In honour of Black Music Month 2021, iconic techno producer and DJ Robert Hood and his daughter Lyric, aka the duo Floorplan, have created a special mix. Below, Hood shares his thoughts on Black music and how its rich legacy comes alive in their work. “Growing up, gospel music was a part of our family’s existence. I grew up in a Baptist church. Gospel music reminds me of when slaves would sing hymns in the field—that was their way of communicating to God and each other from plantation to plantation. I think of that while being a Black DJ and producer. We want to communicate to everyone and spread our music to the world, and to me Black music is inclusive to every genre there is. Personally, gospel music has always been the springboard for Black music in America. On one track in particular, ‘Get My Mansion Ready,’ the voice of Rev. James Cleveland is a familiar sound to those looking forward to the transition from this troubled world. Combine that with the religious, disco experience on ‘Out of Control’ and you have a spiritual explosion. This sound continues to impact dance floors all over the world.”