Techno originator Juan Atkins has died aged 64

Techno originator Juan Atkins has died at age 64.

The Metroplex founder was discovered unresponsive in a Mexico City hotel room ahead of a scheduled performance at YuYu Cine Club, his management has confirmed to Resident Advisor today. Atkins was later pronounced dead after being taken to hospital. No cause of death has been given.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Atkins met Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson in junior high school; the trio, credited as central figures in the development of techno, later became known as The Belleville Three after the suburb they grew up in.

With a career starting upon the formation of Cybotron alongside Richard Davis, in 1985 Atkins released ‘No UFOs’, a seminal record which provided the blueprint for the Detroit techno sound.

Often credited as the “godfather of techno”, Atkins impact on the genre runs deep, with his 1988 release, ‘Techno Music’, which featured on the Virgin Records compilation 'Techno! The New Dance Sound Of Detroit', even helping to give the Motor City genre its name.

Saunderson has paid tribute via Instagram, writing: "Juan was the originator of Techno, a true visionary who opened the door for so many of us, myself included."

"I’ll never forget how he showed me how to finish my first record, 'Triangle of Love'. That meant a lot to me then, and it still does today," he continues. "We shared a journey that changed music forever, and I’ll always be grateful for his friendship, guidance and everything he gave to our scene."

Atkins' impact on the course of dance music's future-turned-history has led artists across the globe to pay their respects. In Australia and Aoteaora/New Zealand, thousands of kilometres from Detroit, that impact was no less important.

Animalia label head Kia shared her respect for that legacy today, noting via her socials that Atkins "paved the way for everything we do in a time very different to the current. No future without the past... None of us who enjoy and work in electronic music would be anywhere without this legend."

So too, Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Reptant shared that "there would be no techno without him, end of story."

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Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor; get in touch with her here.

Jack Colquhoun is Mixmag ANZ's Managing Editor; find him on Instagram.