What’s the Difference Between Techno Music and EDM?

Techno music and EDM have a lot of similarities, but there are some key differences that set them apart. In this post, we’ll explore the main distinctions between these two genres of electronic music.

The Origins of Techno and EDM

Techno music and EDM both have their origins in electronic music. Techno music is a genre that was created in the 1980s, while EDM is a more recent genre that has developed in the past few years. Both genres are based on the use of electronic instruments and synthesizers.

Detroit Techno

Detroit techno is a type of techno music that emerged in Detroit, Michigan, in the mid-1980s. The city’s close-knit underground music scene fostered the development of this style of music, which is characterized by its use of synthesizers and drum machines. Detroit techno is often credited as the first subgenre of techno music, and it remains one of the most popular styles today.

Chicago House

Techno music is a type of electronic dance music that originated in Detroit, Michigan, in the United States in the 1980s. The first techno tracks were produced by DJs and producers who were influenced by the music of European artists like Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder. Techno is characterized by a minimalist approach to composition, with a focus on repetitive beats and filtered basslines. The style quickly gained popularity in nightclubs in Detroit and other cities in the US, as well as in Europe. By the early 1990s, techno had become one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music.

EDM, or electronic dance music, is a broad category that includes all types of electronic music made for dancing. EDM includes subgenres like house, techno, trance, drum and bass, and dubstep.

The Differences Between Techno and EDM

Techno and EDM are two genres of electronic dance music that are often confused for one another. Techno is a genre that started in the 1980s and is characterized by a repetitive 4/4 beat. EDM, on the other hand, is a more recent genre that developed in the 1990s and is characterized by a build-up and drop.

The Sounds

The defining characteristic of techno is the repetitive 4/4 beat, often referred to as the “four-on-the-floor” beat. This typifies techno, as its name suggests. Techno also typically has a BPM (beats per minute) between 120 and 150. The sound of techno is typified by its use of synthesizers and drum machines, which create a robotic quality to the music.

EDM, on the other hand, is more encompassing and doesn’t have such a strict set of sonic guidelines. It often has a faster BPM than techno (anywhere from 130 to 160), but this isn’t always the case. And while synthesizers are still common in EDM tracks, they don’t always create that same robotic quality found in techno; in fact, acoustic instruments are sometimes used in EDM productions.

The Styles

Techno and EDM are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different genres of electronic dance music. Techno is a broader term that encompasses a range of styles, while EDM is a more specific genre that is characterized by a certain sound and production style.

Techno began in the 1980s as a underground movement in Detroit, Michigan. The style was pioneered by artists like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson, who were influenced by European electronic music and disco. Techno was initially made with analog synthesizers and drum machines, and it had a raw, industrial sound. The genre became popular in Europe in the early 1990s, and it has since evolved into many different subgenres.

EDM, on the other hand, developed in the mainstream dance music scene in the early 2000s. The sound is generally more polished and commercial than techno, and it often features catchy melodies and big drops. EDM producers often use computer programs to create their tracks, which gives the genre a very uniform sound. The term “EDM” is typically used to describe the more popular subgenres of dance music, such as house, trance, dubstep, and drum & bass.

The Culture

There are two key elements that differentiate the techno music culture from the EDM culture: community and experience.

In the techno music culture, the community is everything. Techno music is often associated with underground, DIY (do-it-yourself) parties that are organized by passionate music lovers. These parties are often small and intimate, giving people the opportunity to connect with each other and the music on a deeper level.

The experience of listening to techno music is also quite different from other genres of electronic dance music. Techno is known for its minimalistic approach, which allows listeners to focus on the deep, hypnotic soundscape created by the artist. This can be a very meditative and even spiritual experience for some people.