The Seven Major Genres of Techno Music
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Techno is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the Detroit area during the mid-to-late 1980s. The first use of the word “techno” in reference to a specific genre of music was in 1988. Many styles of techno now exist, but all of them share a few common elements. This blog post will explore the seven major genres of techno music.
Introduction to Techno
Techno is a type of electronic dance music that emerged in the mid-1980s. The genre is characterized by a repetitive 4/4 beat and often contains elements of Chicago house, Detroit techno, and acid house. Techno is typically produced using software synthesisers, drum machines, and sequencers.
What is Techno?
Techno is a genre of EDM (electronic dance music) that became popular in the rave and nightclub scene in the 1980s and 1990s. It is characterized by a repetitive 4/4 beat and often has an futuristic or dystopian sound. Techno is usually produced with synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers.
There are many subgenres of techno, but the seven major genres are: acid techno, Detroit techno, hard techno, minimal techno, progressive techno, tech house, and trance.
Acid techno is a subgenre that emerged in the early 1990s and is characterized by its use of the Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer to create acidic or “squelchy” sounds. Detroit techno is a subgenre that was developed in Detroit, Michigan in the 1980s by artists like Juan Atkins and Derrick May. Hard techno is a harder-edged form of techno that often has themes of violence or rebellion. Minimal techno is a subgenre that focuses on minimalism and often has sparse arrangements. Progressive techno is a subgenre that developed in the early 1990s and is characterized by its use of various tempo changes and mood swings. Tech house is a fusion genre that combines elements of house music and techno. Trance is a genre that developed out of acid house in the late 1980s/early 1990s and is characterized by its use of trancelike melodies and hypnotic rhythms.
The History of Techno
Techno is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by a repetitive 4/4 beat and often incorporates elements of synth-pop, house and industrial music. The first techno tracks were produced by pioneers such as Juan Atkins, Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson in Detroit, Michigan. These early tracks laid the foundations for the genre and helped to create the “Detroit sound.”
In the 1990s, techno experienced a global explosion in popularity, fuelled by the rise of rave culture. Techno tracks were played at all-night dance parties (raves), parties that often lasted until dawn. By the late 1990s, techno had become one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music in the world.
Today, techno is enjoyed by millions of people around the world and is one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music.
The Seven Major Genres of Techno
Techno music has been around for decades and has evolved into a wide variety of genres. The seven major genres of techno include acid techno, electro techno, hard techno, minimal techno, progressive techno, tribal techno, and trance techno.
Detroit Techno
Detroit techno is a type of techno music that originated in Detroit, Michigan, in the United States during the mid-1980s. The first Detroit techno tracks were produced by Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson, who are often referred to as the ” Belleville Three”. Detroit techno is generally characterized by sparse, clattering drum machines , deep bass lines , and often futuristic soundscapes .
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Detroit techno became popular in Europe , particularly in Germany . The style was also adopted by a number of British producers , including Neil Landstrumm , Steve Bicknell , and Andrew Weatherall . After the mid-1990s, however, Detroit techno fell out of favor in Europe, though it continued to be popular in the United States and Japan .
Today, Detroit techno is enjoying something of a renaissance , with a new generation of producers carrying on the tradition of innovative music making.
Chicago Techno
Chicago techno is a style of techno music that developed in Chicago in the early 1990s. It is characterized by a hard, minimalist sound that is often stripped down to just the essentials: drums, bassline and occasional melodies. The Chicago sound was pioneered by DJs such as Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy and Mr. Fingers (Larry Heard), and producers such as Adonis, Cryptogramophone and Jay Denham.
The style of techno that developed in Detroit in the late 1980s and early 1990s (often referred to as “Detroit Techno” or “Dance Music”) is perhaps the best-known example of techno outside of Chicago. The sound of Detroit techno is typically more experimental and cerebral than that of its Chicago counterpart, with a greater emphasis on atmosphere and atmospherics. Detroit techno was pioneered by DJs such as Juan Atkins, Derrick May and Eddie Fowlkes, and producers such as Claude Young, Carl Craig and Richie Hawtin.
Minimal Techno
Minimal techno is a subgenre of techno that was developed in the early 1990s. It is characterized by a stripped-down aesthetic that emphasizes sound overtypical song structure. Minimal techno is often repetitive and hypnotic, with a heavy focus on rhythm. Common features include detuned and echoed synth lines, sparse drum patterns, and occasional vocals.
Hard Techno
Hard techno is a dark, drone-y style of techno characterized by its industrial sound and pounding, four-on-the-floor rhythms. Hard techno is often played at very high volumes and is designed to be heard in big clubs with heavy bass sound systems. This genre is not for the faint of heart – it’s hard, dark, and often aggressive.
Acid Techno
Acid techno is a subgenre of techno that was associated with the Acid House movement in England in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The style is typified by the use of the Roland TB-303 electronic bass synthesizer. Acid techno is closely related to acid house, and the two genres often overlap, but there are also significant differences.
The defining feature of acid techno is the use of the TB-303, which gives the music its distinctive squelchy sound. Other common features include funky drum patterns, clavinet and acid house-style synth leads. The music often has a dark or psychedelic edge, and it can be quite psychedelic itself.
Acid techno is most commonly associated with the early days of rave culture in England, but it has also been popular in Germany, the Netherlands and other countries. In recent years, it has experienced something of a renaissance, thanks to the popularity of retro-style club nights and festivals.
Dub Techno
Dub techno is a subgenre of techno that combines elements of dub, ambient, and minimalism. The history of dub techno can be traced back to the early 1990s when Basic Channel, a duo from Germany, released a series of EPs that blended dub-influenced rhythms with minimal techno. Basic Channel’s music was very influential, and dub techno soon became its own distinct genre.
While dub techno shares many sonic qualities with other forms of techno, it is typically distinguished by its deep, transcendent atmosphere and dubbed-out soundscapes. This makes dub techno perfect for both dancefloor settings and home listening. If you’re looking to explore the genre, start with the following essential albums:
-Basic Channel – “Quadrant” EP (1992)
-Maurizio – “M7” (1995)
-DeepChord – “DC#10” (1998)
-Flanger – “Templates” (1999)
-Vladislav Delay – “Anima” (2000)
Techno-Pop
Techno-pop is a genre of electronic dance music that combines elements of techno and pop music. It is generally characterized by a heavy emphasis on electronic beats and synthesized melodies. Techno-pop songs are often catchy and easy to dance to, making them popular in nightclubs and on the radio. The genre first emerged in the 1980s, with artists like Kraftwerk and Depeche Mode leading the way. In the 1990s, techno-pop achieved mainstream success with hits like “Wonderwall” by Oasis and “Around the World” by Daft Punk. Today, the genre remains popular, with artists like Lady Gaga and Katy Perry incorporating elements of techno-pop into their music.
