Kevin Saunderson
ListenTriangle of Love · Vocal · 1986
Kreem — “Triangle of Love” (Vocal), Metroplex, 1986.
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1986 · Metroplex
Triangle of Love
Before Inner City and the Reese bass, Kevin Saunderson made “Triangle of Love.” Released as Kreem on Juan Atkins’s Metroplex label in 1986, his debut brought a love of vocal dance music into the emerging Detroit techno sound. [1] [2]
| Accession | OMMA-0147 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Kreem (Kevin Saunderson) |
| Release | 1986 · United States |
| Label | Metroplex · M-007 |
| Format | 12-inch vinyl single · 33⅓ rpm |
| Issue | US commercial issue |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | M · sealed, seller-reported |
Release history and significance
Saunderson began with drum patterns, then worked out how to add basslines and chords. He wanted more music to play in his DJ sets and started making it himself. But having the parts was different from finishing a record: Juan Atkins helped him arrange the music and complete the mix. In his account to Bill Brewster, Saunderson identifies that first finished record as “Triangle of Love.” [1] [2]
The Metroplex label credits production to Reese, Derrick and Juan: Saunderson, Derrick May and Atkins. May mixed the dub version; Saunderson, credited as Master Reese, mixed the vocal and instrumental. Their names share one label at the beginning of careers that would help define Detroit techno. The writing credits name J. Johnson, J. Atkins, A. Forest and K. Saunderson. [3]
The record also brought an unforgettable moment of recognition. Visiting his father’s apartment in New York, Saunderson was explaining to his brother that he was making music. Tony Humphries’s Kiss-FM show was on in the background. Just then, Humphries played “Triangle of Love.” Saunderson recalled the coincidence as confirmation that he was on the right path. [2]
His taste for sung melody owed much to disco and his experiences at the Paradise Garage. That influence distinguished his approach without separating him from his Detroit collaborators. “Triangle of Love” subsequently appeared on his own KMS label in 1987, with further remixes following; this entry concerns the earlier Metroplex issue. [2] [3]
Market context
Discogs records sales for the M-007 edition catalogued as release 1097550 from US$6.76 to US$68.95, with a median of US$19.91, as consulted on 15 September 2026. [3]
Physical Description
The Metroplex M-007 configuration is a twelve-inch single with pale printed labels and a large Metroplex wordmark. Side A pairs the Dub Mix (7:38) with the Vocal (5:24); side B carries the instrumental (5:05). The A-side label bears the 1986 Metroplex copyright and the Detroit address line. [3]
Condition
The seller described the copy as sealed and unopened, grading both media and sleeve Mint. It is housed in a generic sleeve.
Provenance
Purchased through Discogs from seller edwingate on 14 September 2026, described as a sealed Metroplex M-007 issue.
Sources
- Bill Brewster interviews Kevin Saunderson, Red Bull Music Academy Daily. First-person account of his debut and Juan Atkins’s help with arrangement and mixing.
- DJ Mag, Kevin Saunderson: the E-Dancer returns. Saunderson’s early equipment, musical influences and recollection of hearing the record on Kiss-FM.
- Discogs, Kreem — Triangle of Love, release 1097550. Metroplex issue, mixes, credits, reference image and sales statistics.
Catalogue text reviewed 15 September 2026.