As both a DJ and musician, Richie Hawtin has been one of the biggest driving forces behind electronic dance music in recent years. Never content repeating himself or sounding like anyone else, Hawtin’s music constantly pushes techno into uncharted territory. With his label, +8, he has given such artists as Vapourspace the exposure they deserve. … Read more
In addition to launching the careers of a new generation of young musicians, the explosion of house and techno re-invigorated the interest of many artists who had grown tired of traditional music. 777 are a good example. In the ’70s, members Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy were part of the France-based rock band Gong. But … Read more
Few bands manage to walk the line between commercial and underground dance music as well as Britain’s Messiah. With tracks such as “Temple of Dreams” and “Thunderdome,” Messiah have managed to create music that stands up to both the club and home listening environment. Their songs are catchy and often make use of recognizable samples, … Read more
Techno music, with its emphasis on intense beats and weird electronic noises over traditional song structure, creates a slight problem for its followers. Just how do you describe that great new track you heard at a club when there is no melody or chorus? Oddly enough, people tend to identify the songs by what they … Read more
By using the highly identifiable “Twin Peaks” string line as the hook of “Go,” Moby had one of the first commercial techno hits and himself became the music’s first superstar. Despite the novelty feel of that record, Moby (Richard M. Hall) proved that he was no one hit wonder and managed to follow it up … Read more
Since their beginnings in 1986, change has been no stranger to The Shamen. Originally an indie-rock outfit from Aberdeen, Scotland, the band relocated to London a few years later and became heavily influenced by the acid house scene. But 1991 was a pivotal year for the group – they finally broke in America, went top … Read more
With the thousands of limited-run dance singles being put out by new bands, the chances of them leading anywhere are small. But every once and a while, a band will stumble upon a hit and find themselves propelled to stardom. Then, of course, chances are they’ll never follow it up and be doomed to becoming … Read more
When 808 State toured America in 1991, techno and rave music was still very much underground here and the group’s shows provided many people with an introduction to the music. But when the group returned this spring, headlining a package tour with Meat Beat Manifesto and Supreme Love Gods, it was a different situation entirely. … Read more