Table of Contents
Jeff Mills
Detroit techno pioneer known for cinematic soundscapes, futurist concepts, and live hybrid performances.
π§ Biography
Jeff Mills (born June 18, 1963 in Detroit, Michigan), also known as βThe Wizardβ, is an American DJ, producer, and composer. He co-founded the Underground Resistance collective in the late 1980s with 'Mad' Mike Banks and Robert Hood, a movement rooted in socio-political rebellion and sonic experimentation. In 1991, Mills left UR to pursue a solo career, founding Axis Records the following year in Chicago.
A key figure in shaping minimal techno, Mills is known for high-speed mixing using three decks and a Roland TR-909. His performances often incorporate conceptual themes drawn from science fiction, space travel, and philosophy.
Mills has worked extensively with orchestras and museums, bridging the gap between electronic and classical forms. He composed and performed scores for silent films such as *Metropolis* and *Woman in the Moon*, and released *Blue Potential* (2006) with the Montpellier Philharmonic. His film projects include *Man from Tomorrow* and *Life to Death and Back*, shot during his residency at the Louvre in Paris.
He created multiple sublabels including Purpose Maker and Tomorrow, and continued innovating with works such as *Where Light Ends* (2013) and *Tomorrow Comes The Harvest* (2018) with Tony Allen. Mills has also exhibited sculpture and visual art internationally, including βThe Visitorβ, inspired by a 1950s UFO encounter.
His enduring influence spans technoβs early militant underground to its modern symphonic horizons β celebrated not only by electronic communities, but by cultural institutions and collaborators across genres.
π§ Notable Releases
'1992
' -Waveform Transmission Vol. 1
- [Tresor]
'1994
' -Cycle 30
- [Axis]
'2000
' -Metropolis β Original Soundtrack
- [Axis]
'2006
' -Blue Potential (Live with Orchestra)
- [Sony Classical]
'2013
' -Where Light Ends
- [Axis]
'2018
' -Tomorrow Comes The Harvest
- [Blue Note / Axis] (with Tony Allen)
'2022
' -Mind Power Mind Control
- [Axis]
π Gigs & Festivals Played
- Tresor (Berlin)
- Berghain (Berlin)
- Movement Detroit
- Sonar Festival (Barcelona)
- Dekmantel (Amsterdam)
- Louvre Museum (Paris)
- Jewish Community Center β Woman in the Moon Live Set (San Francisco)
π° News & Media Links
ποΈ Notes
Known for integrating science fiction, philosophy, and futurism into both sonic and visual works. Dubbed βmaster of the 909β and referenced by Eminem for his early Detroit radio sets.
π Links to external sites or press kits
wikiDJ Artist Schema | |
---|---|
Artist/DJ Name | jeff_mills |
Real Name : | Jeff Mills |
Press Photo | ![]() |
Role | DJ, Producer, Artist/Musician, Label Owner |
Genre(s) | Peak Time Techno |
Country of Residence | United States of America |
State / Town | Detroit |
Affiliations (Residencies, Collectives) | Founder of Axis Records; Former member of Underground Resistance |
SoundCloud URL | soundcloud.com/β¦ |
Beatport URL | beatport.com/β¦ |
Spotify URL | open.spotify.com/β¦ |
Bandcamp Link | jeffmills.bandcamp.com |
Instagram Link | instagram.com/β¦ |
Facebook Page | facebook.com/β¦ |
External Press Kit URL | axisrecords.com/β¦ |
Official Website URL | axisrecords.com |
Labels Released On | Axis Records, Tresor, React, Purpose Maker |
Page Status | Approved |