Influential Detroit DJ and Producer Kelli Hand has died

News began to emerge earlier this morning of the passing of prominent Detroit artist Kelli Hand who founded Acacia Records in 1990.

Releasing music over a lengthy career Kelli operated under the guise of ‘K-Hand’ and released some of the most influential house and techno records to emerge from the city of Detroit. Her symbolism in the community was honoured by Detroit City council in 2017 when she was given the title of “First Lady Of Detroit” for her longstanding contribution to electronic music and club culture in the city. 

Kelli released a number of crucial albums on the likes of Tresor, !K7, Ausfahrt and Distance. Her prolific output is perhaps best noted through the volume of EP’s she released on the likes of Warp, Global Cuts and Radikal Fear. One of her most recent outings came in the form of a track for Trip Recordings, the record label run by Nina Kraviz. 

Tributes and messages of support have poured in from across the breadth of the industry following her death with the cause unknown.