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Headed to Movement Detroit this year? Get a taste of the sounds that have shaped the scene and are emerging from the city with our list of can’t-miss acts.
Hart Plaza is preparing to come alive again with the booming beats of electronic music. Home to festival mainstay Movement Detroit, the globally recognized festival returns for its 20th anniversary on May 23-25 with an impressive talent lineup. Featuring performances from Carl Craig, Dom Dolla, Eli Brown, Kevin Saunderson, and Sara Landry, the riverfront Memorial Day celebration will host thousands of music lovers over the weekend.
Despite its worldwide appeal, the event, run by local promoter Paxahau, maintains its local flair. Complete with an entire stage dedicated to the sounds of Detroit, Movement emphasizes highlighting the sounds of the current local scene, as well as those who have left their mark on the city and the rest of the world throughout their careers.
As we gear up for another fantastic weekend commemorating the birthplace of techno, EDM Identity has rounded up six Detroit artists to catch as they grace the stage at this year’s Movement Detroit. Continue reading for our recommendations on acts to add to your festival schedule.
Six Must-See Techno City Natives at Movement Detroit 2026
DJ Godfather
Repping Motor City with his ghetto tech flavor, DJ Godfather returns to Movement on Saturday. Beginning his career at just 15 years old, the local legend has amassed an extensive discography while simultaneously touring the world. Playing almost exclusively his own music during performances, the longstanding talent shows no signs of slowing down, already adding five releases to his catalog since the start of the year.
His latest EP, Stay Outside, features three jit-inducing, ghettotech tracks primed for a festival crowd. A master on the turntables, DJ Godfather’s performance will awaken the dancefloor at the Waterfront Stage.
Duck Trash
Queer artist Duck Trash will be making their Movement debut as part of Saturday’s Detroit Stage lineup. Known for being a phenomenal selector, the rising artist will spin techno and electro for their biggest performance yet.
Currently wrapping up their Midwest tour, Duck Trash is at the helm of the city’s “high femme, future forward techno” DIVALOCITY party. Along with running their own event, the Detroit native finds themselves playing at staple clubs across the city, including Marble Bar and TV Lounge. Be a part of a career-defining moment by swinging by Duck Trash’s set.
Stacey Pullen
Rising from the second wave of Detroit techno, Stacey Pullen is a legend within the scene. His prolific career began with the release of “Bango” on Derrick May’s label, Fragile Records. Mentored by The Belleville Three, he soaked up the knowledge of techno’s founding fathers while creating a unique voice within the genre.
Shining with futuristic and gritty elements, Pullen’s releases are forward-thinking while keeping the soul of techno intact. Over the course of his career, Pullen has taken the stage at legendary venues across the world. Prior to heading to Movement, the Blackflag Records label boss will host a showcase at Ibiza nightclub Tantra on May 6.
You can catch the techno city legend in action on Saturday on the Stargate Stage.
Eddie Fowlkes
Credited as a trailblazer of techno, Eddie Fowlkes will bring his pioneering sounds to the Stargate Stage on Sunday for a special b2b with The Martinez Brothers. Coining the genre Techno Soul, he produces music heavily influenced by Motown, Chicago house, and funk.
Rising out of the Detroit music scene in the 80s, his first release, “Goodbye Kiss,” became Metroplex Records’ first techno hit. While lauded for his groove-centric productions, the prominent producer is also a masterful DJ. With over 150 releases in his arsenal, there’s no telling what Fowlkes pulls out during his once-in-a-lifetime performance.
DJ Minx
Jennifer Witcher, better known as DJ Minx, went from controlling the airwaves to commanding the stage. Starting her career in electronic music as a radio host, Witcher found herself immersed in Detroit’s flourishing music scene. Inspired by techno founder Derrick May, she took up DJing in the early 90s after seeing him in action at a local club.
An influential woman within the house and techno scene, DJ Minx’s career has stood the test of time. The founder of “Women on Wax” performed at the first-ever Detroit Electronic Music Festival, now known as Movement. DJ Minx will return to her hometown festival on Monday for a spirited performance at the Pyramid Stage.
KESSWA
Since releasing her debut EP in 2019, KESSWA has been steadily growing, both personally and professionally. The first Detroit artist to have a residency through the Detroit-Berlin Connection, her two-month stint in Berlin led to her first international bookings in 2021. Building on that momentum, KESSWA landed a resident DJ slot on Ghana’s Oroko Radio, where she pushed the sounds of Detroit collective Jewel Tones to listeners around the globe.
Since then, the talent has released her first album, Soften, featuring her stunning vocals. Blending house beats with spiritual jazz stylings, the producer and songstress will provide a refreshing change of pace as she returns to Movement on Sunday for a performance on the Detroit Stage.
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