Richie Hawtin, a key figure in the development of minimal techno, gained fame for his innovative acid techno productions as Plastikman, notably with albums Musik and Consumed. Co-founding influential labels Plus 8 and Minus, Hawtin's live sets and mix CDs revolutionized DJ technology, blending techno loops with synthesizers. Born in England and raised in Canada, Hawtin drew inspiration from Detroit techno pioneers, infusing his tracks with Motor City tradition while pushing boundaries with experimental pseudonyms like Circuit Breaker and Robotman.

Hawtin's career saw him sign to Mute's NovaMute as Plastikman and release avant-garde techno works like Sheet One, Concept 1, and the ambient Consumed album. Moving to Berlin in the early 2000s, he continued to innovate with groundbreaking mixes such as Decks, EFX & 909 and DE9: Closer to the Edit. Collaborating with artists like Enzo Cosimi and presenting at universities, Hawtin's influence extended into the art world with performances at the Guggenheim Museum. Honored with a Doctorate of Music Technology and celebrating Plus 8's 25th anniversary, Hawtin's impact on techno remains profound, as seen in his recent releases Close Combined and Time Warps.