DJ Minx
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DJ Minx

Detroit, Michigan, United States | INDIE

Detroit, Michigan, United States | INDIE
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"Toronto Eye Newspaper"

"Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson were the two that I would go and watch every weekend in 1989 at the clubs," says DJ Minx, a.k.a. Jennifer Echols to her co-workers at GM and Mom to her four-year-old daughter. "I would go to the club and head right for the DJ booth to watch them. One time I said to Derrick that I could do that, and he said, 'Yeah? Well, I want to see you do it.' The next week he asked me if I had done anything yet, and I hadn't -- but soon after I started spinning at home."

And at home she stayed, being short on the confidence necessary to "get out there." But now, 10 years later, DJ Minx is not only out there, but movin' on up. European tours, autograph hounds and a headlining gig at her hometown's landmark Detroit Electronic Music Festival are some of the recent rewards she's reaped after finally leaving the confines of her home to play for the punters. Although she dipped her toe into some cold water at first, she eventually dove right in and never looked back.




http://www.eye.net/eye/issue/issue_09.14.00/thebeat/minx.html

- Ryan Watson


"Metro Times"

A few Chicago ladies went to the original Ladyfest in Olympia, Wash., last summer and were inspired to put on a similar festival closer to home. The first Ladyfest Midwest is taking place in some west-side Chicago clubs Aug. 16-19. DJ Minx, Slumber Party, Occasional Detroit, Millenary and DJ Jenuine are representing the mitten. Some of the national headliners include ESG, the Need, Bratmobile and Le Tigre. Whoa, mamma! And if that isn’t enough, there’ll be film screenings, spoken-word performances and workshops. You won’t want to miss the workshops of two Michigan expatriates (and festival organizers), Amy Schroeder and Katherine Mingle. Schroeder, the lady behind a really cool music zine called Venus, is hosting a zine-making workshop from 2 to 3:45 p.m. at my favorite bookstore, Quimby’s (1854 W. North Ave., Chicago). Mingle is putting on a sewing and knitting workshop for those who’d like “to learn to make a bookmark that doubles as a cute bracelet, or a kitty-shaped coin purse that can go on your belt.” Go to www.ladyfestmidwest.org for details.

- Melissa Giannini


"INDIANA UNIVERSITY - First academic conference on techno music and its African American origins to be at IU on Oct. 21"

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The world may know about the Motown Sound, but many music fans don't know that techno -- a wildly popular electronically produced form of dance music reverberating through dancehalls and raves across Europe -- was developed 20 years ago by a handful of African American college students around Detroit.

Portia Maultsby, professor of folklore and ethnomusicology, and director of the Archives of African American Music and Culture at Indiana University, hopes to create a greater awareness and academic appreciation for the music's origins. She has organized the first national conference about the genre, "Roots of Techno: Black DJs and the Detroit Scene." The event is scheduled for Oct. 21 in Willkie Auditorium, 150 N. Rose St, Bloomington.

Maultsby said the conference will re-establish the African American origins of the genre and an understanding of the context from which it came.

"It is interesting how the music migrated from Detroit to Europe, and the music became associated with rave parties, and then migrated back to the U.S., and Americans became involved ... and the African American identity became invisible," Maultsby said. "Music can be appropriated and re-appropriated, and history can be distorted as a result of that ...Very few people associate techno with its African American origins."

Several of the genre's pioneering DJs have been invited to the conference to share their stories. In addition, panel discussions, live demonstrations and CD signings are scheduled during the conference. Live performances also will be given by many of the DJs on Oct. 20 and 21 at the Second Story nightclub, 201 S. College Ave., in downtown Bloomington. The public is invited to all the events.

Despite the national and global influence of techno and the role of African Americans in its development, she said the genre has been excluded from the collection development activities of music libraries and archives. The AAAMC hopes to initiate the collection of archival materials and facilitate scholarly research of techno through the conference at IU.

The only other known educational or museum effort devoted to the genre was an exhibit held at the Detroit Historical Museum for 18 months in 2003-04. Catherine Burkhart, Sulaiman Mausi and Lina Stephens were the exhibit's curators. They will present at the IU conference, along with Beverly May, a historian and contributor to Maultsby's recent book, African American Music: An Introduction (Routledge, 2006).

