With geography no longer a factor we made our pilgrimage to Detroit for DEMF 2009. We didn’t really know anyone heading down but had a great time all the same, almost unexpectedly. Despite the grave warnings from everyone or possibly as a result of everything turned out pretty good. We had a few misses but we still came out smiling at the end of it all.

The festival line-up overall wasn’t a major draw card, I almost feel like a spoilt brat but most of the people we wanted to see we already had. I understand that many of the locals and overseas artists don’t always get the chance for this type of crowd locally. London/Europe really did spoil us! My main impression was it was LOUD! Especially the Made In Detroit stage, a shame as most of the stuff I wanted to check out was here though they seemed to have turned everything down a few notches on all the stages by Monday or my hearing is starting to go.

Our favourite experience by far was when I dragged a tired Sam out on Saturday to the NDATL release party. Great venue with an amazing vibe and some deep ass musics, a welcome change to harder, techier beats we’d encountered at the fest and elsewhere. Chez Damier and Kai Alce were fricking ace and it was so much fun it was silly.

We stayed downtown within easy walking distance to the festival and most of the after parties we made it to. Food situation downtown is tough especially for Sam so we ended up filling up at the hotel a couple times before wandering down to the festival. We got out to Greektown and Mexicantown for some meals also.

Having a car was a nice luxury and whilst not making excessive use of it made the trek out to Melodies & Memories one afternoon to rummage their racks and then out to Oakdale but it being Memorial day everything Sam wanted to check out was closed.

We got to meet loads of interesting people and it was always entertaining people watching. I felt like a geeky cleb spotter at times, at every turn there was a DJ or producer to be found. It was a humbling experience to speak with many of these guys. I just hope i never came across as a wierd fanboy… even though I know I am…