Techno
A Short History of Techno Music
From being an underground movement to being (a brief) mainstream phenomenon, the reception towards techno music is as evolving as the sound itself.
Techno is a genre of electronic dance music (EDM) that is distinctive for its repetitive patterns and a strong emphasis
on rhythm. It follows the common time (4/4) and tends to be instrumentally-oriented.
Like many subgenres of electronic music, techno music employs electronic instruments such as drum machines,
synthesizers, sequencers, samplers, keyboards, and computers. New and inexpensive technology made the creation of techno
music possible. Several other music genres and cultural influences have contributed to the creation of techno music,
such as synthpop, soul, funk, post-disco, electronica, electric jazz, and house music (particularly Chicago house
music). Futuristic and science fiction themes, which permeated American culture at the time, were also significant
influences. Techno music has also given birth to countless subgenres and inspired fusions that use techno music
elements.
Learn more about the Drumcode Label by Adam Beyer
Techno had its roots in Belleville, a suburb in Detroit, Michigan. Former high school classmates Juan Atkins, Kevin
Saunderson, and Derrick May had collaborated together shortly before going on to record and release their own music
separately. These three men, also known as “Belleville Three,” are acknowledged as the pioneers of techno.
The first known use of the term “techno” came about in 1988 when British music exec Neil Rushton approached the
Belleville Three, as he sought to license their music to be released in the United Kingdom. The Belleville Three labeled
their music as “techno,” as they wanted it to be distinct from Chicago house music.
See Charlotte de Witte's performance from Porto
Other musicians and DJ’s in the early Detroit techno scene included Eddie Fowlkes, James Pennington, and Blake Baxter,
all of whom also came from Detroit. Along with the Belleville Three, they were considered as the “first wave” artists of
Detroit techno.
Actually, the term “techno” had already been used in Detroit before 1988. In fact, Atkins had been using the term since
his days with electronic music group Cybotron (“Techno City” was one of their earlier singles). However, it was only
that time when “techno” was really used to describe the music when it was ready to be marketed to the public. The sound of the "synth" was ready for popular consumption!