The Suburban Knight
James Pennington
born in 1965
A leading light on the outskirts of Detroit techno since the mid-'80s, James Pennington pioneered the darker side of the Motor City with hits such as "The Art of Stalking" and "The Groove." Added to that, working on the biggest hit to come out of Detroit, the techno-pop monster "Big Fun" by Inner City, he also worked with underground mainstays like Underground Resistance.
Pennington had written "Big Fun" with Kevin Saunderson (with whom he shared a room for three years). The record became a worldwide hit once vocals were added by Paris Grey and became regarded by many as defining early Detroit techno.
Why was Pennington referred to as Suburban Knight, you ask? The name "The Suburban Knight" comes from not living in a major city. All the radios and all the information came from Detroit, so their music was based on that. Basically, the name 'Suburban Knight' comes from being a suburban knight. There is nothing more, nothing less.
The philosophy of the Suburban Knight regarding music is always to keep it dark and different. In an interview, he made it very clear and outed artists for sounding too alike! People have often looked up to this artist and asked him how he created himself, and his answer is always different. That is his big secret!
He has taught DJ lessons worldwide, including Tresor Club, Ten Days of Techno, several appearances at Love Parade, Bugged Out, The End, a tour in Japan, Australia, and Israel, just to name a few. Yet he continues to do what he does, smashing barriers and leaving a legacy in his wake.
Since starting his own label, DARK PRINT, the first release was "Tech-hieroglyphics," a compilation of Detroit and Belgian artists such as GiGi Galaxy, The Sense, Locutus, DJ Tao, Punisher, and Twonz. In contrast with some of his peers, Suburban Knight releases less frequently; instead, he defines his releases as essential lessons.
Pennington and other UR members contributed music for the video game Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition, set in Detroit. This was a great moment as it shows that they are the faces of Detroit and have made their mark.
Pennington also used various aliases, for example, Dark Energy and Suburban Knight. Supposedly, these were chosen because of his dark personality. Well thought out, but another indecisive one we have here!
He served as a mentor for Underground Resistance crew member Mike Banks as Detroit's second wave came into play in the early '90s. The result of this collaboration was beautiful music and an even better friendship.
Although various Wikipedia pages claim Pennington is still active, many have stated that this is not filled with truth. He isn't entirely active but often does secret locations.