.. . ... S6 6B - The Michigan Daily - Thursday, November 18, 2004 v- 0 I MUSIC FOR A NEW MOTOWN: DETROIT'S CHANGING ROCK SCENE By Lauren Smith For the Daily The Shelter at St. Andrew's Hall In Detroit is a popular venue for both local and national bands. In the living room of 2648 West Grand Blvd, Detroit, in the summer of 1959, Barry Gordy created "Hits- ville, USA," a space that would soon become a vortex of musical history, the voice for street-cor- ner, gospel choir, rhythm and blues sound conjured in living rooms and basements. A name that began as a variation of "Motor City" became a resonating word in American cul- ture: the sound of Motown. Driving down West Grand Bou- levard today, some cold November weekday, with the nostalgia longing for the echo of Smokey Robinson, the groove of the Funk Broth- ers, the harmony of the Supremes, where are the ghosts of that legend- ary Motown sound? While standing amid the chaotic organized clutter of vinyls, CDs and tapes of Ann Arbor's Encore Records, Fred Thomas of Saturday Looks Good to Me says, "Motown is forever. That's what good music is all about." But, Hitsville, USA, is a histori- cal museum today, not a basement full of music-makers. "Motown was a scene that lasted for its decade or so, like most other musical movements," says Larry Lanzetta, vocalist and guitarist in "hard-core trip-hop" band Johnny No Stars. "It sort of floated away but it definitely left its traces. These can definitely be picked up on. But you have to create a scene. That's what we're trying to do. Create a scene." But what is the scene in Detroit today? Does Jack White with his White Stripes and the explosion of garage bands speak for the Detroit music scene? Do Eminem and the "8 Mile" hype, or Slum Village and their Detroit Deli, with hip-hop and head-to-head rhyme battles? Is it in the electronic explosion from the mid-'80s through now, with the Detroit Experiment, the Under- ground Resistance, Carl Craig and the Techno Boulevard? Is it with experimental fusion of funk-beats, percussion and indie-improv of Nomo and Cloud Nine? Windy Weber, who owns Stormy Records in Dearborn, a source for independent music and host for sev- eral small shows, affirms that "peo- ple are doing every kind of music you could possibly find. Of course, the media pays attention to blues and garage rock, but Detroit's base is really an eclectic one." All these various types of music find their hearts in one similar vein, a Detroit home base. As Greg Baise, director of mar- keting and promotions at the Majes- tic Theater, says, "People respect Detroit musically from the old Motown stuff and the '60s rock bands. But it's about the Detroit techno too and the new garage bands." The music scene in Detroit today - whether it's blues, rock, electronic, indie - remember its roots. Baise, who has lived in Michigan all his life, from Detroit to Ann Arbor to Plymouth, says of Detroit, "It's a real-deal town." Thomas, who has been in play- ing music in the state since he was 12, says: "I'm now 28. I've been all around and there is no other place like Michigan. There's different concepts and themes today, but no matter what the music, there's See MOTOWN, page 14B It's never easy getting through to a kid who's troubled, hurt and angry. But you'll find it's always worth it - because there's no greater reward than giving a child the chance for a better future. And it's just one of the many benefits you'll enjoy as a youth counselor at Eckerd Youth Alternatives. You'll teach and work outside. You'll go beyond the limitations of textbooks and lesson plans. You'll form friendships that'll last a lifetime. And you'll find the toughest job you ever took on, is also the most rewarding. Contact Eckerd Youth Alternatives today - and start making a difference. Now hiring youth counselors/teachers* in Don 'I Panic!! f youthink you're pregnant... cal u-w lsten,"we care... PROBLEM PREGNANCY HELP 975-4357 Any time, any day, 24 hours. Servtng Stuens since 1970. FL, GA, TN, NC, VT, NH and RI Mail or fax a resume: Attention Recruiting/AN P.O. Box 7450 " Clearwater, FL 33758 Fax: 727 442 5911 *Teaching certification not required - all degrees considered. EOE/Drug-Free Workplace Find out more and apply online www.eckerd.org 800 222 1473 I I Streetsmartchic.com Girls and Guys Top Name Brand Clothing and Accessories at "Unbeatable Prices"