Dance Music Production: Drumcode and Techno
Contents
If you’re looking to get into dance music production, you need to check out Drumcode and Techno. These are two of the most popular genres of dance music, and they’re both packed with great resources for learning how to produce your own tracks.
Introduction
Drumcode is a record label founded in 1997 by Swedish techno producer Adam Beyer. The label is based in Stockholm and releases music by artists including Beyer himself, Alan Fitzpatrick, Joel Mull, and Joseph Capriati. Drumcode has been described as “the leading light of the techno resurgence”.
Techno is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in Detroit, Michigan in the United States during the mid-to-late 1980s. 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 other subgenres have been built.
What is Drumcode?
Drumcode is a form of techno music that is characterized by its hard-hitting, industrial sound. It is often times faster than other forms of techno, and usually has a four-on-the-floor kick drum pattern. This type of techno was pioneered in the early 1990s by Swedish DJ and producer Adam Beyer, and has since become one of the most popular subgenres of dance music.
What is Techno?
Techno is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in Detroit, Michigan in the United States during the mid-to-late 1980s. 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 all are generally characterized by a heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines, as well as sampled sounds.
The Difference between Drumcode and Techno
Techno and Drumcode are two very popular genres in the world of electronic dance music. While they share some similarities, there are also some key differences that set them apart.
Drumcode is a sub-genre of techno that is focused on harder, more driving and forceful beats. It often has a darker, more industrial sound than other types of techno. Drumcode tracks are usually built around a central 4/4 beat, with layered percussion and effects creating a rhythmically complex and propulsive sound.
Techno, on the other hand, is a broader genre that can encompass many different styles. While technotracks can also have a 4/4 beat at their core, they may also incorporate elements of other genres such as house, dubstep or even drum and bass. The result is a wide-ranging and ever-evolving genre that can be both hard-hitting and moody or playful and bouncy.
The History of Drumcode and Techno
Techno is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in Detroit, Michigan in the 1980s. Techno is characterized by a repetitive four on the floor beat, often in time with bass drums played on every quarter note. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, techno achieved popularity in Europe as well as North America, with songs often being played at raves or nightclubs.
The history of techno is often traced back to one man: Juan Atkins. Atkins was a part of the group Cybotron that released “Clear” in 1983, which is widely considered to be the first techno record. Atkins would go on to produce records under the aliases Model 500 and Infiniti, and was one of the three founders of Metroplex Records.
The second wave of techno came about in the early 1990s with the help of Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson, who were also part of Atkins’ group Cybotron. This wave of techno was characterized by a more hard-hitting sound, and it quickly gained popularity in Europe with tracks such as May’s “Strings of Life” becoming an instant hit. May and Saunderson would go on to found their own record labels (Transmat and KMS Records respectively), which helped to propel the genre even further.
In 1993, Richie Hawtin founded Plus 8 Records, which helped to introduce a new style of techno known as minimal techno or microhouse. This style was characterized by its use of minimalistic elements and often had a more experimental sound than other forms of techno. Plus 8 would go on to release some of Hawtin’s most famous tracks, such as “Spastik” and “Minus Zero.”
Today, techno is one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music and continues to evolve with each passing year. Drumcode is one of the most well-known labels in the genre, founded by Adam Beyer in 1996. The label specializes in releases that are heavy on drums and bass, giving them their signature sound that has made them so popular among fans of techno worldwide.
The Future of Drumcode and Techno
With the recent surge in popularity of techno and Drumcode-influenced music, it is safe to say that these styles are here to stay. In the past, techno and Drumcode music were largely confined to underground clubs and illegal raves. However, in recent years, these styles have begun to break into the mainstream. This is evident in the success of artists such as Adam Beyer, Paul Kalkbrenner, and Richie Hawtin.
What is the future of Drumcode and techno? It is difficult to say for sure. However, one thing is certain: these styles are no longer confined to the underground. They have broken into the mainstream and are here to stay.