first​/​last (Heartthrob Remix)

from VAL 013 - first​/​last by sl0p0k

supported by
the big floating head
the big floating head thumbnail
JADE
JADE thumbnail
Paul Fleetwood
Paul Fleetwood thumbnail
troypierce
troypierce thumbnail
/

about

In December of 2019, we lost our friend Troy Rutofske. A shining light of the US techno scene, Troy was a fixture on the dancefloor of parties in Detroit and Washington DC. His optimism and outgoing energy drew in everyone. As a result Troy became fast friends with the most famous and visionary US techno DJs including Carl Craig, Richie Hawtin, Magda, Derrick May, Derek Plaslaiko, Dan Bell, Hearthrob, Stacey Pullen, Ambivalent, Camea, Kate Simko and dozens more. Techno fans should know - the artists they admire are people who admired Troy.

Troy had a positive and philosophical nature that was evident to people on first sight. He was the guy right at the front of the dancefloor, unbothered by the fact that he was the only one in a wheelchair. Troy could get a dancefloor going faster than any DJ – if he was moving, no one else had an excuse. Once you got to know him, that positivity, curiosity and thoughtfulness became even more apparent. Even when Troy was diagnosed with leukemia in 2018, he didn't let it squash his optimism and energy.

While Troy was facing the grueling chemotherapy treatments, he decided to finally make some of the music he loved so much. He brought a Roland TR8S to his chemo sessions, and worked for hours learning to make techno. In his last weeks, he gave the machine to me, and I arranged the parts to his direction, mixed it and mastered it for him, so he could hear it before he passed. Troy and I invited his friends to contribute remixes, so that he could have an entry in the story of the music he loved.

Troy asked that any proceeds from his release go to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. He made this track while he was fighting leukemia, and the release will continue that mission for others. So here it is - Troy Rutofske aka sl0p0k (slowpoke), with his first and last contribution to the techno music community. We love you Troy.

credits

from VAL 013 - first​/​last, track released December 4, 2020

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Valence image

Valence Berlin, Germany

contact / help

Contact Valence

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Valence, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featured guests are the golden-voiced Baby Rose and psyche soulsters Brainstory.
listen now