The Best of 90s Club Music: Techno
Contents
A look at the best techno club tracks of the 1990s.
The History of Techno
Techno is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the late 1980s. It is characterized by a repetitive four on the floor beat and often has a fast tempo. Techno was developed by African-American and Latino Detroit DJs.
Where it all began
Techno is a genre of Electronic dance music that emerged in the late 1980s. It is generally characterized by a repetitive 4/4 beat and synthesizer-generated rhythms. The first recorded use of the word techno in reference to a specific genre of music was in 1988. Many styles of techno now exist, but Detroit techno is seen as the foundation upon which a number of subgenres have been built.
In Detroit, techno resulted from the melding of African American music and European electronic dance music. Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson are often credited as the primary architects of Detroit techno. By the early 1990s, the genres had been sufficiently developed to merit their own category at award shows such as the Grammy Awards and the Tokyo Music Festival.
Interestingly, though it originated in Detroit, techno achieved much of its initial mainstream success in Europe, particularly in Germany and Belgium. In 1993, Belgian group Snap! scored a hit with their song “Rhythm Is a Dancer”, which went to number one in several countries. In 1995, German producer Paul van Dyk’s album “Seventh Heaven” topped dance charts in both the United Kingdom and United States.
The sound of techno
The sound of techno is characterized by a heavy reliance on electronic instruments and samples, with a strong emphasis on the rhythmic elements of the music. This often includes a 4/4 beat, with occasional variations in tempo and time signature. The typical synth sound is also an important part of the techno soundscape, often providing the main melody or hook of the track.
The Pioneers of Techno
Early techno was often inspired by the electronic music of Kraftwerk, Yellow Magic Orchestra and Giorgio Moroder, as well as early hip hop and the New York club scene of the late 1970s.
Jeff Mills
Jeff Mills is a true pioneer of techno. A former member of the group Underground Resistance, Mills is known for his experimental and innovative style. He has released numerous solo albums and founded his own label, Axis Records. Mills is also a noted DJ and producer, and has played a major role in the evolution of techno music.
Richie Hawtin
Richie Hawtin is a Canadian techno DJ who helped pioneer the style of minimal techno. He is best known for his work under the alias Plastikman, and has also releases music under his own name and as part of the duo F.U.S.E.
Hawtin first came to prominence in the early 1990s as a member of the UK rave scene, and began releasing techno music under the Plastikman alias in 1993. His 1995 album “Musik” was a major influence on the development of minimal techno, and helped to bring the style to a wider audience. In the 2000s, Hawtin became known for his live performances, which often make use of Ableton Live and other DJ software to create complex, improvised visuals.
Today, Hawtin is considered one of the most important figures in techno music, and has played an important role in popularizing minimal techno both in the underground scene and beyond.
Derrick May
Derrick May is widely considered to be one of the pioneers of techno music. He was born in Detroit in 1963 and started making music in the early 1980s. He was a member of the influential group Underground Resistance, and he also released a number of solo tracks that helped to define the techno sound. May’s most famous track is “Strings of Life”, which was released in 1987 and became an instant classic. He is still making music today, and his work continues to influence techno artists all over the world.
The Best Techno Tracks of the 90s
The 90s was a great decade for club music, and techno was one of the most popular genres. There were some great tracks released during this time, and we’ve compiled a list of the best ones. If you’re a fan of techno, you’ll definitely want to check out this list.
Mills – The Bells
Mills – The Bells is one of the best techno tracks of the 90s. Released in 1995, it is a classic techno track that is still played in clubs today.
Hawtin – Minus Zero
This is one of the best techno tracks of the 90s, by Hawtin. It has a great beat and is perfect for dancing.
May – Strings of Life
This classic techno track from Derrick May is one of the most iconic songs of the 90s. The hypnotic melody and driving bassline are unforgettable, and it’s stayed popular over the years, appearing in numerous compilations and mix tapes. If you’re a fan of techno, this is a must-hear track.
