an impression in the industry.
Vinyl, CDs, and Digital – What's the Favorite?
Oldham does not idealize vinyl like some techno enthusiasts do. While he values both his vintage vinyl collection and working vinyl records, his top choice comes down to flexibility, citing digital-powered software like Traktor as his preference.
Embracing New Sounds
Techno's reliance on technology has always been a charter of the genre. As technology evolves, Oldham adapts the changes, even looking forward to including vocals in his tracks. Berlin presents a treasure trove of vocalists eager to collaborate.
Tune in to DJ T-1000's upcoming performances!
Leticia, a dedicated techno lover and artist, expresses her passion for acid basslines and intricate beats. She runs circles on the decks as softcoresoft and pens articles here at our website!
Twitter: @Leticia Trandafir
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"DJ T-1000, a pioneer in Detroit's techno scene, started his musical journey in the early 90s by hosting Detroit's public radio station WDET-FM's show, 'Fast Forward', one of the earliest electronic music programs in the city. His studio now consists of a Maschine and a laptop, a testament to the evolution of technology in music production."
"In his journey as a DJ/producer, Oldham has collaborated with notable figures such as the Belleville Three, Jeff Mills, and the Underground Resistance collective. He has also designed iconic album covers, like Derrick May's first record, showcasing the intersection of art and music technology in the entertainment industry."
