The story of Robert Hood and his Underground Resistance cofounders, Jeff Mills and “Mad” Mike Banks, is one that celebrates the Detroit techno spirit of resistance. Together, they created a counterculture that expanded listeners’ political imaginations through minimal techno beats, inspired by the house and industrial communities in Chicago. Their vision was to reject the hedonism and monetization associated with techno, empower lower-income Black communities, and thrive because of creativity and strong relationships.
Since his time in UR, Hood has had a diverse career recording under various aliases, founding the minimal techno label M-Plant, and even becoming an ordained minister as a born-again Christian. He continues to stay true to the ideas of peace, love, and understanding that brought him to music. His upcoming appearance at Smart Bar in Chicago, cosponsored by the Museum of Contemporary Art, promises to be a night filled with thought-provoking conversations about cultural resistance.
In addition to his performance, Hood will also speak at the MCA on a panel alongside DeForrest Brown Jr. and Arthur Jafa. Jafa, an artist working in moving images, aims to capture the essence of Black music through film, while Brown is the author of a comprehensive history of techno that explores its roots in Black cultural responses to racial capitalism. Together, they will delve into the complexities of cultural resistance and make Smart Bar’s dance floor come alive with their discussions.
Opening for Robert Hood at Smart Bar will be Shaun J. Wright and Blackclub, promising a night of music and conversation that celebrates the spirit of resistance and creativity. Overall, Hood’s appearance at Smart Bar is sure to be a night to remember, filled with music, art, and meaningful discussions about the power of cultural resistance in the face of adversity.
Micco Caporale, an award-winning journalist and Chicago resident, highlights the importance of events like Robert Hood’s performance at Smart Bar in celebrating the rich history of techno and its roots in cultural resistance. As a journalist interested in the social and political context of art and music, Caporale’s work sheds light on the significance of events like these in shaping our understanding of the world around us. Be sure to mark your calendars for this upcoming show and join in the celebration of music, art, and resistance.
