5 Techno Genre Musicians You Need to Know

In the world of techno music, these five artists stand out as innovators of the genre. If you’re a fan of techno music, you need to know these musicians.

Introduction

Techno is a genre 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 type of music, was in 1988. Many styles of techno now exist, but Detroit techno and Chicago hard house are the two most common and widely known.

The music is often repetitive or percussive, and often features synthetic sounds created with computers and electronic instruments. Techno is generally produced for use in a continuous DJ set; the spontaneous flow of tracks mixed with one another creates an immersive experience that draws listeners into the music.

Richie Hawtin

Richie Hawtin is a British-Canadian DJ, record producer and musician. He is best known for his work in the techno and minimal techno genres. Hawtin is also the founder of the record label Plus 8 and the event company M-nus.

Hawtin first gained popularity in the early 1990s as a member of the Canadian rave group Plastikman. He has released numerous solo albums and singles under his own name and as Plastikman. In 1998, Hawtin launched Plus 8 with John Aquaviva. The label initially focused on releasing techno music but later expanded to other genres such as house and electro. In 2006, Hawtin founded M-nus, an event company that organizes shows and festivals worldwide.

Hawtin has received several accolades for his work in the music industry. He was voted “The World’s Number DJ” by DJ Magazine in 1997 and 1998, and was named “Artist of the Decade” by URB magazine in 2009. In 2010, he was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame.

Jeff Mills

American Techno DJ and producer from Detroit, Jeff Mills is a pioneer of the techno genre. He is known for his quick mixing style and his innovative use of Techno in his DJ sets and live performances. He has released numerous albums and singles, both solo and with various groups, including The Visioneers, a group he formed with fellow Detroit techno artists Juan Atkins and Robert Hood.

Carl Cox

One of the newest and most talked about figures in the techno scene is Carl Cox. His Djing style is unique and his ability to read a crowd is undeniable. He has an impressive record collection and his knowledge of music extends beyond techno. He is a true music lover and it shows in his sets.

Danny Tenaglia

Danny Tenaglia is a New York-based DJ and producer of Italian descent. He is a three-time Grammy Award nominee and has been nominated for Best Remixed Recording four times. Tenaglia’s music is rated among the best in the techno genre and his live sets are legendary.