Set in the underground scene of Detroit during the early 1990s, a pivotal chapter in electronic music’s evolution, KIDS LIKE US, out now on NOWNESS, is a short film that delves into themes of identity, displacement, and connectivity through the perspective of techno culture. Under the direction and script of the rising and esteemed Michigan filmmaker Luke Jaden, and inspired by the personal journey of trailblazing electronic music artist Richie Hawtin, the film illustrates how dance culture nurtures enduring relationships while providing a platform for self-exploration.
Utilizing 35mm Kodak film, this project draws visual and emotional inspiration from a significant event in techno history: the iconic Spastik party, orchestrated by Richie Hawtin within the abandoned Packard Plant in Detroit. These underground gatherings, hosted by Hawtin, became legendary, advertised via street signs, anonymous flyers, and spontaneous phone hotlines. Significantly, the Spastik party marked the inaugural performance of Hawtin’s Plastikman on August 13, 1994, an evening whose influence lingers to this day. Daniel Miller from Mute Records (Hawtin’s label) traveled to be part of it, while The Blessed Madonna attended as a young raver, her musical journey profoundly influenced by this event. These gatherings were not merely underground parties; they played a pivotal role in sparking a movement that reestablished Detroit and the Midwest as central to global electronic culture.
The Detroit techno scene of the early 90s transcended mere music; it represented a crucial, self-constructed community. Amidst a backdrop of economic decline and societal fragmentation, underground raves offered avenues for connection and self-expression.
Instead of mythologizing the scene, KIDS LIKE US is anchored in reality. Filmed at an authentic contemporary Detroit techno event, Jaden’s script is influenced by lived experiences, personal dialogues, and precise archival materials.
“I have always been deeply inspired by the early 90s underground techno culture in Detroit – the birthplace of techno,” says Luke Jaden.
“It’s a scene where you feel totally free to be yourself and it’s one of the most welcoming, inviting communities to be around: family. The darkness. The single strobe light. The pounding music shaking the walls. The dance floor represents this womb for acceptance and freedom. Not just by society, but with yourself. If anything, it’s an anthem for resilience. Going to a techno show is a sacred place for self-exploration. I have had some of my most deeply personal profound moments on the dance floor at techno parties and it felt like the perfect way in to offer this experience to people who haven’t experienced it before. And if you have, then you know how special it is.”
“I feel now more than ever it’s all about connection and how techno brings people from all walks of life together. I think we can all relate to feeling somewhat lost in our lives — 20s, 30s, 40s — and just trying to make sense of these pieces we call life, our identity and what life looks like once away fromhome… so the impetus of these questions I was wrestling with arose to this idea which became KIDS LIKE US.”
“I felt like the underground techno world is so cinematic and that it deserved to be documented in a truthful way through the stories, music, and the visuals. We actually shot the film at an techno party in Detroit and the goal was to make this film feel as real and as authentic as possible to an actual techno party experience. The early 90s was such a beautiful capsule for this pivotal movement and so I hope the film provides memories to those who were able to experience it and ultimately brings hope to anyone experiencing gloomy times.”— Luke Jaden
“A film about the past requires careful considerations specially when it concerns pivotal moments of your career and events that touched countless individuals lives. When I first met Luke, I could tell that he was fascinated by the stories he had heard about the early days of the Detroit rave scene and I could some how sense that he wanted to uncover the true magic of those times. Luke focused on deep archaeological style research to expose the lore’s smallest details and the emotions of those times that still lingered in the participates, and used these to continue honing his story to reflect an honest and engaging narrative of what had transpired.”— Richie Hawtin
Watch Kids Like Us here.
