KICK

Today marks 2 years of KICK! This sun cycle started with a triumphant homecoming on TV's patio. Then, a cherished opportunity to play my beloved Leland City Club's mainstage before her tragic departure. Next, a chance to demonstrate the hypnotic open at it's finest at UPM's 2-Year. And finally, my first curated lineup culminating in the debut of KiNX, a b2b years in the making from day 1 of this project :) This trip around the sun was a love letter to my dearest Detroit. Whereas my 1st year was all on the road, personal responsibilities made travel challenging. I thought this year would be about learning music production, but that was put on hold when I realized our growing new-gen techno scene –burgeoning with potential– was on the verge of achieving critical mass. I have worked tirelessly with other leaders behind the scenes to build an ironclad foundation for the future Detroit I envisioned in my dreams. The seeds have been planted, I can't wait for you all to see them bare fruit. This journey has led me to countless kind souls that have touched my heart in too many ways to count. I am so grateful to the all the friends, allies, and fans(?) that have jumped on the train. I expect Year 3 to be a return to the project as central focus, with several exciting things already locked in: my first closing set, first Memorial Weekend set, first festival set, and the debut of a b2b that I know everyone in new-gen Detroit techno has been eagerly awaiting. Cheers to two years! — KICK

RECAP: RE/FORM Spring 2025 opening set at the @kishikan.ofc stage! Winning the RE/FORM DJ Discovery Contest was a Day 1 objective for this project...but before I could even process, I got sucked into the whirlwind of prep for my set that week. My first time flying for a show was anything but smooth: my headphone cable was damaged in transit, an unwelcome realization 3 hours before start time. Acknowledging that any stress/negativity would serve no purpose in helping me meet the magnitude of this moment, I immediately devised 10 work arounds and focused on those providing the highest yield, in the shortest time, and achievable without relying on the *possibility* of help from others. But ultimately prep time passes, and there is nothing left to do but just trust in my training, believe in myself, and make it happen. ¡Manos a la obra! This story begins with a proper 10min ambient intro before introducing the kick at a cool 130 BPM. Progressively building the energy and tempo with the percussive polyrhythms core to my sound, I embraced heavily psychedelic blends to add color before finishing with the fattest kick in my arsenal at 137 BPM for lasting effect. The set was grueling...I felt blind without my headphones, which gave maybe 25% information. Enough to [hope] the hats were beatmatched correctly, through a lot of distortion and absolutely no kick. Unable to verify how the set was sounding, I felt vulnerable as I pushed onward. But, after having listened back to the recording, I am ELATED to report that I absolutely love how it turned out! I am filled with a deep sense of pride for proving to myself that I can endure the challenges presented and still produce art true to my vision. I would like to first thank @reformpresents and @marcel_fengler for the incredible opportunity. To @kangding_ray for great advice and words of support. To the wonderful LA crowd for their energy and dancing! And finally, my 6AM Event Ops family: despite traveling by myself, I certainly did not feel alone here. 📸 @auburn_sky 🎥 @jny0fficial The set (with crowd mic!!) will be posted at a later date! Next up, the time has come to finally bring KICK home to my beloved DETROIT!

📣 DJ DISCOVERY WINNER Hello friends and artists, So many of you submitted excellent mixes that this was arguably our most difficult choice yet! But one winner had to be selected, and that winner is @kick.mp3 and 🥳 👏🏼 KICK’s mix showcased wonderful track selection and mixing skills. Make sure to check them out this Saturday when they open up the @kishikan.ofc room in support of @kangding_ray , @marcel_fengler b2b @steya_music and @deasdj 🔊🔥 Big thanks to everyone who sent in a mix! If you entered and didn’t win, check you email this afternoon for a small appreciation token from us 🙏🏼 LIMITED tickets are available via RA, head to the 🔗 in bio! #reformpresents #techno

