Juan Atkins, the originator of the term ‘Techno’ and creative force behind some of the most enduring dance music over the past 40+ years has passed away at the age of 64.
His impact on electronic music history is undeniable and it’s good to see so many articles and posts from artists, labels, fans and the wider community acknowledging his legacy.
I only met him once, very briefly, when he generously came to headline Phonica’s Record Store Day party back in 2019. I thanked him for taking up Nick’s offer to come and DJ for us (bear in mind, RSD acts play for free) though restrained myself from going into total fanboy mode and reeling off all of his records that I played to death. I mean, Cybotron’s Clear alone is possibly the only 12″ I’ve had to buy three times due to overuse!
I’ve picked out some (ok, loads) of my favourite Magic Juan moments below.
RIP Juan Atkins
1962-2026
Alleys Of Your Mind by Cybotron, 1981 (allegedly recorded in 1980!)
It may have been slightly influenced by the likes of Sharevari by A Number Of Names and Kraftwerk, but still, here right at the start, we have a solid blueprint for what Detroit Techno will become.
Cosmic Cars by Cybotron, 1982. How on earth do you follow Alleys Of Your Mind? With a dystopian driving jam of course.
Clear by Cybotron, 1983. An anthem to this day! Straddling the worlds of Electro and Techno, it was a huge hit and eventually sampled by Missy Elliot for Lose Control.
Clear was the first Juan Atkins related record I bought and it became a Skull Juice staple back in the 2000s. A record so nice I had to buy it thrice. We included it in our Serious Fun mix CD.
No UFOs by Model 500, 1985. The first record on Juan’s Metroplex label and his first under the Model 500 alias. If you don’t move to this, there’s something wrong with you.
You can read how it was produced in this SOS article from 2024.
Night Drive (Thru-Babylon) by Model 500, 1985. This, the second 12″ on Metroplex, is arguably even better than the first and includes the D-Mix of No UFOs on the flip. About as essential as it gets.
Interference (Mix 1) by Model 500, 1988. Front to back this is one of Juan’s strongest 12″s, every track an Electro/Techno floorfiller.
The Chase (Juan’s Version) by Model 500, 1989. Hard to choose between the versions on this 12″ as the Smooth Mix and Derrick May’s remix are also mega. Nice problem to have!
Infoworld by Model 500 from the Ocean To Ocean 12″, 1990. Hidden away on the flip of this 12″ is one of Juan’s most sublime moments: Infoworld. The other b-side Wanderer is also fantastic.
The Passage by Model 500, 1992. Ambient breakbeat Techno bliss!
The Cosmic Courier from the Jazz Is The Teacher 12″ by M500 & 3MB, 1993.
Juan joins forces with two men in Berlin (Moritz von Oswald and Thomas Fehlmann) to become 3MB! Yes, the title track is great but this b-side is the one I keep coming back to. It also featured on the first 3MB album as Die Kosmischen Kuriere on Tresor in 1992.