Five years on from his untimely death on April 24, 2020, we reflect on the legacy and music of the late Mike Huckaby.

“…some of us remember how much Mike contributed with no money mindset. Dude went to libraries to teach kids how to make beats. show me who else put that back in. ill wait.” – Discogs user Horizontal71

Mike Huckaby’s contribution to the underground dance music sound and culture of Detroit cannot be overstated. Whether through his work at legendary record store & music hub Record Time, his organizing efforts for the Detroit Electronic Music Festival (now known globally as Movement), or his unceasing dedication to the musical mentorship of Detroit’s youth, Huckaby spent his life in service to those around him.

As if all that wasn’t enough, the dude was an incredible and highly influential producer, remixer, and DJ, leaving behind a rich catalog of deep house and techno music for us to enjoy. Keep scrolling for a selection of tracks from Mike Huckaby’s discography, handpicked by Sputnikmusic’s favorite polygon. Bandcamp and YouTube links in the comments.

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Harmonie Park Classics Volume 1  (2002, Deep Transportation)

“Radiance”

This EP was essentially a repress of “Disco Time” and “Luv Time” from Huckaby’s first Harmonie Park release with the added bonus of a previously unreleased track. “Radiance” would come to be considered an all-time deep house classic, featuring subtle yet powerful builds of tension & release, capped off by sublime atmosphere. Larry Heard’s influence is felt here, but Huckaby distinguishes the track with his singular brand of pensive moodiness.

The Tresor EP  (2012, Tresor Records)

“The Upstairs Lounge”

Mike’s productions are often dreamy and housey, but he also had a penchant for beefy techno. His relationship with the Berlin techno institution Tresor is celebrated on this hard-hitting EP named after the label. B-side “The Upstairs Lounge” brings a focused and highly percussive mid-tempo touch to the well-established dub techno sound.

The Jazz Republic  (1997, Cross Section Records)

“The Jazz Republic”

The first Huck track I ever laid ears on. The bassline sounds like it’s been chopped straight out of a 1970s funk tune, and the jazz chords lazily glaze along, just barely keeping up with the busy, skittering drums. This contrast results in a unique swing, allowing the track to occupy a middle ground between lounge and dance floor. If “The Jazz Republic” doesn’t make you say ‘UNH! Gimme the music…’ then Huckaby’s sound is probably not for you.

Baseline ‘87  (2011, Sushitech Records)

“Muzik For The Dancefloor”

Percussive workout with a classic house bassline and gorgeous, driving keys that sound just as cosmic as they are kinetic. This release was repressed shortly after Huckaby’s passing in 2020, and is considered by many to be a shining example of his dance floor prowess. Featured photo is of one of the reissues on the S Y N T H record label.

My Life With The Wave 2  (2016, S Y N T H)

“Another Fantasy”

If “Radiance” and “Muzik For The Dancefloor” had a baby, this is what it would sound like… Perfect balance of deep, spiritual atmosphere with bouncy bass and driving rhythms, and probably my favorite chords on any Huck track. Fun fact, the My Life With The Wave series features music made entirely using the Waldorf Wave. The record is unlabeled, so the featured photo here is the Waldorf Wave sample CD included with vinyl purchase.

Deep Transportation Vol. 1  (1995, Harmonie Park)

“All By Myself”

Head down, jazzy & shufflin’ deep house banger with MIDI horns. A perfect example of the simple brilliance of early deep house music.

Dubbyman – Dubtroit EP  (2007, Deep Explorer)

“Messages From The Dub” (Mike Huckaby remix)

Huckaby pulls back the minimal sound on Dubbyman’s original, adding authentic Detroit flair for his deep ‘n shuffle-y take on “Messages From The Dub.”

Various – The Defenders Of The Deep House World  (2010, Third Ear Recordings)

“The Deep House World”

Huckaby’s track on this compilation is a masterclass on the rawness of real deep house music, and proof that the genre’s strengths aren’t confined to its old skool era. Turn up your headphones, close your eyes, and float away to another world…the deep house world.

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Rest In Power – Mike Huckaby

1966-2020