Archive for October, 2009

The origins of techno music

Techno music seems to have been around for years, and many modern dj’s and artists- particularly within the trance and electronica genres- have been heavily influenced by it.

Techno is a type of dance music that can be traced back to Detroit, Michigan, from around the mid to late 1980s.

Techno music also influenced many other genres during this period, in particular hardcore- although this was less electronic.

Techno is often blamed for the death of the disco music scene, which dominated the 70’s and early 80’s.

As the techno scene was considered to be very underground- even during its heyday- it produced very little acts who managed to break into the mainstream.

Although techno music is considered as a genre in its own right, it does tend to get generalised as dance music.

Orbital still going strong 20 years on

Orbital have been one of the most successful and influential electronica and techno acts that the UK have produced. They were big on the dance scene during the 1990’s, although their success continued well into the next decade.
Many of their tracks have been featured on the soundtracks of movies- such as ‘The Beach’, ‘Human Traffic’ and ‘24 Hour Party People’.
In 2004, Orbital announced that they were to part ways- although they re-formed this year, just in time to do a 20th anniversary tour. Their first performance this year was in June, at the Rockness festival, where their set received rave reviews.
Orbital are a prime example of how, although techno much may no longer be as popular or mainstream, it still has a very loyal following.

DJ Profile – Dave Clarke

Along with the mighty Carl Cox, Dave Clarke is considered one of the UK’s finest techno DJs.
From his humble beginnings in Brighton, to the bright lights of the clubs in regularly DJs in across the world today, this is one guy who has never let success go to his head!
Clarke was one of the big players in the 90’s rave scene, and he produced a number of records under the pseudonym ‘Red’, many of which sampled electronica- which was virtually unheard of at the time.
Unlike many techno DJs, Clarke has managed to stand the test of time, and is still in huge demand in clubs across the world.
Clarke has many up-coming gig dates, check out his official site for more information.

Monday Night Rave On A Budget!

Long gone are the days when your weekly rave was confined to a Saturday night! These days, whatever day of the week it is, you’re sure to find whatever your looking for in a city near you!!
For all you techno hardcore ravers who have just about recovered from Saturday night, there’s a fantastic new techno and electronic dance night called PHD in Manchester on Monday nights.
Held at the trendy Club V, the night is marketed primarily as a student night, although you don’t need an NUS card to get through the door. Entry price varies from £4-£5, depending on how early you get there.
There are some unbeatable drinks offers to be had- including sambuca shots at just £1.50- although it’s worth taking it easy on these if you have work the next morning!

Visit PHD @ Club V-

111 Deansgate
Manchester
M3 2BQ

Telephone: 0161 834 9975

Advance tickets are available to purchase.