Movement Detroit isn’t just a techno festival. It’s the heartbeat of electronic music culture. Every Memorial Day weekend, Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit becomes ground zero for electronic music’s past, present, and future. It’s where pioneers, rising stars, and local legends collide, all in the birthplace of techno. Last year’s Movement was another amazing weekend, and the 2025 Movement lineup is one of the strongest yet—stacked with global icons, underground heroes, and Detroit originals who still shape the sound.
Here are some of can’t-miss artists on the Movement 2025 lineup:
The Icons
Charlotte de Witte
You know exactly what you’re getting with Charlotte, and that’s the point. Precision-cut techno that’s built for maximum tension and release. Just clean, sharp momentum that makes time disappear. If you’re someone who values craft over chaos, Charlotte’s set will lock you in and keep you there.
John Summit
Yes, he’s mainstream. Yes, he plays in big rooms. But Summit’s not phoning it in. He understands how to move a crowd without resorting to the same old tricks. There’s bounce in his tracks, Chicago funk under the surface, and enough grit to earn a spot at Movement. You don’t have to be a die-hard to enjoy his set. Just come ready to dance, and you won’t be disappointed.
Sara Landry
Sara’s not interested in being palatable. Her sets go hard from the jump and don’t come up for air. She’s part of a new wave of artists who are bringing industrial energy back to the forefront. Her production chops are legit, and her live sets hit like a blunt object in the best way possible. Expect the crowd to be rabid, and for good reason.
The Legends
HiTech
HiTech are Detroit originals, and easily one of the most exciting live acts on this year’s bill. They make music that sounds like the city: raw, playful, fast, and slightly unhinged. HiTech blends ghettotech, rap, electro, and whatever else they want into something that hits both the brain and the body. If you’ve never seen them live, prepare to have your expectations shattered.
Ela Minus
A rare kind of electronic artist—emotive, analog, and impossible to box in. Ela’s sets don’t pound, they breathe. She builds her music from machines she understands intimately, and the result is something strangely warm in a space usually defined by cool precision. She’s the kind of artist who catches you off guard. One moment you’re zoning out, and the next you’re fully in it, singing words you didn’t even realize you knew.
Carl Craig b2b Moodymann feat. Mike Banks
This isn’t just a set. It’s a convergence of three architects of Detroit’s sound. Carl Craig’s cosmic futurism, Moodymann’s deep house funk, and Mike Banks’ militant, machine-driven spirit. This is a history lesson and a living, breathing blueprint of the genre’s past, present, and future.
DJ Minx
DJ Minx is the quiet storm of the Detroit scene. She doesn’t need theatrics. Her sets are effortless and deeply rooted in soulful, swinging house. You can feel the years behind her selections. She creates a vibe that feels intimate, even in a massive space. Every track is placed with care and never rushed. If you want a reset, or a reminder of what dance music can feel like, this is it.
Wajeed b2b Ladymonix
Two Detroit voices with different textures: Waajeed, with his deep crate knowledge and soulful pulse, and Ladymonix, bringing slinky grooves and a touch of swagger. Together, they’re going to bring the kind of set that keeps you locked in without needing to bludgeon you with BPMs. Expect something that feels more like communion than chaos.
Movement Festival cements Detroit’s central place in electronic music. Whether you’re drawn to the legends or eager to discover new sounds, this year’s festival offers a lineup that celebrates the depth and diversity of the scene. Show up open, stay present, and dance like the city’s watching. Because it is. See you on the dance floor.
Author: Christopher Mariano
Photo Credit: Movement Detroit & Electronic Groove
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