Delano Smith - The Gutter (2021 - Mixmode Recordings - MM 16)

Side A2 of Delano Smith's BeNeath EP released on Mixmode Recordings in 2021.

Delano Smith is a Chicago-born, Detroit-raised DJ and producer, regarded as one of the city’s earliest house and techno pioneers. Active since the late 1970s, he honed his craft under the mentorship of legendary DJ Ken Collier, blending soul, disco, and early electronic sounds into sets that helped shape Detroit’s underground club culture. Smith is best known for his deep, hypnotic style of house and techno, with releases on labels like Mixmode Recordings (his own imprint) and Sushitech, where his An Odyssey album series became highly influential. While he has primarily worked under his own name, he has occasionally used the alias Delano in early credits and collaborations. Today, he remains a respected figure in global electronic music, representing Detroit’s legacy through both his productions and DJ performances.

Mixmode Recordings is the Detroit-based label founded by Delano Smith, created as a platform to showcase his deep, hypnotic vision of house and techno. Established in the early 2000s, Mixmode reflects Smith’s roots in Detroit’s underground, emphasizing stripped-down grooves, warm analog textures, and timeless DJ tools. The imprint has released a series of 12"s and EPs that highlight Smith’s minimalist yet soulful approach, often serving as the foundation for his later full-length works on Sushitech. While primarily a vehicle for his own productions, Mixmode embodies the ethos of Detroit’s independent spirit—focused on quality, longevity, and the preservation of authentic deep house culture.

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