Detroit isn’t lacking in musical heroes, and DJ Minx is right up there among its proudest exports. Known as Detroit’s First Lady Of Wax and awarded the Spirit of Detroit Award in 2018, she’s been a vital force in house music for more than three decades, spinning legendary sets, releasing timeless records, and founding the influential Women on Wax collective and label.
This year she has a reissue one of her best-loved tracks ‘A Walk In The Park’ on the way with remixes from Seth Troxler, Carl Craig, DJ Holographic, Soul Clap and Ardalan, and is making her first appearance at Motor City Pride next month after coming out during Pride Month last year.
Read this next: The rave spirit of Detroit is what makes Movement Festival truly shine
DJ Minx is also etching herself further into Detroit musical history, curating a stage at Movement for the very first time with the likes of The Martinez Brothers and Jeffrey Sfire on the bill.
To mark the occasion, she’s made us a special mix of music that’s entirely from artists or labels from Detroit. Naturally, it’s packed full of heat. Listen below and read on for the tracklist and a Q&A covering the city's influence and more.
How does Detroit influence you?
I was born and raised in Detroit, and the city is my life. Detroit is the home of techno music, and the gents that created it. The creativity of the city lights me up on a daily basis.
Your track 'A Walk In The Park' is being reissued with a string of new remixes. Can you tell about the inspirations behind that track and how the new release came together?
One day, while doing some work around the house, my spouse mentioned running an errand. I asked him to take the baby with him while I did some laundry. I put a load in the washer, turned on the computer, fired up my Reason software and searched for a kick drum. I felt every part of the track with each added sound, and I put it together before the load of laundry was done. I called the track 'A Walk In the Park' because it was done so quickly. That was 20 years ago.
Read this next: Celebrating Black History: Detroit techno icons
I mentioned wanting to do an anniversary release, so my manager and I worked on ideas for remixers for the project. After speaking to some of my favorite producers, who were familiar with the track, we have a set of remixes for the anniversary release!
How does it feel to be curating a stage at Movement and how did you go about selecting the artists on the line-up?
I've been into this music for a long time, and have played for and supported the festivals at Hart Plaza for years. I saw the Origins stage, Planet-E and Red Bull stages and wondered what it would be like to host my own. When I was asked to curate a stage at this year's fest, I felt my vision becoming a reality. The line-up? I wanted a variety of sweetness on my stage. I chose according to what I know about each DJ both personally and musically. It's going to be good.
Can you tell us about the mix you've put together?
The mix is a delivery of my signature four-on-the-floor, hi-tech soul vibe. There is music from producers that helped shape the sound of techno, as well as some up and coming producers. There's a little bit of everything Detroit!
Read this next: DJ Minx and Carl Craig in conversation
You're playing in Detroit during Pride next month, a year on from coming out in Pride Month 2021. How has Pride inspired you as a person and artist, and how are you feeling about taking part in the celebrations this year?
The LGBTQ community has been welcoming, supportive and accepting since I came out. I've met many new friends around the world and have been inspired by them musically. I wanted to be more involved (in the community), still thinking of ways to do so. I will be adding a line of Pride clothing to my online store, and I'm working on a various artists release for my Women On Wax Recordings label. I am looking forward to hosting my first Pride party this year...it's starting to feel like I am coming out all over again!
DJ Minx plays Movement Festival on Monday, May 30
Patrick Hinton is Mixmag's Digital Editor, follow him on Twitter
Tracklist:
Remember- Javonntte
Never Slippin’ - Golf Clap
Sexy - Norm Talley and Doc Link
WhoRU - Ladymonix
Hard Rain - Gari Romalis
Move - DJ Minx feat. Diviniti (Pirahnahead’s Way Back Mix)
Midnight Hours (Carl Craig Reconstructed Mix) - Delano Smith
No - Moodymann
A Walk In the Park (Stay) - DJ Minx
Groove La Chord - Aril Brikha
Power In Numbers - Waajeed
Do It All Night (C2 Edit) - DJ Minx
We All Mive Together - Inner City, Idris Elba
Talking Walls (Dub) - Seth Troxler
There Was a Time - Floorplan
