Techno: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 00:48, 10 December 2024

Techno is a genre of electronic dance music (EDM) that emerged in the mid-to-late 1980s in Detroit, Michigan. The first recorded use of the term "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[edit]

Techno music originated in the United States in the 1980s, specifically in Detroit, Michigan. The genre was developed by a group of African-American artists known as the Belleville Three, consisting of Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, and Derrick May. These artists were influenced by the electronic music of Kraftwerk, Giorgio Moroder, and Yellow Magic Orchestra, as well as the funk sounds of Parliament-Funkadelic.

The Belleville Three began experimenting with electronic instruments, such as the Roland TR-808 drum machine and the Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer, to create a new sound that was distinct from the disco and house music of the time. This new sound was characterized by repetitive beats, synthesized melodies, and a futuristic aesthetic.

The Roland TB-303, a key instrument in the development of techno music

Characteristics[edit]

Techno music is typically instrumental and is characterized by a repetitive 4/4 beat, often in the range of 120 to 150 beats per minute. The music is produced using electronic instruments such as synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers. Techno tracks often feature a "four on the floor" beat, with a bass drum on every beat, and are layered with synthesized melodies and effects.

Subgenres[edit]

Techno has evolved into a variety of subgenres, each with its own distinct sound and cultural influences. Some of the most notable subgenres include:

Detroit techno: The original form of techno, characterized by its soulful and futuristic sound.
Acid techno: Known for its use of the Roland TB-303 to create squelching basslines.
Minimal techno: Focuses on simplicity and repetition, often with sparse arrangements.
Ambient techno: Combines elements of ambient music with techno beats.

Global Influence[edit]

Techno music quickly spread from Detroit to other parts of the world, particularly Europe. Cities like Berlin and London became major centers for techno music, with clubs such as Tresor in Berlin and Dorian Gray in Frankfurt becoming iconic venues for the genre.

Cultural Impact[edit]

Techno has had a significant impact on global music culture, influencing a wide range of electronic music genres and the development of the rave scene. The genre's emphasis on technology and futurism has also influenced fashion, art, and design.

Also see[edit]