Denise Dalphond, a graduate student in ethnomusicology, said the conference will allow her to create better understanding of music she embraced while growing up in the rural community of North Judson, Ind. It is also her master's thesis project.

"It is very important to look at it [techno] from an academic standpoint," Dalphond said. "To be able to document the DJs' stories in person, in this kind of setting, and to have all the musicians together, having their stories recorded, is important for documentation and preservation.

"I think people are still wary to classify a DJ as a musician," she added. "Scholars don't embrace the concept that the equipment that a DJ uses is a musical instrument."

Among the artists coming to tell their stories is Juan Atkins, widely credited as one of three originators of techno music, along with childhood friends Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson. Atkins coined the term "techno" to describe their music, taking as one inspiration the works of futurist and author Alvin Toffler, from whom he borrowed the terms "cybotron" and "metroplex." Atkins began recording as Model 500 in 1985 and continues to produce his own and other musicians' records under the Metroplex Records label.

Since its origins, techno has evolved into a plethora of subgenres, known as "acid," "ambient" and "industrial." Another conference participant, Terrence Parker, has established himself as a producer, remixer and DJ of a subgenre called house music and is known as a pioneer of the inspirational/gospel house movement.

Also participating are DJs known collectively as "the 3 Chairs" -- Marcellus "Malik" Pittman, Theo Parrish and Rick "the Godson" Wilhite. As production artists and selectors, they have helped define today's Detroit techno sound. Early in his music career, Wilhite worked closely with Atkins and May.


Jennifer Witcher, also known as DJ Minx and Detroit's "First Lady of Wax," is a successful DJ in a male-dominated field of music.
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Jennifer Witcher, better known as DJ Minx and Detroit's "First Lady of Wax," will speak from a woman's perspective about a genre dominated by male performers. A featured DJ for Deep Space Radio, she was chief executive officer of the Skyloft Gallery in the early 1990s, where she helped create a place for the scene's unexposed artists and musicians. In 1996, she formed Women on Wax, a collective of female DJs, and began working with promoters and others around the country. She is planning a Women on Wax tour. She now records for the Women on Wax label.

With the band Underground Resistance, participant Cornelius "Atlantis" Harris was the first member of a Detroit-based band to play techno music live at major concerts. Also participating in the conference will be Mike "Agent X" Clark, one of Detroit's most prolific DJs today. Other performers still may agree to participate in the conference.

"Roots of Techno: Black DJs and the Detroit Scene" will take place from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Willkie Auditorium. Before Oct. 13, cost of registration is $5 for IU students and $15 for non-students. After that date, the cost will be $8 for IU students and $20 for everyone else. Admission to the live performances at Second Story will be $6 each night with performances beginning at 10 p.m.

More information is available at the conference Web site at http://www.indiana.edu/~aaamc/rootsoftechno.

The conference is partially funded by the College Arts and Humanities Institute. Other sponsors include the IU departments of African and African American Diaspora Studies, American Studies, Communication and Culture, Folklore and Ethnomusicology, the School of Journalism, the African American Arts Institute, Foster International Living-Learning Center, RPS Academic Initiatives and Services, Foster Quad Community Council and Foster Quad Student Government. Additional support has been provided by the record labels Sound Signature and Unirhythm, and the record outlet Vibes New & Rare Music.
- Indiana University


"Women On Wax"

Ten years ago, DJ Minx was almost turned away from her first gig. At the time, female electronic artists were so few and far between that the bouncers at The Loft in Detroit didn't believe she was a DJ. That was one of the reasons that in 1996, this "First Lady of Wax" founded Women on Wax, a collective-turnedrecord label that helps electronic artists get their music heard.

DJ Minx (known as Jennifer Witcher to her husband, two daughters and colleagues at General Motors, where she's a project manager), was inspired to start spinning in the late 1980s by the burgeoning scene around the Music Institute in Detroit. The venue at 1315 Broadway was known internationally as one of the world’s first electronic music clubs.

As DJ Minx tells it, she would regularly go into the DJ booth and just stare at Derrick May, one of Detroit's most well-known DJs, as he worked the turntables. Once, when May asked what she was looking at, she lied and told him, "I can do that."

