Origin of Detroit Techno:
Techno is a form of electronic music produced using a wide range of analog electronic and computer-based digital instruments and software. It was originated by Juan Atkins in the 1980s.
Elements of Detroit Techno:
House music: a style of electronic music originating in gay Black clubs in Chicago in the 1980s.
Rave: a large-scale, all night party featuring electronic dance music, primarily house and techno.
Cabaret: a type of social gathering in Detroit, usually associated with a community of unionized workers or other socially specific groups. DJs perform at these gatherings, and attendees dress in formal clothing, dance, eat, and drink.
Krautrock: electronic music played by European groups of the 1980s, particularly German groups such as Kraftwerk, which featured heavy use of drum machines.
Primary Composers and Performers:
Ken Collier:(aka The Godfather) DJ who opened the door for techno and changed the ways of nightlife in Detroit.
Juan Atkins (Deep Drive): musician widely credited as the originator of techno music.
Derrick May:(aka Mayday and Rhythm is Rhythm) electronic musician credited with pioneering techno music.
Commodification
Today, there are many popular techno groups and individual artists who are white. Including Richie Hawtin, Moby, Deadmau5, etc.
Conclusion
Before reading this chapter, I knew absolutely nothing about techno music. I believe that I might have been able to identify the genre of music if I heard it being played but that was the extent to where my knowledge went. I had absolutely no idea that it had originated in Detroit. However, I think that it’s impressive that it has now spread across the globe as a common genre, and one that is certainly played at many parties and celebrations around the world.
