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We recently revisited this legendary Kevin Saunderson interview to explore the “Elevator” of Detroit Techno’s legacy.

Our Kevin Saunderson Interview was first published in 2017 and updated in 2026 to reflect new project milestones.

The Founding Fathers: A Kevin Saunderson Interview on Techno History

Kevin Saunderson, you’re one of the founding fathers of Detroit techno, along with Derrick May and Juan Atkins. Where did you guys get the inspiration to push the boundaries of music at that time?

Kevin Saunderson: I think being forward-thinking, technology seduced our minds and made us want to meet the challenge of learning this equipment. Everybody had their own musical influences. Juan Atkins was electro. Me and Derrick May were more 4-to-the-floor.

I grew up listening to disco – so once I learned the tools – I tried to create something you could play as a DJ or imagine legends like Larry Levan or Ron Hardy playing. I was tired of buying two copies of some records and trying to create a different intro. I was trying to create something different.

The Gear: Mastering the 909, 808, and Yamaha DX100

What equipment did you get started out on?

It was a Roland TR-909, 808, 727, and Yamaha DX100, CZ1000/5000. I had an 8-track Fostex recorder and a mixing board. Every day was like school. I first started figuring out how to work the drum machine. I was trying to read these manuals that came with it, but the equipment came from Japan and the English wasn’t up to par. So it was trial and error.

My brother Ron was a tour manager and he was very technical; he helped me a lot. We all didn’t realize the significance of what we were doing at the time. Juan had a way better perspective on the tools back then and considered us in the way, but we were all putting time into the technology.

The Global Success of Inner City and KMS Records

You founded Inner City in 1987 and are celebrating decades of KMS Records. With combined sales of over six million, how did you cope with that level of fame?

I went with the flow, stuck to who I was and did my thing. I had to make some adjustments like doing talk shows and TV shows, so there was a bit of anxiety. Our singer did a lot of the stuff—it was my project but people always want to talk to the singer. I kept humble and thankful that I was blessed enough to find a way to be part of a creation.

The Scene Today: The Belleville Three and Richie Hawtin

What was the energy like in the Detroit scene? Did I hear right that you guys bought your own block? And how did Jeff Mills and Richie Hawtin join the movement?

Richie Hawtin used to come down to a club where me and Derrick used to play called “Music Institute.” That’s where he got his first inspirations. He even played a couple of events for me and would contact me for advice. Jeff Mills was a DJ on the radio who fell into the path of techno and started working with Mike Banks.

Me, Derrick, and Juan all lived on the same block. Juan and Derrick had their loft right next to mine – the whole corner section was a studio and where we all lived. We were innovating, treading waters where we had no clue where it was taking us.

The Belleville Three Tour and New Music

You’ve teamed up with Juan and Derrick again as The Belleville Three. What do you have in store for fans?

We’re DJing together – it’s three separate setups and we’re working together and fusing our influences. We’re also working on some new music, releasing the first ever track that we’ve done together! Our goal is to eventually make it a fully live show where we go on tour.

2026 Update: The Kevin Saunderson Interview Continued with E-Dancer

You’ve linked up with your son Dantiez Saunderson for the revival of E-Dancer. What does the future hold for this collaboration?

I share a studio with Dantiez so I just happened to walk in one day and hear one of his tracks and thought “damn, that sounds like E-Dancer.” He’s really up to speed on all the equipment, much more so than me. In 2025/2026, we’ve taken the E-Dancer project to new heights with original material and live sets. It’s about passing the torch and carrying the legacy.

If it was your last gig ever – what track would you close with?

It has to be “Strings of Life.”