by John BushJohn Acquaviva is known primarily through his association with, and recordings for, Plus 8 Records, the label he founded with Richie Hawtin (aka Plastikman). Acquaviva is also one of the most prized techno DJs around the globe, as well as a multi-label entrepreneur — he helms Probe and Definitive Records in addition to Plus 8. While growing up in London, Ontario, Acquaviva became a music lover and started DJing in 1980. He gradually accumulated a small bedroom studio of equipment to produce music similar to the Chicago and Detroit records he enjoyed, when he met Richie Hawtin in 1989.Hawtin was a DJ with a wish to produce as well, so the two began recording together. Their first single, Elements of Tone by States of Mind, became the first release on Plus 8 Records. When later releases — by Acquaviva and Hawtin, plus Kenny Larkin, Mark Gage and Jochem Paap (aka Speedy J) — pushed Plus 8s pedigree into the stratosphere during 1991-9...