The Evolution of 80’s Techno Music

A look at how 80’s techno music has evolved over the years, from its early beginnings to its current state.

Introduction

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a new genre of electronic music called techno emerged from the Detroit club scene. Defined by its use of synthesizers, drum machines, and robotic sounds, techno was initially met with skepticism by the mainstream music industry. However, by the end of the decade, techno had taken on a life of its own, evolving into a widely popular genre with a global following.

This article will trace the evolution of techno music from its origins in Detroit to its present-day incarnation as a global phenomenon. We’ll take a look at the major milestones in techno’s history and explore the often- debated question of what qualifies as “true” techno. By understanding the roots of this fascinating genre, we can better appreciate the music that is being created today.

The Birth of Techno

Techno music first originated in Detroit, Michigan during the late 1980s. DJing crew called the Belleville Three are credited with being the founding fathers of techno. The Belleville Three would often play at the now-famous underground club called the Music Institute. At the Music Institute, the Belleville Three would play a mix of genres including disco, new wave, and electronic music.

Detroit’s Influence

The story of techno begins in Detroit, Michigan during the 1980s. At that time, the city was a major center of the American automobile industry, and many of its residents worked in factories or were employed in other blue-collar jobs. In the evenings and on weekends, people would often go to clubs to dance and listen to music. It was in these clubs that techno first began to take shape.

DJs in Detroit began experimenting with electronic music, and they soon developed their own unique style. This style was characterized by a heavy use of synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments. It was also marked by a focus on long, repetitive beats that would keep dancers moving all night long.

Techno quickly became popular in Detroit’s clubs, and it soon spread to other cities around the United States. By the early 1990s, techno had become a global phenomenon, with DJs spinning records in clubs all over the world.

The Belleville Three

The Belleville Three, also known as the Detroit Techno Mafia, is a group of techno producers and DJs who were influential in the development of the genre in the 1980s and 1990s. The members, Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson, are from Belleville, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit.

Atkins is considered to be the “godfather” of techno; his work in the 1980s with Cybotron and Model 500 laid the foundations for what would become techno music. May’s work with Rhythim is Rhythim (later called Inner City) was also highly influential, particularly his track “Strings of Life”, which is often cited as one of the most important tracks in the history of techno. Saunderson’s work with Kevlishvili (later called Reese) was also significant; their track “Just Want Another Chance” was one of the first Detroit techno tracks to gain international attention.

The Popularization of Techno

Techno music has come a long way since its origins in the late 80s. What started out as an underground movement quickly gained popularity and became one of the most popular genres of music. In the early days, techno was mostly played in clubs and was known for its dark, mysterious atmosphere. Today, techno is still popular in clubs, but has also gained mainstream appeal.

The Second Wave of Techno

In the early 1990s, a second wave of techno music emerged, led by artists such as Richie Hawtin, Derrick May, Jeff Mills, and Juan Atkins. This wave of techno was characterized by a more experimental and abstract sound, as well as a more stripped-down aesthetic. It was also during this time that the first techno clubs began to emerge, such as Berlin’s Tresor and London’s Shoom.

The European Influence

By the early 1990s, techno had become one of the most popular genres in Europe, with a particularly strong following in Germany. In 1993, German DJ Steve Rachmad released his album The Secret Life of Machines, which is widely considered to be one of the defining albums of the genre. In the same year, another German DJ, Oliver Lieb, released his album Parallels, which also helped to solidify techno’s popularity in Europe.

The Legacy of Techno

Techno music has come a long way since its inception in the late 80’s. What started out as an underground movement in Detroit quickly spread to other major cities in the United States and Europe. Techno music has been through a lot of changes and has evolved over the years, but its roots can still be traced back to the original sounds of the 80’s.

Techno’s Influence on Electronic Dance Music

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 is often produced using electronic instruments and synthesizers. techno is widely considered to be the foundation of electronic dance music.

The first use of the word techno in reference to a specific genre of music was in 1988. Techno evolved out of the Detroit underground club scene of the early 1980s. This club culture was centered around venues such as The Music Institute, Club Space, and The Matrix. DJs would play a mix of tracks from several genres, including disco, electro, new wave, and synth-pop.

The sound of techno was influenced by African American music, particularly Funk and Soul. This can be heard in the incorporation of samples and synthesized basslines. The popularity of techno spread throughout Europe in the early 1990s, with clubs such as Tresor in Berlin leading the way. By the mid-1990s, techno had become one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music.

Today, techno continues to be an important influence on electronic dance music. Many EDM subgenres can trace their origins back to techno, including trance, house, and drum & bass. The sound of techno has also been adopted by many mainstream pop artists, such as Madonna, Britney Spears, and Lady Gaga.

Techno’s Influence on Pop Culture

Techno’s impact on pop culture cannot be understated. The genre has spawned countless sub-genres and has been credited with influencing everything from fashion to film.

In the early days of techno, the music was often associated with underground clubs and raves. This is still the case today, but the music has also found its way into the mainstream. Pop artists such as Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, and Kylie Minogue have all incorporated elements of techno into their music.

The influence of techno can also be seen in film. directors such as Edgar Wright and Quentin Tarantino often use techno songs in their soundtracks to create an energetic and exciting atmosphere. The Wachowskis used techno in The Matrix trilogy to convey the chaotic and mind-bending nature of the films’ storylines.

Finally, fashion designers have been inspired by techno to create collections that are both stylish and functional. Brands such as Adidas and Puma have released lines of clothing that are popular with both techno fans and athletes.