Techno Music from the 80s

If you’re a fan of techno music, then you’ll love this blog! We feature the best techno music from the 80s, as well as interviews and news about your favorite artists.

Introduction

Techno music from the 80s was a time when the genre was just starting to emerge. Artists like Kraftwerk and Afrika Bambaataa were creating new sounds that would eventually lead to the development of techno. This music was often associated with underground clubs and parties, as it was not yet mainstream. However, there were some techno songs that did become popular, such as “Planet Rock” by Afrika Bambaataa.

The Birth of Techno

Techno music emerged in the early 1980s, primarily in Detroit. Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, and Derrick May often referred to as the “Belleville Three”, are considered the inventors of techno. A blend of African-American music including funk, soul, electro, andelectro-funk, mixed with European electronic music, particularly Kraftwerk and Yellow Magic Orchestra.

The First Wave of Techno

The first techno music came out of Detroit in the early 1980s. This was a time when the city was struggling economically, and many young people were attracted to the DIY ethic of techno culture. The first techno tracks were made on simple home computers and drum machines, and they were often inspired by the sounds of European electronic music.

As techno music became more popular, it began to evolve and change. In the late 1980s, acid house and rave culture emerged in Britain, and this had a big impact on the sound of techno. Acid house combined techno with elements of Chicago house music, and it often featured 303 basslines and acid synths. This new sound quickly spread to Europe and North America, and it had a huge impact on the development of techno music.

The Second Wave of Techno

The second wave of techno emerged in the mid-1980s and was characterized by a harder, more industrial sound. This wave is often referred to as “Detroit Techno,” as many of the key artists hailed from that city. Unlike the first wave, which was mostly made up of African American artists, the second wave saw a more diverse group of people making techno music. Some of the most influential artists during this time period include Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson, who were all part of a group called the Belleville Three.

The Third Wave of Techno

Techno music from the 80s, also known as the “third wave” of techno, is a subgenre of electronic dance music that incorporates elements of house music, detroit techno, electro music, and acid house. It is characterized by a heavy use of synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers.

The Fourth Wave of Techno

The fourth wave of techno is characterized by a return to the complex, experimental sound of early techno. Producers in this wave often fuse aspects of other genres with techno, resulting in a unique and innovative sound. This wave is sometimes referred to as “post-techno.”

Notable producers and tracks from this wave include:

-Pilldriver: “Apocalypse Now”
-Dave Clarke: “Southside”
-Luke Slater: “All Exhale”
-Rob acid: “The Test”

The Fifth Wave of Techno

Techno music from the 80s was typified by a fast tempo, hypnotic rhythms, and heavy use of synthesizers. This type of techno music was often referred to as the “fifth wave” of techno, due to its popularity in the late 80s and early 90s.

Conclusion

Now that you know a little more about techno music from the 80s, you can start to appreciate this genre for its unique sound and energy. If you’re a fan of electronic music, then you should definitely check out some of the classic tracks from this era. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy them!