For those of you who are looking for the DIY spirit, to get outside the confines of commercialism, and for a truly liberating warehouse dance experience, you have come to the right place. KARDINUL is teaming up with Vault313 to bring you two stages of raw, underground techno music on two world class sound systems. Start the weekend off right with a massive lineup of innovators in the genre, at one of Detroit’s coolest new dance venues. Sound Systems - Main stage provide by NEWSOUND: 44 boxes of NEXO alpha in a 4 point config - Side stage provided by Pendulum Acoustics: Turbo sound

Primal Colors Presents Hex Code #CH6338 by KICK… For this installment, we tap into the world of KICK (@kick.mp3 )—a Detroit-based force shaping hypnotic techno with precision, depth, and a distinctly physical low-end. Fresh off winning the RE/FORM (@reformpresents )Spring 2025 DJ Discovery Contest in Los Angeles, their trajectory has only accelerated—driven by a sound built on intricate percussion, spatial tension, and psychedelic layering that commands movement rather than requests it. KICK’s presence behind the decks has steadily expanded, with direct support for Kangding Ray, NEKTER, Elias Garcia, and Karuth, alongside shared bills with Marcel Fengler, Julia Govor, STEYA, and Deas. Whether commanding rooms at Leland City Club, TV Lounge, or Spot Lite, or stepping into their next chapter with the KiNX project—a dedicated b2b alongside DJ SPHiNX (@sphinx___909 ) —the throughline remains the same: control, intention, and evolution. This mix marks a pivotal moment—the first full expression of their Tribal Latin Techno sound. It’s a deeply personal synthesis, bridging South American lineage with the hypnotic core of techno. In alignment with Primal Colors’ ethos of amplifying global south influences within Detroit’s sonic ecosystem, KICK delivers a set rooted in rhythm, memory, and forward motion—dense, driving, and undeniably alive. For the coordinates, they land on Arequipa, Peru—a tribute to their father’s homeland, and a signal toward where this journey may one day return. Graphics by: @otodojo

A year ago I closed my year 1 with a really important show in LA at RE/FORM Spring 2025. I wanted to commemorate year 2 coming to a close by releasing the recording on Soundcloud. To be honest I think I've talked about this show to death sOoOo instead lets talk about my gratitude in the support for this project so far (alphabetical): — Brittany @brittykittty (@smalltalkdetroit ) — [Instagramless] Jack — Rami @theofficialredax (and all @urbanpulse.mgmt crew) — Zafar @zafarrrr_ (@community.function ) I had several people request a pokemon card but I chose to frame them and gift to the 4 people I absolutely couldn't be doing this without. I will always be grateful beyond words to each of you. They got their cards at the show so I didn't have to choose but I wouldn't be doing what I do without the support and guidance of the team at @reformpresents especially @tommyommyommy @andrewsouto @italianreckoner @jia6am for all the work they put in not just for me but for the future of techno in Detroit! Expect me to come out swinging in year 3, locking in 😎 (graphic by @techno.collective )

Our February 2026 ‘Monthly Techno Mixshow’ features a hundred-minute mix from KICK ➡️ Link in Bio KICK established their reputation after winning the RE/FORM Spring 2025 DJ Discovery Contest. A Detroit native with an ever-present South American heritage, they strike a delicate balance between reverence for Detroit and exposure to global sounds of the future. Well versed in all flavors of hypnotic techno, KICK eloquently executes their role within any lineup arrangement. Their sound is marked by an invigorating low-end, heavily percussive grooves, atmosphere-coated 3-dimensionality, and mesmerizing psychedelic blends. They have set the stage as direct support for artists like Kangding Ray, NEKTER, and Elias Garcia, and Karuth, and shared the stage with Julia Govor, Marcel Fengler, STEYA, and Deas. They have performed in Los Angeles, Detroit, and Grand Rapids, and graced notable Detroit main stages at Leland City Club, TV Lounge, and Spot Lite.