She couldn't just yet, but with the help of her friend and mentor, Jerrald James, AKA Jerry the Cat, she became a bona fide DJ, playing sets at local clubs. And once she did, other women looking to spin asked for her help.

Women on Wax helps female artists manage careers, make connections, book gigs, and set up recording and mixing sessions. "Women were intimidated," she says, "and would ask, 'What do I need to do? How did you get this far? Can you help me?' I started the collective to help these ladies."

Today, Women On Wax is a record label with a roster that includes artists of both genders, including, of course, DJ Minx. Her groovy, danceable house music is a mix of traditional beats plus organic samples such as a Santana-esque guitar solo and manipulated vocal hooks.

"For me," she says, "It's all about the love of the music and the energy it gives everyone around it."

HEAR IT: DJ Minx will be releasing her latest EP, The Midnight Bullet, soon. For more information, go to www.womenonwax.com or www.myspace.com/minxdetroit.
- Strut Magazine


"Don't Forget to Go Home"

One on One with Detroit DJs - DEMF Writer


"Movement Artist 2010 (DEMF)"

Thanks Paxahau - Nightlyfe


"Gridface"

Detroit DJ and producer Minx has collaborated with many of techno’s biggest names. In addition to touring and producing, she runs her own label, Women On Wax Recordings. - Jacob Arnold


"Hey Ms. DJ: Model D salutes the the fabulous ladies of Movement"

Model D - Kelli B. Kavanaugh


Discography

Introduction EP (12") Women On Wax Recordings 2001
Airborne EP (12") Women On Wax Recordings 2003
A Walk In The Park (Remix) (12") M_nus 2004
A Walk In The Park EP (12", EP) M_nus 2004
Fuzzy Navel (12") Women On Wax Recordings 2005
Fuzzy Navel (CDr) Women On Wax Recordings 2005
The Beatdown Compilation - Lavender Lust - Third Ear 2007
The Midnite Bullet E.P. (Digital) – Women On Wax 2008
The Essential Remixes (Digital) - Women On Wax 2009

Remixes:
Mating Ritual (The Remixes) (12") Mating Ritual 1998
Mating Ritual Remixes (12") Mating Ritual Soiree Records International 1998
Deep Structures EP (12") Sumnutha (Minx's Utha Mix) Women On Wax Recordings 2004
Find A Way (CDr) (Minx's Blackout Mix) Women On Wax Recordings 2004
Love Will Stay (12") Women On Wax Recordings 2005
The Blessed and Bliss EP (12") Raga Paramananda – Napi Hedz - (Minx's Queen Beats) Psychostasia Recordings 2005
Willing (12") DJ Genesis (DJ Minx's Queen Beats) West End Records 2005
Equatorial (12”) Seeds (Minx’s On the Axis Mix) WOW BAM 2005
Female Future Transatlantic (CD) Find A Way (DJ Minx's Blackout Mix) Phazz-a-delic 2006
Sunshine (12") Carolyn Victorian - (Minx's Queen Beats) Whasdat Music 2006
The Blessed and Bliss E.P. (12") Raga Paramananda (Minx's Queen Beats) Women On Wax Recordings 2006
The Woman Is A Mix (2xCD) The Touch Of Any Flame Chromo Management 2006
2Getherness (Digital) Eric King (Minx’s Queen Beats) Whasdat Music 2009

Minx Appears On:
X:Mix - Transmissions from Deep Space - Kevin Saunderson (Minx on vox) K!7 Berlin 1998

Tracks Appear On:
The New Electro (CD, Digital) "Sophisticated One" Human 2003
U60311 Compilation House Division Vol. 2 (2xCD) "A Walk In the Park" V2 Records, Inc. 2003
Body Language Vol. 1 by M.A.N.D.Y. (CD) "A Walk In the Park" Get Physical Music 2005
DE9 | Transitions (DVD, NTSC + CD) Undaground Boogie, NovaMute 2005
Detroit Electronic Quarterly (Volume 1) (CD) "Into Oblivion" Detroit Electronic Quarterly 2005
Fabric 22 (CD, Promo) "A Walk In The Park" (Wink's) Fabric (London) 2005
Jeremy P Caulfield - Detached [05] (CD) "A Walk In The Park" (Wink's) Dumb-Unit 2005
Detroit Beatdown Vol. 2 EP 1 (12", EP) "Lavender Lust" Third Ear Recordings 2007
The Room Weekender 15th Anniversary Special Edition (2xCD) "Fuzzy Navel" (Pirahna's Headjob Mix) Pony Canyon Inc. 2007

