Detroit Techno pioneer Richie Hawtin has unveiled his all-new live performance concept, DEX EFX XOX.
Spanning two shows, Hawtin’s high-tech production will debut exclusively at Detroit’s Movement Music Festival and Sónar Barcelona this summer, two festivals equally revered across the globe for their underground flavor and displays of cutting-edge electronic performances.
Hawtin’s choice to showcase DEX EFX XOX at Movement and Sónar Barcelona—respectively taking place on May 25-27 and June 13-15, 2024—holds additional historic significance. Over the last three decades, they’ve hosted premieres of esteemed Hawtin show concepts, including Plastikman Live in 2010 and CLOSE in 2017.
Anchored in the immersive fluidity and digital manipulation synonymous with Hawtin’s DJ performances through the years, DEX EFX XOX builds on the sonic precedent set in his 1999 Decks, EFX & 909 compilation album, using all of the modern performance tools available today, according to a press release.
Combining both the early foundations and future of DJing, the show concept is said to embody the next step in Hawtin’s “lifelong commitment to the development of the electronic music scene.”
“Moving away from the current trend of shows giving the priority to the image rather than sound, DEX EFX XOX brings the audience back into an immersive sound & lighting experience,” Hawtin said. “More club than concert. DEX EFX XOX continues my personal exploration of improvisation using modern performance technology resulting in a unique sonic narrative for each and every show.”
Throughout his more than 30-year career, Hawtin has been at the nexus of music and technological innovation and is largely responsible for ushering in the shift from physical to digital DJing, from co-designing and launching his own DJ mixers and synthesizers to co-founding Beatport.
Fans can purchase festival tickets to catch Hawtin’s new DEX EFX XOX show at movementfestival.com and sonar.es.
Featured image credit: Joseph Cultice.
