A Brief History in the Beginning of Techno
“And then, Detroit finds its sound”
It started in the late 1970s in the decaying industry city of Detroit, a group of African-American DJs, producers, and musicians began to develop a new sound that was heavily influenced by the electronic music of that era.
This group was The Belleville Three, composed of Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson. Derrick originally linked up with the other two in high school where they all formed a deep love of producing music.
From here, Atkins taught May how to start DJing, and the three teenage friends bonded while listening to an eclectic mix of music: Kraftwerk, Parliament, Prince, and the B-52s. European acts like Kraftwerk were popular among middle-class black youth. The Three began to develop a new sound that was heavily influenced by the day's electronic music.
This new sound was characterized by heavy use of synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers, as well as a focus on creating long, hypnotic, and repetitive grooves.
The term "techno" is the word used as shorthand for technologically created dance music. Originally referred to a specific type of electronic music originating in Germany during the early 1980s, but shifted to describe a Detroit-born genre after the 1988 release of "Techno! The New Dance Sound of Detroit."
Detroit techno blends synth-pop with African-American music, infused with futuristic themes. It emerged from the fusion of synth-pop elements inspired by artists like Giorgio Moroder, Yellow Magic Orchestra, and others, combined with influences from African-American music genres such as house, electro, and funk.
Techno consists of a 4/4 synthesized kick drum, a BPM of 120 to 150, repetitive beats and loops using percussion instruments. It’s often seen as a darker version of dance music, but not everyone adheres to that rule.
In a short span, techno swiftly expanded beyond its modest roots, finding its way into the mainstream nightclubs and radio airwaves of Detroit, Germany, and the rest of the world. By the late 1980s, techno was rapidly gaining popularity, and in 1989, a group emerged that would revolutionize the style and image within the growing techno scene.
Founded in 1989 by Mike “Mad” Banks, Robert Hood, and Jeff Mills, Underground Resistance (UR) arose in reaction to the socio-economic turmoil of Detroit's Reagan-era inner-city recession. Fusing the raw energy and futuristic elements of early Detroit techno, their music served as a platform for addressing political and social issues like urban decay and resistance to oppression. UR's independent spirit, epitomized by its record label, drove its mission to raise awareness and instigate political transformation, leaving an indelible mark on the techno scene worldwide.
The development of techno also saw a significant influence from European electronic music scenes, particularly in Germany and the UK. Between 1990 and 1992, the developments in American-produced techno spurred the growth and eventual evolution of techno in Europe, particularly in Germany. Berlin's Tresor Club, established in 1991, emerged as a key hub for techno, attracting leading Detroit producers, some of whom had moved to Berlin.
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the emergence of digital music production tools and the ascent of the internet facilitated techno's accessibility to producers and enthusiasts worldwide. With the capability to create music using home computers, producers could now share their work online directly with fans. Techno producers often work outside the mainstream music industry and often favor experimentation and innovation over commercial success. During this period, certain DJs were ascending to celebrity status, dominating the global club circuit. Techno DJs and producers reached unprecedented levels of fame, alongside the clubs they performed in.
However, the rapid commercialization of the genre began to impact clubs in Ibiza and Berlin, prompting many techno pioneers to question the direction of the genre throughout the late 90s and early 2000s. Techno has been highly influential in other genres, such as house, trance, and drum and bass, and has influenced hip-hop, R&B, and pop music.
The legacy of techno extends far beyond its musical origins, profoundly influencing global dance culture. Its focus on underground ethos, do-it-yourself principles, and subcultural identity serves as a source of inspiration for both artists and fans, driving them to create their music, events, and communities.
As a vibrant and enduring force, techno's legacy continues to mold the landscape of electronic dance music, igniting innovation for future generations.
But let’s take a spin back to the late 1980s when some guys that go by “Phuture” (DJ Pierre, Earl 'Spanky' Smith aka DJ Spank Spank, and Herbert 'Herb J' Jackson) would make an LP that would change the sound forever...
To be continued...
The dichotomy of Ruido.
A moment in the present.
Indulge in the music of culture.
A moment in the present.
Indulge in the music of culture.