Photos

Bio

Jennifer Witcher a.k.a. DJ Minx, has chosen a profession that allows her to mingle with the world's most talented people. She was inspired to spin by the famed Music Institute in Detroit. Her style is described as funky, powerful house, with a smudge of grace.

From 1992 - 1995, as CEO of the Skyloft Gallery, Minx teamed with Jerry the Cat and Dana Keaton to develop an underground art/music gallery that served as a nexus for bringing together underexposed artists from various fields. It provided an exceptional opportunity for Minx to program innovative events showcasing Detroit's underground community of artists, musicians, DJs, and designers.

Every Saturday night for two years, Minx engineered and hosted "Deep Space Radio"- an electronic music show on a Detroit’s WGPR radio station. The show was headed by the innovators of techno music: "Magic" Juan Atkins, Kevin “Reese” Saunderson, Eddie Fowlkes, and Derrick May. She played mixes by Kenny "Moodyman" Dixon and Stacy Pullen as well as the show's helmsmen. She conducted live interviews on the show including one which featured Roger Sanchez as he worked on a track at "Strong Room Studios" in England. She also voluntarily did a weekly radio program at the University of Canada on CJAM 91.5 FM called "Steamy Windows" that featured house music by various local and international artists.

In December 1996, Minx created Women on Wax, a collective of lady DJs from the Metro Detroit area. She then began working with promoters and DJs all over the country.

As a resident of world-renowned Club Motor, Minx opened for Basement Jaxx, Doc Martin, Cajmere, and Afrika Bambatta just to name a few. She has also played alongside Richie Hawtin, John Acquiviva, and Timmy Regisford at various venues across the country.

Being a featured performer during the first-ever Detroit Electronic Music Festival (D.E.M.F.) in May 2000 (with over 1.5 million people in attendance), had an incredible impact on Minx's career. Since then, she's played at Toronto's Film Lounge, Club Ohm in Portland, Club Sugar in Baltimore, Club Air in Japan and has been featured on Much Music's Electric Circus weekly television Dance Show.

Minx has shared her love of music and DJ skills with massives crowds in Paris, Berlin, Cancun, New York, Switzerland, Tokyo, Spain, Belgium and numerous other domestic and international locales.

Always aspiring to increase her musical knowledge, Minx began producing music in 2001. At about this same time she created her own record label - Women On Wax Recordings. Wildly successful, her label has served as a vehicle to present many talented artists and producers to the world including Diviniti, Diamondancer, and Pirahnahead.

Because of her growing success in various aspects of music, Minx was asked to be a featured presenter at the “Roots of Techno Conference” held at Indiana University in 2006. During the conference she shared her wealth of knowledge on topics such as the history of electronic music in Detroit, efficiently running a record label, and techniques for being a successful DJ.

Currently on the Bang Tech 12 roster out of Detroit, Detroit’s “First Lady of Wax”is working on her 15th release on W. O.W. Recordings. In early 2005, Minx expanded her musical majesty by creating a sub-imprint of the label called W.O.W. B.A.M. (Women On Wax Bangin’ Ass Music). Besides releases on both of her labels, she also has a single on Minus. “A Walk In the Park” was remixed by Josh Wink, Matthew Dear, and Ricardo Villalobos. She also created “Undaground Boogie” that was featured in Richie Hawtin’s DE9 Transitions mix. She has worked out remixes for Trisomie 21 (Paris), Soiree Records (Detroit), West End Records (New York), Psychostasia Recordings (Detroit), and Whasdat Music (Detroit). Recently, Minx partnered with Jerry the Cat to establish Skyloft Productions, where the two work together to produce music for various artists in multiple genres.

Having been successful in DJing, producing, and managing flourishing record labels, one can only imagine the new heights that Minx will explore in the years to come.