Talking about techno is like opening the door to a universe full of sounds, emotions and constant evolution. Since its birth in the 80’s in Detroit, this genre has grown to become one of the most important pillars of electronic music. What began as an innovative movement created by the Belleville Three -Juan Atkins, Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson- has given rise to a global scene that continues to expand and reinvent itself, generating subgenres that explore different textures, energies and emotions.
Techno is not only music; it is an experience, a connection with rhythm and atmosphere that transforms depending on the place and the moment. Today I want to share with you a journey through some of the most representative sub-genres of techno, each with its own essence, but all connected by that unmistakable beat.
Tech House
The balance between the depth of techno and the energy of house.
Tech house emerged in the mid-1990s, mainly in the UK, as a fusion between two key genres: house and techno. DJs and producers sought to combine the grooves of house with the structure and synthetic sounds of techno.
This subgenre is perfect for those who enjoy danceable beats without leaving aside the sophistication of techno. With dynamic grooves and sounds that grab you, tech house is a favorite at clubs and festivals.
Names like Carl Cox, Green Velvet and Hot Since 82 stand out in this category.
Hard Techno
Hardtechno, as its name suggests, is pure power and speed.
Hard Techno emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a more aggressive and faster evolution of traditional techno. Its development was influenced by Gabber and other extreme styles of electronic music prevalent in Europe, especially in countries such as Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
It originated in the rave scene, where DJs were looking for a more forceful sound to keep the energy of the attendees during long sessions.
This style takes the intensity of the genre to the limit with accelerated beats and aggressive atmospheres. It is the perfect soundtrack for raves of inexhaustible energy.
In recent years, it has become one of the most demanded genres in techno events.
There are many artists who stand out in the genre such as I Hate Models, Alignment, Stan Christ or 753, among many others.
Acid Techno
Acid Techno has its roots in the Chicago electronic music scene in the 1980s, where Acid House was born thanks to the use of the Roland TB-303 synthesizer. However, in the early 1990s, European producers, especially from the UK, began to fuse the acidic and raucous sounds of the TB-303 with the structure and energy of techno. This blend gave rise to Acid Techno, which quickly became a favorite of underground raves.
Energetic and frenetic, acid techno is perfect for those looking for intensity on the dancefloor. Its dynamic basslines and hard-hitting rhythms have marked generations of ravers.
Techno Melódico
If you are looking for an emotional journey, then Melodic techno is your subgenre. Melodic techno combines deep beats with hypnotic melodies that envelop you completely.
Artists like Tale of Us, Stephan Bodzin and Adriatique are references who know how to turn each track into an almost cinematic experience.
Ideal for introspective moments or to get lost in a festival under the stars.
Industrial Techno
Dark, raw and experimental. Industrial techno combines the character of techno with influences from industrial music, creating soundscapes that evoke factories, machinery and a dystopian atmosphere. It is an ideal proposal for lovers of more extreme and experimental sounds.
Industrial Techno moves away from traditional techno by incorporating a harder and dystopian aesthetic. It evokes images of factories, heavy machinery and post-apocalyptic environments, which makes it especially attractive in underground style venues such as warehouses and industrial clubs.
Minimal techno
For those who believe in the maxim “less is more”, minimal techno is pure essence. Its repetitive rhythms and clean sounds create a hypnotic and enveloping atmosphere that invites you to let yourself be carried away by the beat.
Minimal Techno emerged in the mid-1990s as a response to the more charged and complex techno that prevailed at the time. It developed mainly in Detroit and Berlin, cities with deep techno roots, and was influenced by the “less is more” philosophy promoted by artists like Robert Hood, one of the founders of the genre. Hood sought to simplify the sound of techno, reducing it to its essential elements.
MY CONNECTION WITH TECHNO
From my point of view, I think every sub-genre has its magic, and as a visual artist, techno is one of my biggest sources of inspiration.
I love to translate the emotions of the music into visuals that complement the rhythm and energy of each track.
If you also have a passion for techno and its many facets, I invite you to discover more about my creations inspired by this genre. And you, what subgenre of techno connects more with you?
And if you are a techno artist or any other subgenre and would like to have your own visuals, feel free to contact me.
I’d love to meet you and learn more about you and your music.
