by squarewithin

Have you ever been walking down the street when a car drives by and you hear a cool beat that makes you want to start grooving down the sidewalk? More than likely, it was an awesomely mixed electronic dance music jam you heard, also known as techno.

As is often the case with the origins of music genres, the history of techno depends on who you’re talking to and which region you explore. The beginning story of techno differs whether you’re discussing techno in Europe or the United States. However, what is generally accepted as the story of techno’s emergence is that in the 1980s, three Detroit artists, known as the “Belleville Three,” combined the repetitive electro sounds of Kraftwerk with the rhythms of funk.

And here lies one key element to the fantastic booty-shaking sounds we hear today: Kraftwerk. Kraftwerk is an electro music band from Germany that started creating beats in the 1970s. The group was initially formed by classically trained musicians Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider, who became intrigued by the technological capabilities of machines. Since Kraftwerk’s inception, there have been several additions and departures from the band. Their international breakthrough album, Autobahn, marked the beginning of significant movements within various genres across the board. Not only has their music influenced techno music, but it has also inspired Inspired by nature - Artist Robert Tucker talks about himself and his artist experience in this exclusive article. Inspired by nature The glorious portal of a new year is again upon me. My mind has wondered since the start of 2008 as to which direction my creative self will take. For me a torrent of feelings were released in… rock n’ roll, pop music, and the hip-hop community.

Kraftwerk’s early albums were described more as free-form experimental rock, but as their music progressed, they began using technology, including synthesizers, drum machines, vocoders, and custom-made instruments.

While many describe the early sound of Kraftwerk as more noise without much rhythm, Autobahn is considered the turning point where they began to incorporate rhythm, pop hooks, and disciplined structure. Though lyrics are kept to a minimum in their music, when lyrics are included, they are usually about technology and urban life. Perhaps this is part of the reason why they’ve had a strong influence in the hip-hop and techno community.

Kraftwerk’s music continues to be highly influential after more than 20 years. The electronic band’s last performance to date was in September 2009, at a festival on the Isle of Wight (an English island) called Bestival. It is rumored that a box set of Kraftwerk’s first three experimental albums, which were not as well-regarded as their Autobahn album, is in the works, along with a new studio album.

If you haven’t feasted your ears upon the unique sounds and rhythms of Kraftwerk’s music, I highly recommend you do so. Although Kraftwerk’s music isn’t for everyone, if you’re into the electronic music Trance Music - Free Flowing Electronica - Have you ever found yourself dancing in a club, utterly absorbed in the melody, feeling as if the trance music is flowing through you and guiding your body's movements? This is an experience I've had numerous times during carefree nights at local techno clubs I've often wondered which type of techno generates this unforgettable sensation… scene, it can be beneficial to know the origins and understand where much of the music you love today got its influence from. Before Kraftwerk, no band had ever quite experimented with technology and music in a similar way.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME