Juan Atkins
ListenNo UFO’s (Vocal) · 1985
Model 500 — “No UFO’s,” original vocal version.
Listen on YouTube ↗
1985 · Metroplex
No UFO’s / Future
Juan Atkins opened Metroplex with a record about other worlds. Released as Model 500 in 1985, “No UFO’s” took his electronic music beyond Cybotron and helped establish the sound of Detroit techno. [1] [2]
| Accession | OMMA-0034 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Model 500 (Juan Atkins) |
| Release | 1985 · United States |
| Label | Metroplex · M-001 |
| Format | 12-inch vinyl single · 33⅓ rpm |
| Issue | Original commercial pressing |
| Runouts | A: Archer, AR-7034 A, & As. B: Archer, AR-7034 B, As & 98. |
| Recorded grade | NM · generic sleeve |
Release history and significance
Atkins started Metroplex to release the bass-heavy electronic music he wanted to make. Getting it heard depended on friends as much as record companies: Derrick May carried early copies of “No UFO’s” to Chicago and gave one to Farley “Jackmaster” Funk. Atkins remembered the record becoming even bigger there than at home in Detroit. [2]
The first Metroplex 12-inch pairs vocal and instrumental versions of “No UFO’s” with two versions of “Future.” Atkins wrote, produced and engineered the record; Marcellus “Pete” Atkins, is credited as executive producer. The Archer pressing and early Metroplex label design distinguish this edition from subsequent issues. [1]
Market context
As of 13 September 2026, Discogs reported sales of this original edition between US$29.99 and US$500.00, with a median of US$149.99. Its most recent recorded sale was dated 28 May 2026. [1]
Physical Description
Black vinyl with printed Metroplex labels incorporating a hand-drawn logo design. The labels have no writing or stickers. Housed in a plain generic sleeve.
Condition
Graded NM. The vinyl retains its gloss, with no visible handling marks or play wear recorded. The labels are clean, with no spindle wear recorded.
Provenance
Acquired on 13 August 2025 through Discogs from StayPressedRecords, the Detroit record store Stay Pressed Records.
Sources
- Discogs, Model 500 — No UFO’s, release 1300331. Original pressing, tracklist, credits, runouts and reported sales statistics.
- Red Bull Music Academy, Interview: Juan Atkins. First-person account of founding Metroplex and Derrick May taking the record to Chicago. Interview conducted in April 2010; published 23 May 2017.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.