Kenny Larkin

Kenny Larkin

Kenny Larkin is a techno DJ and producer from Detroit, United States. Born in 1968, he begins his music career in 1990 after two years in the U.S. Air Force, where he repairs computers.

Detroit techno background

Larkin comes up through the Detroit club scene, spending time at venues including The Music Institute and The Shelter. He works within the city’s techno tradition alongside figures such as Kevin Saunderson, Juan Atkins and Derrick May, and he connects with Richie Hawtin and John Acquaviva early in his career.

Recordings and aliases

He records under a range of names, including Dark Comedy, Pod and Yennek. His first full-length album, Azimuth, appears in 1994 and establishes him as a significant figure in contemporary dance music. The follow-up, Metaphor, arrives in 1995 and is noted for its melodic, emotive style and for blending techno with house, ambient touches and a jazz-like feel.

Style

Larkin describes his music as drawing on different moods and on jazz, house and techno. His work is often marked by warm rhythms, minimal passages and ambient elements.