Why Kevin Saunderson's Mission To Save Paragon Is Personal

"Techno started as something Black, something revolutionary, and we have to keep its roots alive while still evolving."

Earlier this year, the beloved Brooklyn club Paragon announced it would be closing after nearly three years, citing that it “simply cannot afford the financial reality of this industry in 2025.” The venue had been a vital part of the city’s dance music scene, regularly hosting both established DJs and emerging talent.

But in July, the club revealed a surprise development: techno legend Kevin Saunderson had offered a “generous lifeline” and would be joining Paragon as both a partner and resident DJ. As a member of the pioneering ‘Belleville Three’ alongside Juan Atkins and Derrick May, Saunderson helped shape the sound of Detroit techno in the 1980s.

Although Saunderson is most closely associated with Detroit, his connection to New York runs deep. The DJ and producer lived in Brooklyn until the age of nine, and his first encounters with dance music took place in legendary New York nightclubs like Paradise Garage and The Loft. It’s this early exposure that fuels his enduring affinity for Paragon and the city’s club culture.

What’s missing today is that sense of freedom and connection on the dance floor. That’s what I’m trying to bring back with Paragon, it’s not just about music, it’s about energy, culture, and legacy.

We spoke with Saunderson about what motivated him to save Paragon, his thoughts on the current state of New York nightlife, and how the dance music community can come together to help the culture thrive once again.

How does Paragon embody what you stand for as a pioneer of Detroit techno?

Paragon is rooted in the same DNA as Detroit techno, community-driven, soulful, raw, and innovative. From the start, my mission was about creating something that empowered people, brought them together, and gave them a new way to express themselves. Paragon gives me the chance to pass that on, not just through sound, but through experience. It’s about breaking boundaries, building bridges, and keeping that underground spirit alive.

You’ve said that Paragon is a way to help you pass on the energy of the New York clubs you grew up with to the new generation. Do you think there are less good clubs for people to go to now?

Absolutely. There’re way fewer clubs now that carry that real spirit. Back then, places like Paradise Garage and the Loft weren’t just venues, they were communities. Safe spaces. Cultural centres. Over time, cities changed, rent got higher, gentrification moved in, and nightlife started getting pushed out. What’s missing today is that sense of freedom and connection on the dance floor. That’s what I’m trying to bring back with Paragon, it’s not just about music, it’s about energy, culture, and legacy.

"We need to create platforms that elevate the culture, not exploit it."

What else can be done to resuscitate at-risk club culture in Brooklyn & beyond?

We’ve got to protect the spaces we still have and that means support from the community, from city leaders, from artists. But more than that, we need to create platforms that elevate the culture, not exploit it. That means mentorship, partnerships, even education. Techno started as something Black, something revolutionary, and we have to keep its roots alive while still evolving. Paragon is just one step. If we all lean in, this culture can thrive again.

What do you have in store for the future of Paragon?

I see Paragon becoming a true hub for the underground, Brooklyn style. A place where legacy meets next generation. I want to bring in international talent, showcase emerging artists, and curate nights that feel like something you can’t get anywhere else. There’s also room for workshops, panels, maybe even a retreat experience down the line. It’s more than a club, it’s a cultural home, and we’re just getting started.