The Best Techno Music of 2016
Contents
A look at the best techno tracks of 2016. From melodic to dark, these are the tracks that defined the genre this year.
Introduction
Techno music has come a long way since the 1980s, when it was first created in Detroit. Today, techno is enjoyed by people all over the world, and it has become one of the most popular genres of electronic music.
There are many different sub-genres of techno, but all of them share a few common elements: a heavy focus on rhythm and texture, a propulsive energy that keeps dancers moving, and a tendency towards abstraction and minimalism.
The best techno music of 2016 features all of these elements, and more. Whether you’re looking for pulsing club tracks or cerebral headphone music, there’s something on this list for you.
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 Detroit techno is seen as the foundation upon which other subgenres have been built.
Techno is generally characterized by a repetitive 4/4 beat, synthesizers, and heavily processed drum machine sounds. It is often described as “tight”, “hypnotic”, “repetitive”, and “emotional”.
The Best Techno Songs of 2016
1. Solace – Röyksopp
2. Total Depravity – Ben Klock
3. Interference (KiNK Remix) – Patrice Bäumel
4. The Light (Recondite’s Nighttime Forage) – Dixon
5. Kern – Skalameroya
6. Memo Remedi (Ilario Alicante Remix) – Nihad Tule
7. untitled b2 – VA
8. Second Chance (Tale Of Us Remix) Âme
9. Noctuary (Ben Klock Process) – Inland
The Best Techno Albums of 2016
It’s been an incredible year for techno music, with a wide range of artists releasing some truly innovative and boundary-pushing tracks and albums. Here are our picks for the best techno albums of 2016.
1. ‘Ex’ by Dax J
Dax J’s debut album ‘Ex’ is a masterclass in dark, moody techno, with tracks like ‘Black Sun’ and ‘Seven’ providing an atmospheric and deeply hypnotic listen.
2. ‘Noid’ by Perc
Perc’s ‘Noid’ is a taut and relentless techno album that never lets up from start to finish, with the title track being a particular standout. It’s an exhilarating ride from one of the genre’s most consistent artists.
3. ‘Fever Dream’ by Planetary Assault Systems
Planet Assault Systems (aka Luke Slater) returns with another essential album of contemporary techno on ‘Fever Dream’, with highlights including the driving opener ‘Riot Gear’ and the more meditative closer ‘Sleepless’.
4. ‘Blueprints’ by Jeff Mills
Jeff Mills is one of the most respected figures in techno, and he once again proves his mastery of the form on ‘Blueprints’, an album that features some of his most stripped-back and hypnotic tracks to date.
5. ‘Unlearned’ by Floorplan Floorplan is the alias of Detroit techno legend Robert Hood, and on ‘Unlearned’ he teams up with his daughter Lyric for a collection of raw and propulsive tracks that showcase his signature style at its very best.
The Best Techno Festivals of 2016
Although techno music has been around since the late 1980s, it has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Techno festivals are now being held all over the world, and 2016 was no exception. Here are some of the best techno festivals of 2016:
1. Awakening (Berlin, Germany)
2. Mutek (Montreal, Canada)
3. C/O Pop (Cologne, Germany)
4. ADE (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
5. Morebass (Dresden, Germany)
6. Tresor Of Dreams (Leipzig, Germany)
7. Mayday (Dortmund, Germany)
8. Tomorrowland (Boom, Belgium)
9. Sonar (Barcelona, Spain)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best techno music of 2016 was a blend of old and new styles, with established artists pushing the boundaries of the genre and newer artists bringing fresh perspectives. There was a wide range of sounds and styles represented in the best techno music of 2016, from dark and driving to light and airy, and everything in between. Whether you’re a fan of Techno music or not, there’s something for everyone on this list.
