I’ve been getting more into techno and “club” music lately. With the likes of Shygirl, Slater, The Egyptian Lover, and Coucou Chloe filling my playlists, I can’t help but think of the origins of music like this. Techno originated in European countries like Germany, heavily influenced by Chicago house and Detroit techno. It quickly became a staple in rave clubs all around the world, and has influenced many other genres. Techno spread its fingers into hundreds of other genres, and there’s at least one mix of techno with each major music genre. My first introduction to techno happened about ten years ago, when the industrial band KMFDM played on my mom’s iPod. When I first heard it, I hated the characteristic heavy metal sounds mixed with repetitive synths, but it slowly grew on me. Industrial music is comprised of heavy metal influences and the drumbeats and synths of techno, and grew from sources all over the world in response to the Industrial Revolution. I had lost interest for a few years, but have gradually come back to it. When I started getting more into it over the past few weeks, I wondered why I ever left it in the first place. My tastes have ranged from pop, rock, industrial, R&B, and folk, and I’ve never really thought of why. My love for music has given me such a huge opportunity for connection that a lot of times, I find myself forgetting about how much of a gift it is. Even when I make my own, I can’t help but appreciate the samples, instrumentals, and styles I see coming from artists much more skilled than I. One of my favorites is the aforementioned Egyptian Lover. His skill with DJing and mixing tracks is so admirable, especially in live settings. His laidback style of spinning makes other, more performative styles seem a little bit overdone in the best way. His huge passion for his art form gives me such inspiration to continue my musical journey.
I’ve also been listening to more music lately, and I can’t believe I ever stopped at one point. Music is such an amazing gift. It’s interesting reading about your journey with it as well!