Template:Techno music

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-[[File:The Belleville Three at The Detroit Masonic Temple 2017 2.png|thumb]] [[File:TB-303.jpg|thumb]] [[File:TechnoCover.jpeg|thumb]] [[File:Dorian Gray FFM.jpg|thumb]] Techno
+{{Infobox music genre
+| name = Techno
+| color = black
+| bgcolor = silver
+| stylistic_origins = [[Electronic music]], [[House music]], [[Synthpop]]
+| cultural_origins = Mid-1980s, [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]], [[United States]]
+| instruments = [[Synthesizer]], [[Drum machine]], [[Sequencer]], [[Sampler (musical instrument)|Sampler]]
+| popularity = Underground, with mainstream success in the 1990s
+| derivatives = [[Minimal techno]], [[Tech house]], [[Trance music|Trance]]
+| subgenres = [[Detroit techno]], [[Acid techno]], [[Ambient techno]]
+| fusiongenres = [[Tech house]], [[Tech trance]]
+| regional_scenes = [[Berlin]], [[Detroit]], [[London]]
+| other_topics = [[Rave]], [[Electronic dance music]]
+}}
-Techno is a genre of electronic dance music (EDM) that emerged in the mid-to-late 1980s in Detroit, Michigan. It is characterized by a repetitive, instrumental sound that is often produced using synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers. Techno music is known for its fast tempo, typically ranging from 120 to 150 beats per minute, and its emphasis on rhythm and texture over melody.
+[[File:The_Belleville_Three_at_The_Detroit_Masonic_Temple_2017_2.png|thumb|The Belleville Three, pioneers of techno music]]
+'''Techno''' is a genre of [[electronic dance music]] (EDM) that emerged in the mid-to-late 1980s in [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]]. The first recorded use of the term "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 ==
+Techno music originated in the United States in the 1980s, specifically in Detroit, Michigan. The genre was developed by a group of African-American artists known as the [[Belleville Three]], consisting of [[Juan Atkins]], [[Kevin Saunderson]], and [[Derrick May]]. These artists were influenced by the electronic music of [[Kraftwerk]], [[Giorgio Moroder]], and [[Yellow Magic Orchestra]], as well as the funk sounds of [[Parliament-Funkadelic]].
-The origins of techno can be traced back to the early 1980s, when a group of young African American musicians in Detroit began experimenting with electronic music. Influenced by the futuristic sounds of European electronic music, such as [[Kraftwerk]] and [[Giorgio Moroder]], as well as the funk and soul music of their own culture, these artists created a new sound that would become known as techno.
+The Belleville Three began experimenting with electronic instruments, such as the [[Roland TR-808]] drum machine and the [[Roland TB-303]] bass synthesizer, to create a new sound that was distinct from the [[disco]] and [[house music]] of the time. This new sound was characterized by repetitive beats, synthesized melodies, and a futuristic aesthetic.
-The "Belleville Three," consisting of [[Juan Atkins]], [[Derrick May]], and [[Kevin Saunderson]], are often credited as the pioneers of techno music. They were inspired by the "futuristic" sounds of electronic music and the industrial landscape of Detroit, which they sought to reflect in their music.
+[[File:TB-303.jpg|thumb|The Roland TB-303, a key instrument in the development of techno music]]
 == Characteristics ==
+Techno music is typically instrumental and is characterized by a repetitive 4/4 beat, often in the range of 120 to 150 beats per minute. The music is produced using electronic instruments such as synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers. Techno tracks often feature a "four on the floor" beat, with a bass drum on every beat, and are layered with synthesized melodies and effects.
-Techno music is characterized by its use of repetitive beats and synthesized sounds. The music is often instrumental, with a focus on creating a hypnotic and immersive experience for the listener. Common elements of techno include:
-* '''Four-on-the-floor beat''': A steady, unchanging bass drum pattern that provides the foundation for the track.
-* '''Synthesizers''': Used to create a wide range of sounds, from melodic leads to atmospheric pads.
-* '''Drum machines''': Devices like the [[Roland TR-808]] and [[Roland TR-909]] are iconic in techno production.
-* '''Sequencers''': Used to program and arrange the various elements of a track.
 == Subgenres ==
+Techno has evolved into a variety of subgenres, each with its own distinct sound and cultural influences. Some of the most notable subgenres include:
-Over the years, techno has evolved into numerous subgenres, each with its own distinct sound and style. Some of the most notable subgenres include:
+* '''[[Detroit techno]]''': The original form of techno, characterized by its soulful and futuristic sound.
+* '''[[Acid techno]]''': Known for its use of the [[Roland TB-303]] to create squelching basslines.
+* '''[[Minimal techno]]''': Focuses on simplicity and repetition, often with sparse arrangements.
+* '''[[Ambient techno]]''': Combines elements of ambient music with techno beats.
-* '''Minimal Techno''': Focuses on simplicity and repetition, often using fewer elements to create a more stripped-down sound.
+== Global Influence ==
-* '''Detroit Techno''': The original form of techno, characterized by its soulful and melodic elements.
+Techno music quickly spread from Detroit to other parts of the world, particularly Europe. Cities like [[Berlin]] and [[London]] became major centers for techno music, with clubs such as [[Tresor]] in Berlin and [[Dorian Gray]] in Frankfurt becoming iconic venues for the genre.
-* '''Acid Techno''': Known for its use of the [[Roland TB-303]] bass synthesizer, which produces a distinctive "squelching" sound.
-* '''Tech House''': Combines elements of techno and house music, often featuring a more groove-oriented sound.
-== Influence and Legacy ==
+[[File:Dorian_Gray_FFM.jpg|thumb|Dorian Gray, a famous techno club in Frankfurt]]
+[[File:Tresor_-_Berlin.jpg|thumb|Tresor, a legendary techno club in Berlin]]
-Techno has had a significant impact on the development of electronic music and popular culture. It has influenced a wide range of other genres, including house, trance, and drum and bass. Techno music has also played a key role in the development of the global rave and club culture, with events and festivals dedicated to the genre taking place around the world.
+== Cultural Impact ==
+Techno has had a significant impact on global music culture, influencing a wide range of electronic music genres and the development of the [[rave]] scene. The genre's emphasis on technology and futurism has also influenced fashion, art, and design.
 == Also see ==
+* [[Electronic dance music]]
+* [[House music]]
+* [[Rave]]
+* [[Minimal techno]]
+* [[Trance music]]
-* [[Electronic Dance Music]]
+{{Electronic music}}
-* [[House Music]]
+{{Techno music}}
-* [[Trance Music]]
-* [[Rave Culture]]
-* [[Detroit Music Scene]]
-{{Techno}}
-[[Category:Electronic Music Genres]]
+[[Category:Electronic music genres]]
-[[Category:Music of Detroit]]
+[[Category:Techno]]
-[[Category:1980s Music Genres]]
+[[Category:Music genres]]