Movement Detroit 5.26 - 5.28.18

Hart Plaza
Detroit, MI

Words by Kevin Alan Lamb

The scene was set - techno and rapidly moving particles ensured heat was in the air. From great distances they traveled; with great disparity of culture they found higher ground; and with good intentions souls soared well before they even stepped foot into the holy land that is the city I love and stand by. I’ve never needed to live within city lines to practice my faith, the same way I don’t need someone to paint me a picture of love to know how it feels.

With music in our veins there is hope for peace in our practical lives; and with hope for something decent and long avoided those who drive our fear may suddenly feel what it is to be afraid. The gates are open, the heat is imminent, and the potential is endless... will you embrace it or fool-heartedly swim against a destined current? By now I reckon you know where I reside on the matter. With a line in the sand I stand and you better believe I fucking dance. Take a moment for yourself: take a moment for another, and feel where they meet in between.

Now that you are ready to proceed, it is essential we discuss a few rules to ensure each of us is prepared to help one another navigate the path to a successful Movement.

1. Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you’re not rad as fuck.

The key to being happy is being. We must have confidence in our choices, abilities, and believe in ourselves before others will. When we utilize our gifts and pursue our passion, others are drawn to us the way we are drawn to the sun, moon, and stars.

2. Always find time for the things that make you happy to be alive.

Life is not too short or too long; it is precious. When you gaze upon your life in the rearview mirror, be mindful of how and who you spend your time on and with. Your energy is your currency; give it to those who reciprocate, and efforts that help replenish it. Too often I let great lengths of time pass without writing, and my soul begins to dim. Grab hold of what makes you shine and never let go. Take inventory of those who bring you down, and replace them with those who lift you up.

3. Dance like nobody’s watching.

Everybody has their own song; and everybody can dance to their own tune. The more you dance the less you think about it, and begin to find your way. There is a rhythm inside of us all that we must search for in all things; a part of us that is a part of the grand design of the universe. Laugh at yourself and be silly while embracing your potential to surprise yourself and others. Be unpredictable, but consistent.

4. You look super cute when you smile.

Everyone’s best self is realized in a smile, and your smile may just save someone’s life. If and when you find your smile slipping from your face, look to the company keep, potential you deter, and choices you regret. Learn from the part of you that you dislike, to grow the part of you that you love.

5. Once in a while, blow your own damn mind.

Refuse limits; do not let the road behind you determine the road before you. Dare to challenge your insecurities and weaknesses. Believe the impossible is just a limited perception. Let others show you the road to something magical.

6. Being different is one of the most beautiful things in the world.

We spend too much time trying to be like others, meanwhile there’s a world of people out there ready to love you for being yourself. Each self is unique and magical in its ability to forge an identity independent of the skin, bones, and organs that make us all the same. You were given gifts to discover those who can benefit from their strength; you were given weaknesses to find those who can help you grow.

7. We are a little weird.

It didn’t used to be cool to carry a Good Sign.

Those who know me best will tell you that my expertise does not reside within electronic music; but they will probably also tell you that has never stopped me from having an extraordinary time embracing its healing vibrations and finding beauty in discovering something new and spectacular. The seven rules above were given to me one at a time, via seven cards by an individual who I have long been connected to, but only now just had the great pleasure of meeting face to face. For the sake of this story we shall call him Captain Peacock, and I must thank him for reminding me of my mission to make the world a happier, more friendly place, one Good Sign at a time.

Captain Peacock has carried a Good Sign for years, using it to help others navigate troubled waters, reminding them that they carried the keys to happiness and ultimately the Universe inside themselves. He is an engineer by trade who ran for University class president under the campaign slogan of, This is a Good Sign. When he carried it he learned that not only did it help carry him, but others. If you attended Movement this year you likely crossed his path: his Good Sign was beautifully painted and paired with “Don’t Panic” on the back. More than ever our world insists we be afraid and panic over the lack of moral fiber and decency of others; Captain Peacock reminds us all to stay the course, do not be afraid, and absolve others of their fears.

This year I connected with the music more than any previous Movement, mostly because I’ve found a few key humans named Marcus, Sarah, and Bram who have great taste and take the decision out of my efforts. Similar to 2017, we spent most of our time at the Pyramid Stage, which was the benefactor of a nice facelift as they shifted the stage to be parallel with the Detroit River (previously perpendicular), drastically improving crowd flow and spacing, leaving a great sidecar of space where the stage had been moved from. This was definitely the most intimate of areas in the venue, which is nice for a fella like myself who spends most his time in the public eye. A little bit of personal space is essential to connecting to the music and finding the rhythm with those around you and really lose yourself in a two hour set without so much as a conscious thought other than - get back in rhythm. From here I embraced my favorite performances on the weekend, courtesy of Maceo Plex, Nina Kraviz, and Ellen Alien, all of whom I was at best, vaguely familiar with prior. The growing presence of female DJs at Movement is a good indicator of how our world is positively reacting to poor leadership in this country. I felt empowered by the voice portrayed on behalf of all women, and look forward to the continued demonstration of feminism on grand stages. Despite the shit in the world, the creative community in Detroit is open minded, decent, and grateful for our mothers, sisters, aunts, daughters, and providers of life.

For those who have never experienced Movement, DEMF, or Hart Plaza, it is pretty special to be able to navigate any two points within the venue in five minutes or less. Each stage offers its own charm, elements, and style of music to satisfy each and everyone one of your whims and festival induced attention to or disregard to detail. It was the hottest Movement of my record, weighing in at a sizzling 95 degrees which is increasingly felt in a concrete jungle. With that said, the fountain has always been a gathering place and epicenter between all stages, serving as the precipice of not competing, but collective energy where attendees cool down, lay down, and retreat to rediscover one another when it’s about that time. My friends and I took great appreciation for the reasonable three dollar price point of waters, and were additionally grateful for the Movement team handing out free waters Monday night as the festival closed out and we herded our way back into society.

Movement has done for Detroit what SXSW has done for Austin, Texas. Folks travel from all around the world and are given the opportunity to experience a festival a la carte with the plethora of official day parties and after parties, allowing folks to pick and choose the music and experiences that best suite them and their availability. Detroit has long be on the up and up, yet never looks finer than Memorial Day Weekend, when it becomes an international destination for the most talented, experienced, and well groomed party people who rage with a conscience and regard for the environment they contribute to.

Once more Movement came to its inevitable conclusion and I walked out of Hart Plaza on Monday night being inspired by all of you. Each year I forget the way our community has grown and how much this effort is a part of my soul. I am grateful to live in a world where I have a voice, and I am thankful the path I walk helps others find their own. Just in case you were looking for one, This is a Good Sign; And just in case you were listening for one, This is a Good Sound.

www.movement.us