Plastikman

Plastikman is one of the recording identities used by Richie Hawtin, a Canadian electronic musician born in 1970 and associated with Banbury, Canada. He also works under names including F.U.S.E., Circuit Breaker and From Within. Plastikman begins in 1992, following earlier releases under the names States of Mind and F.U.S.E. in 1990.

The project is linked to acid techno, microhouse and minimal techno. Its sound develops from early acidic techno and high-energy tracks such as the 1993 piece “Spastik” towards more stripped-back and experimental work, including the 1998 album Consumed, which moves into futuristic rhythms and ambient textures. A further step towards minimalism appears in the year-long 12-record project Concept 1 from 1996.

Plastikman is also known for Hawtin’s DJ performances, which use turntables, effects processors and additional instruments such as the 909 drum machine and Roland SH-101 synthesiser. His performance set-up of decks, effects and 909 becomes a notable part of his approach to DJing. The project releases on the label Plastikprodukt.