Techno music originated in Detroit, Michigan as early as the 1980s by three (at the time) high school aged, African American boys: Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, and Derrick May. May, Saunderson, and Atkins were in the first Techno group and were known as the Bellville Three. Their creation of the Techno genre became unique to the city of Detroit, but was later spread to as far as Europe. It is also recognized by many as underground dance music and/or high tech soul music. In the late 20th century, it was typical to hear Techno music and its variations of the genre blasting in clubs. Detroit Techno is influenced by several genres of African American music like disco and funk. Techno can be recognized by its use of digitalized computer software, electronic synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers to create a unique electronic and repetitive sound. Some elements of Techno music include digital software, a repetition of four beats, and break beats.
