Producing Techno: Experimenting with Effects and More

Techno music has been around for decades. Musical Expert explains that the genre got its start during the 80s in Detroit, Michigan. DJs would perform live in front of a crowd and would remix songs to the point where they would produce a futuristic and synthesized melody. It was typically played to get people dancing during parties or in clubs after the era of disco music.

As the years have passed, techno still holds a place within America’s club culture and is still played on numerous radio stations. Detroit even holds an annual Electronic Music Festival, where artists perform their best sets. Creating techno songs today has never been easier, with the wide array of tools and programs currently available to the public. These are just a few things you can do when producing this kind of music:

Don’t be afraid to mix genres

As mentioned earlier, techno got its start from DJs who would often mix different songs on a turntable, adding their own effects and spin to the music. When producing, don’t be afraid to mix samples from different genres. Techno is all about creating something new and different which can only be achieved through experimenting and thinking out of the box.

Up and coming artist Arnaud Rebotini is no stranger to this concept. His EP, New Territory, fuses together the moody atmosphere commonly associated together with the jumpiness of a techno background. While it may seem like these are two contrasting ideas, Rebotini makes them blend well together to create an exciting track. When producing songs, take a risk and mix genres. You might just come out with a hauntingly beautiful piece.

Test different hardware

Hardware has been an essential part of producing techno music ever since it began. Artists relied heavily on turntables to achieve the sounds they wanted. With technological developments, you can now use musical instrument digital interfaces (MIDIs). There are many different kinds of MIDIs, ranging from controllers to keyboards, so you can test out different ones to find which one best suits your style.

If you prefer the sound of real instruments, you can also opt to use tools that help produce a more synthesized sound. Case in point, WMD manufactures innovative music hardware like guitar pedals and modular synthesizers. Their Geiger Counter Civilian Issue model offers distortion and fuzz, creating a muddled version of riffs perfect for techno songs. As each pedal has different effects, choose one that produces music that mixes well with your style as an artist. Experimenting with hardware can also be key to helping you find your sound.

Have good software

If you want to produce techno music but don’t want to splurge on numerous pieces of gear, you can also opt to get reliable software instead. Many applications are equipped with different instruments and controls that will make you feel like you have a specialized rig. They are also convenient because this means all you need to do is carry your computer with you instead of lugging around other tools, all without compromising the range and variety of sound you can make.

Toontrack’s EZDrummer 2 is one of the most well-known software when it comes to percussion. As techno songs rely heavily on beats and bass, this application will make it easy to lay down a track that you can build on with more melody. Ableton Live is another digital audio workstation regarded for its versatility when it comes to producing music.

Techno continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many music enthusiasts and producers alike. It gives artists the freedom to create something new and interesting that listeners can enjoy and dance to. These are just some of the things you can do when you are producing techno music.