Alleys of Your Mind
Juan Atkins is an American producer and DJ from Detroit considered a pioneer of Detroit techno. His releases as Cybotron and Model 500 are the most influential electronic music pieces for the evolution of specific genres like Electro and Techno.
In the late 70’s Kraftwerk already had a significant influence on electronic musicians worldwide. Still, with the arrival of “Numbers” which is considered the first “Electro” track, along with Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock,” the genre had a significant impact on Detroit’s school of music. Many new releases were made and produced with synthesizers and drum machines as the primary choice of instruments.
Besides German and US electro sound, a British new wave/synth-pop band Ultravox inspired Juan Atkins and Richard Davis to produce
“Alleys Of Your Mind” was Cybotron’s first release.
Atkins and Davis even pioneered the name “Cybotron” before the cartoon Transformers. The name was a mixture of a Cyborg and a Cyclotron (the machine that accelerates atomic particles).
The group’s unusual blend of musical influences, boldly experimental aesthetic, and futuristic philosophy became the pillars of techno.
Atkins and Davis had a kraftwerkish-rock approach to the production of the track. Panned drums, strings, and chorus-driven vocals could be heard in a lot of popular rock music from the ’60s and ’70s.
Atkins was 19 years at the time, and he was technology-obsessed. He produced the drums on a machine that wasn’t thoroughly developed, and he also recorded the live claps. Davis used “ARP Axxe” a legendary synth, and a sequencer in the production of “Alleys of Your Mind”
“Alleys of Your Mind” is a sharp, thrilling sci-fi experience. Its smooth kraftwerkish funk infused with an experimental approach made it a timeless creation. Its sound design marked a style of electro and pinpointed Detroit as a serious “school” of electronic music. The technique would later be mastered by James Stinson of Drexciya and spread across the world. Nowadays, there are many producers worldwide that are making this sound, and there are many indie record labels that are releasing this style of electro.
“Alleys of Your Mind” was released on their label “Deep Space” in 1981 and was listed on some of Detroit’s top radio stations. It became a local hit and sold about 15,000 copies.
It’s a must-know electro piece and a good starting point for somebody fresh to Electro or Techno. Dive into its cosmic funk, and you’ll love it!