Techno

The Belleville Three at The Detroit Masonic Temple 2017 2

TB-303

File:TechnoCover.jpeg

TechnoCover

Dorian Gray FFM

Tresor - Berlin

DJ Tanith 1994 (3)

Techno is a genre of electronic dance music (EDM) 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 a number of subgenres have been built.

History

In Detroit during the 1980s, techno music was developed by a small group of musicians who were influenced by a mix of music from sources such as funk, jazz, and electronic music from Europe. Among these pioneers, Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson—collectively known as the "Belleville Three"—are often credited with the creation of techno. They were high school friends from Belleville, Michigan, who shared a deep interest in futuristic and electronic music.

Characteristics

Techno is generally repetitive instrumental music, often produced for use in a continuous DJ set. The central rhythmic component is most often in common time (4/4), where time is marked with a bass drum on each quarter note pulse, a backbeat played by snare or clap on the second and fourth pulses of the bar, and an open hi-hat sounding every second eighth note. The tempo tends to vary between 120 to 150 beats per minute (bpm), depending on the style of techno.

The genre is also known for its use of synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers. Melodies and harmonies are typically simplistic, with the music retaining a futuristic, electronic feel. Techno also tends to make use of the repetitive nature of the music to build a hypnotic, trance-like state in the listener.

Subgenres

Techno has branched out into a myriad of subgenres, each with its own distinct style and cultural background. Some of these include:

• Minimal techno
• Dub techno
• Industrial techno
• Hard techno
• Ambient techno

Cultural Impact

Techno has had a significant impact on the global music scene, influencing various aspects of culture, fashion, and technology. It has been a major part of rave culture and has contributed to the evolution of club culture worldwide. Techno festivals, such as the Detroit Electronic Music Festival (DEMF), now known as Movement, have become important cultural events that attract thousands of attendees from all over the world.

See Also

• Electronic dance music
• House music
• Trance music
• Rave

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