In recent years, techno has undergone significant growth and transformation. It’s been a long time since Kraftwerk, Giorgio Moroder and Yellow Magic Orchestra’s synth-pop experimentations inspired the genre’s Detroit forefathers (Derrick May, Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson) to fuse elements of soul, funk, disco and electro into a distinct, rhythmic sound.
One song in particular – Derrick May’s “Strings of Life” – became the soundtrack for a burgeoning dance scene, connecting a global community on both sides of the Atlantic, from the US to the UK, Berlin and beyond. That song’s impact is still felt today.
Through the ‘90s, the techno movement dipped into the mainstream as rave culture and club life hit a fever pitch. Acts such as Underworld and ORBITAL guided the momentum into new arenas (quite literally), while Moby mixed his techno roots with a pop sensibility that soared up the charts. 22 years after Juan Atkins and Richard Davis’s Cybotron project birthed “Clear,” that song launched back into the mainstream with Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control,” a 2005 chart-topper that earned Atkins a belated Grammy nomination.
Throughout the genre’s varied, storied history, many other innovators have contributed new ideas from across the globe – Carl Craig, Jeff Mills (who co-founded the influential collective Underground Resistance with “Mad” Mike Banks), Richie Hawtin and Ellen Allien, to name a few. Their influence can be felt at major festivals across the world, from Coachella to Glastonbury. As the genre progresses, so does its range of styles and ideas, combining house, minimal, acid and tribal elements.
This constant elevation leads us to a new crop of DJs and producers providing a diverse range of eclectic styles. From Space 92 – who hails from France and has been on a tear with dance floor heaters including his latest pulsating, sci-fi-inspired “Polaris” – to Japanese-raised, LA-dwelling DJ/producer Marie Vaunt’s dark, booming techno rhythms, we’ve put together a collection of tracks from artists across the globe who are bringing techno’s golden era into the future and keeping the dance floors hot.
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Space 92, “Polaris”
Mathieu Mourareau AKA Space 92, the French techno innovator who cut his teeth in production at a very young age has been on a tear since the pandemic dropping a series of techno chart toppers. “Polaris” his pulsating sci-fi inspired heater is emblematic of his rapid ascent.
Kaspar, “Sunshine & Rainbows”
The Stuttgart, Germany based DJ has been establishing himself on the techno scene with his fast-paced blend of acid and classic rave aesthetics. His latest banger “Sunshine & Rainbows” features a Rocky quote reminding us all that the hustle is not an easy path, she hints at his drive to raise the bar with his craft.
Andrej Meyer, “Run for Cover”
Andrej Meyer has been lighting up the underground with his unique blend of psychedelic acid techno and mesmerizing pulsating beats. His latest late night ready “Run for Cover” delivers.
Dylan Fogarty, “Karachi”
Continuing his rapid ascent as a DJ/producer to watch, Fogerty keeps the momentum moving forward with “Karachi” which effortlessly brings the ethos of techno’s past and future together.
Dominik Saltevski, “Libertas” (Original Mix)
The German-born DJ/producer got an early start, learning cello and classical at age 9. As Saltevski expanded his horizons as a multi-instrumentalist he brought his early influence into his emotive and expansive influences into his techno track, emblematic on “Libartas.”
Marhu, “Whispers Of Youth” (edit)
Brussels, Marhu emerged rapidly from the underground electronic scene with her signature trance-laced techno, optimized for the dance floor.
AKKI, “Cry”
Munich, Germany-bred DJ/producer AKKI, launched as a mainstay in the modern techno scene. He got his start as a young teen and has stopped experimenting with pushing musical boundaries. “Cry,” a big room techno anthem gives you a glimpse into his world.
Marie Vaunt, “Obey”
A Japanese-raised DJ/producer now based in Los Angeles has established her sound with dark, booming techno rhythms, ready to soundtrack a late night voyage into the club. The industrial-tinged earworm “Obey,” will have “obey, the rave, the dark, the acid” echoing on repeat in your head.
AAD (DE), “Plasma Flow”
German producer AAD (DE) and Chris Veron unite on “Plasma Flow,” a melodic, yet minimal collaborative banger that is dance floor ready.
Dylan Fogarty, “Inversion”
A fresh face on the scene, Dublin’s rising star delivers beats that will throw you right back into the salad days of ‘90s raves.
Tommy Holohan, “Pulse Love / Heaven's Passage”
An established presence on the Dublin club scene, he’s been a big driver of the rave revival while extending his reach into mainland Europe and beyond.
Space 92, “Insomnia”
From France, he’s a top-selling techno producer with plenty of tricks up his sleeve and a rapidly rising trajectory.
ANNĒ, “Blind”
Hailing from Greece DJ, producer and composer ANNĒ takes a unique approach to blending modern thumping beats and murky rhythms with with the energy and spirit of ‘90s Detriot style techno.
Regal86, “La Onda”
“Hardgroove” techno has been around for years, but this Monterey, Mexico producer is making it sound brand new.
1morning, “Dilate”
Heavy atmosphere and relentless four-on-the-floor mark this thumper from LA’s 1morning.
Amaliah, “Selene’s Serenade”
This London-based producer has her own label, Borne Fruits. Here she “serenades” us with futuristic bounce.
Kiss Nuka, “Raat Rani”
She’s based in Spain, but Anushka Manchanda incorporates her Indian heritage in her immersive world of sound.
Paurro, “Galavision”
She’s a Mexico City DJ and label manager for Cómeme as well a figure in the underground scene that has loomed large for some time with her globetrotting approach to bringing her unique fusion of house, UK garage, breakbeat, bass, and of course techno to the dance floor.
Mayfie, “Curious Desire”
The beat on this track from the Montreal-based producer is so heavy, it could shake the packed dancefloors it commands.
T78, “No Guestlist” (feat. Angelala)
Founder of Autektone Records (Italy), Manuele Tessarollo tweaks that perennial nightclub figure: the one who’s “on the guest list.”
VNTM - “Aperture”
The Amsterdam-based live act, musician and Open Source label boss puts his prowess for building haunting soundscapes on full display with this pulsing 135 bpm cut.
Ludwig A. F. - “Octav”
Appearing on the 5-track EP, ‘Halo,’ the German producer evolves his signature future-forward sound, while keeping the energy high and the bass heavy.
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