KiNX is a fusion of Detroit’s own KICK and DJ SPHiNX. More than selectors, KiNX are the architects of a comprehensive scene. Foreplay. Tension. Climax. Release. Aftercare.  Music becomes more than sound, and with this framework evolves into an immersive somatic experience. Each song is a building block layed with great care, assembling a vehicle to safely transport the audience through a wormhole to a different dimension. A space for play achieved through piercing intentionality. An environment where freedom of expression is liberated from shackles of convention & expectation. More than the sum of its parts, KiNX wield alchemy to guide the dancefloor with titillating sensuality. Transcend your material form and journey to the ethereal realm. You don’t move to KiNX, you are reconstructed.

As I reflect on my 2025 I wanted to share the story behind my contest mix with you all. The only mix I crafted this year ended up being emblematic of my year personally. I'd never shared this with anyone before, but this mix actually has a name: "Vital Signs" For context, the vital signs monitor is what makes the beeps and alarms while tracking the patient's heart rate, breathing rate, blood oxygenation, etc. Each metric has their own rhythms and patterns. Early 2025 saw much of my time spent in a hospital caring for a loved one. I remember being fascinated by how the subtlest changes in pattern had massive emotional impact in this context. I dived into this concept when crafting "Vital Signs". The monitor felt like both my stress and my salvation. It let me know when something was wrong, but notably, it also let me know when it was okay to breathe. To release that tension. My time in hospitals was far from over, an extensive duel vs a grief that never fully manifested. The monitor became my greatest tool. It let me know when to lock in, and when to rest and recuperate. Healthcare is unforgiving. Decisions have consequences. Can't afford to get overwhelmed, just keep moving forward. I had unknowingly grasped the idea of tension in storytelling. Cycling between dramatic salience and opening space to breathe, I created a story that kept pushing forward. As an opener this is critical: don't release all the tension built up. The story doesn't end with the opener. That was my 2025 story, and I don't have regrets. I'm tired, but my loved one is safe. And with the free time I had, I pushed my art as best I could, and laid the foundation for an even brighter Detroit. I hate you, 2025...but now I'm strong enough for anything. All thanks to you.

Today I am celebrating 1 year since I first debuted as KICK! I wanted to commemorate the occasion with this mix release, which has an identical track list to that set. It was recorded on 3.13 day in preparation of my LA debut. I recorded this mix because I felt it was important to have a tangible reference of where I started to be able to see my progress. This was the first sonic story I told that wasn't exclusively my own, but took into account the vibe of the event, the lineup arrangement, and the energy of the crowd. I remember this night fondly, and appreciate everyone who was a part of it! Especially @karuth111 @rare111xx for giving me the sickest debut I could've asked for 🤝 Mix is now live, you know where to find 😎 Cover Art by @techno.collective

Catch me this Friday, September 26th, at Spotlite as I open the @urbanpulse.mgmt 2-Year Anniversary! I have been feeling deeply honored and appreciative to have been selected for this ocassion. Giving my all on the decks for the UPM team as I kick off the main stage 9:00-10:30 PM for @_elias_garcia_ and @juliagovor Come early. Stay late. You won't want to miss this 🌚

Recapping my Detroit debut, an opening set for @urbanpulse.mgmt on TV Lounge's outdoor mainstage! This set felt like a triumphant homecoming to start year 2, after kicking off the project with two shows on the road in my first year. Friday the 13th felt completely brought to life with a sunset set featuring fog blown by the subtle breeze, a light drizzle, and heat lightning visible in the distance. It was my pleasure to demonstrate my interpretation of the proper hypnotic opening to all the friends that support me. This 90-minute story begins with a 10 minute ambient opening before introducing a gentle kick at a cool 129 BPM. The first half embraced darker atmospheres, colored with creepy psychedelia. The latter half introduced more groove elements, showcasing my classic poli-rhythmic stacking before finishing with a spooky close at 139 BPM. This was my first 90-minute opening, and the extra time allowed me to tell an expansive story that felt very complete in its entirety. I'd like to thank @urbanpulse.mgmt for providing an epic stage for my Detroit debut, and all the friends and attendees who braved the weather to dance with me!