Detroit Techno: The Belleville Three and Origins (1981–1990)

1. Atkins and May meet at Belleville High

   Jan 1, 1981Labels: Derrick May, Juan Atkins, Belleville High

   • Derrick May bio
   • Detroit techno

2. Cybotron releases "Alleys of Your Mind"

   Jan 1, 1981Labels: Cybotron, Juan Atkins, Richard Davis

   • Cybotron page
   • Belleville Three

3. Cybotron issues "Cosmic Cars" follow-up single

   Jan 1, 1982Labels: Cybotron, Juan Atkins

   • Cybotron page
   • Detroit techno

4. Fantasy releases Cybotron album "Enter"

   Jan 1, 1983Labels: Cybotron, Fantasy Records

   • Enter Cybotron
   • Cybotron page

5. Atkins launches Metroplex and releases "No UFO's"

   Apr 1, 1985Labels: Metroplex, Model 500, Juan Atkins

   • No UFO s
   • Metroplex

6. Derrick May founds Transmat label

   Jan 1, 1986Labels: Transmat, Derrick May

   • Transmat About
   • Transmat

7. Kevin Saunderson establishes KMS Records

   Jan 1, 1987Labels: KMS Records, Kevin Saunderson

   • KMS FR
   • KMS DE

8. May releases "Strings of Life" on Transmat

   Jan 1, 1987Labels: Rhythim Is, Derrick May, Transmat

   • Strings of Life
   • Transmat About

9. "Techno!" compilation helps name the genre

   Jan 1, 1988Labels: Techno compilation, Derrick May, Neil Rushton

   • Techno comp
   • Detroit techno

10. Music Institute opens as a Detroit hub

    Jun 1, 1988Labels: Music Institute, Detroit nightclub

    • Techno MI
    • Pitchfork MI set

11. Inner City breaks out with "Big Fun"

    Aug 22, 1988Labels: Inner City, Kevin Saunderson

    • Big Fun
    • FACT feature

12. Inner City follows with hit single "Good Life"

    Nov 28, 1988Labels: Inner City, Kevin Saunderson

    • Good Life
    • Guardian ranked

13. Inner City releases debut album "Paradise"

    May 29, 1989Labels: Inner City, Paradise album

    • Paradise album

14. Music Institute closes, scene shifts outward

    Nov 24, 1989Labels: Music Institute, Detroit scene

    • Techno MI
    • Detroit techno