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Transmat is the record label of techno musician Derrick May, founded in 1986.[1][2] Since the mid-1980s, the label "released the tracks that would fuel the techno boom". Artists included Rhythim Is Rhythim, James Pennington, Joey Beltram, and Carl Craig.[3] Transmat includes the sub-label Fragile Records.[4]
| Transmat | |
|---|---|
 Transmat logo | |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Founder | Derrick May |
| Status | Inactive |
| Genre | Techno |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Location | Detroit, Michigan |
| Official website | www |
Detroit and its story has been told and like all legendary tales, those who have paid attention know more then [sic] the average person tuning in.
-- DJ Frankie Bones about Rhythim is Rhythim's "Nude Photo"[5]
Geographical significance
editTechno Boulevard
The birth and rise of techno in Detroit lead to the formation of notable landmarks such as Techno Boulevard. The space, located near Eastern Market on the intersection of Gratiot and Russell St., gained its name from Derrick May.
“Techno Boulevard is where Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson and Juan Atkins all had their studios. It was Derrick’s idea to call the street Techno Boulevard because everybody was doing something to do with techno at that time, and this is where they were all living during that period, Derrick really felt it should be called Techno Boulevard so all the basketball and baseball companies would use Detroit music when they won games. But they didn’t. When The Pistons, Detroit’s basketball team, were winning the championship they were playing I’ve got the power whenever they won, the could have been using Inner City’s Good life.” ---Carl Craig on recalling Techno Boulevard (2017) [6]
Techno Boulevard in Detroit, MI, then became tied to Transmat Records, May having left his mark on the location.[4] The label had its own building in which Derrick May worked to produce his music[4] at the end of the strip, visually identifiable by its multicolored chevron brick base. The building has now since become the La Ventana Cafe.
The strip has undergone many renovations and business changes since being coined as Techno Boulevard. However, it has still remained a host for all types of creatives throughout its changes.[7][4]
Contributing figures
editCountless artists have published with Transmat Records, the first being Gerald Donald. Donald was notable for later being involved in the Underground Resistance and a member of Drexciya.
"Gerald Donald was the first one to come to Transmat. He was lyrically crazy and musically incredible."[8] -- Carl Craig on "less noticed or underrated artists of Transmat Records"(2026)
Other underrated artists included Stacy Pullen, Kenny Larkin, and Jay Denham, and many more.[8]
See also
editReferences
edit- ↑ "Transmat". Discogs.
- ↑ Richie Unterberger, Samb Hicks, Jennifer Dempsey, Music USA: the rough guide. Rough Guides, 1999, p.312
- ↑ "Transmat - Derrick May's Transmat Records". Transmat Records.
- 1 2 3 4 "Metroplex and Transmat Records Were Once On Techno Boulevard". The Music Origins Project. Retrieved 2026-03-30.
- ↑ "Rythim Is Rythim* - Nude Photo". Discogs.
- ↑ Palladev, George (2021-06-30). "Carl Craig about techno boulevard and using Detroit music in sport games". 12edit. Retrieved 2026-03-23.
- ↑ Jr. →, David Grandison. "Discovering the Role of Early Detroit Techno Labels". The Music Origins Project. Retrieved 2026-03-30.
- 1 2 Opatrny, S., & Craig, C. (2026, February 23). Carl Craig on Transmat . personal.
External links
edit- Transmat's discography on Discogs
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