How Techno Began in Detroit — From Members of the Belleville Three

In this conversation, members of the Belleville Three — Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson’s pioneering collective — sit down alongside Detroit artist and designer Sheefy McFly to reflect on the origins of techno, its global impact, and the culture that shaped it. Born in the early 1980s, the Belleville Three helped create a futuristic sound rooted in Detroit’s energy, blending electronic experimentation with funk, soul, and synth-pop. What began as a local movement would go on to influence music, art, and nightlife around the world — establishing Detroit as the birthplace of techno. This discussion was recorded in connection with a limited retail capsule created to honor the Belleville Three while they’re still around making magic— recognizing their legacy, influence, and continued impact on Detroit culture. Designed in partnership with Sheefy McFly, the capsule pays tribute to the pioneers through fashion, storytelling, and shared history. As part of this moment, members of the Belleville Three are making a rare appearance at the Detroit Pistons vs. Brooklyn Nets game on February 1, performing at halftime alongside the Pistons Jit Team as the organization celebrated 50 years of Jit, the Detroit-born dance style deeply connected to techno culture. This isn’t nostalgia. It’s recognition. A conversation about Detroit, innovation, and the artists who helped change music forever. 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗧 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗪𝗘𝗕𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗘 » https://www.pistons.com 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗣 𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗖𝗛 » https://www.pistons313shop.com/ 𝗕𝗨𝗬 𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗦 » https://www.nba.com/pistons/tickets 𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡𝗟𝗢𝗔𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗣𝗣: https://www.nba.com/pistons/mobile 𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪 𝗨𝗦 𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 ⬇ Twitter »   / detroitpistons   Instagram »   / detroitpistons   Facebook »   / detroitpistons   TikTok »   / detroitpistons