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Why You Can't Stream God Said Give 'Em Drum Machines (Yet)

We know many of you are eager to watch God Said Give 'Em Drum Machines and are probably wondering why it’s not available on streaming platforms. The answer lies in both the challenges of today’s documentary distribution landscape and our mission to preserve the integrity and impact of this groundbreaking project.
The current market for documentaries is shaped by the profit-driven and political agendas of the corporations that own the major streaming services, prioritizing mainstream stories that fit their formulaic models. This leaves independent films like ours at a disadvantage. Despite premiering at Tribeca in 2022 and receiving acclaim worldwide, we haven’t received offers from major platforms that would cover the significant cost of music licensing—funds that directly compensate the Techno pioneers featured in the film. Accepting a low-value deal would compromise this crucial aspect and risk reducing this vital Black history document to disposable content.
Instead, we’ve taken a different path. Since its premiere, the film has toured globally through festivals, museums, universities, and even nightclubs, evolving into an immersive experience complete with panel discussions, parties, and workshops. This approach has transformed the film into a powerful educational tool embraced by scholars, educators, and researchers worldwide. It has been celebrated during Black History Month, Black Music Month, and Juneteenth events as a testament to Black innovation and creativity.
Streaming platforms often reduce films to fleeting moments of consumption. This story is far too important for that. Inspired by the late Mike Huckaby—who not only gave us the title but also encouraged its educational mission—we’ve prioritized creating meaningful connections with audiences over fleeting digital availability.
We invite you to experience God Said Give 'Em Drum Machines as it was meant to be seen: on the big screen. Each screening is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a community-driven celebration of music, history, and culture. If you’d like to bring this experience to your city or institution, you can request a screening directly through our website.

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Movement

Our journey doesn’t stop here. Our goal is to continue bringing this film to wider audiences internationally through independent platforms while also creating more films that tell untold stories from Detroit’s rich musical legacy. God Said Give 'Em Drum Machines 2 is already in the works, as well as a documentary about Reggie Dokes—our brilliant composer—and an upcoming archive site for those who want to take a deep dive into Detroit Techno’s history and cultural significance.
We’re also developing *The Detroit Techno Experience*, a traveling event that combines music, education, and celebration. This immersive experience will bring the spirit of Detroit Techno to cities around the world. Stay tuned for updates as we expand this movement!
Thank you for supporting independent filmmaking and helping us preserve this vital chapter of Black history. Together, we can ensure these stories resonate for generations to come.
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