The Story of Techno
Techno is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in Detroit, Michigan in the United States during the mid-to-late 1980s. The music is characterized by its repetitive beats, use of electronic instruments, and futuristic soundscapes.
The origins of techno can be traced back to the early 1980s when electronic music was gaining popularity in Europe. Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, and Derrick May, who would later become known as the Belleville Three, were inspired by the electronic sounds coming out of Europe and began experimenting with their own style of music. They drew inspiration from the futuristic sounds of Kraftwerk, the funk and soul of Parliament-Funkadelic, and the experimentalism of Brian Eno and David Bowie.
In 1985, Atkins released “No UFOs” under the name Model 500, which is considered to be one of the earliest techno tracks. The following year, Saunderson and May released their first tracks under the names Inner City and Rhythim is Rhythim, respectively.
Techno gained popularity in Detroit’s underground dance scene and quickly spread to other cities in the United States and Europe. The music became associated with the rave scene and was often played at all-night dance parties.
In the 1990s, techno continued to evolve and expand. Subgenres such as acid techno, ambient techno, and Detroit techno emerged, each with their own unique sound and style. Techno also became more popular in mainstream music, with artists like The Prodigy and Daft Punk incorporating techno elements into their music.
