How much can a techno producer’s sound change in twenty long years?
Before you answer, you must consider that the first recorded use of the word techno in reference to a specific genre of music was in 1988. In less than thirty years since we have seen a myriad of sub-genres and styles come to life, launching the careers of new talented producers and DJs while also cementing the names of those early pioneers into the history books electronic music.
One such early influencer was Richie Hawtin. As part of the second wave of Detroit techno artists to emerge in the early 1990s, the Canadian producer became the leading exponent of minimal techno thanks to his work as Plastikman and as the head of the iconic Plus 8 label he began with John Acquaviva. In 1998, Hawtin launched M-nus Records and then in 2012 introduced the world to his ENTER. concept, an experimental event series that took Space Ibiza by storm and was then replicated at events throughout the world.
Although today Hawtin is a champion of technology, even curation and the evolution of live deejaying, it is always interesting to go back in time to investigate and navigate through the past and origins of the sound that launched his career in the mid-90s.
The below video immortalizes a Hawtin set performed at The End in London in 1996. We can tell you that the set includes tracks such as “Krackpot” by Plastikman, “Wisdom To The Wise” by Dave Clarke, “Filter King” by 69 (Carl Craig) and Vapourspace’s “Gravitational Arch Of 10,” just to name a few.
Has Hawtin’s sound changed? If so, how? Tell us on Facebook or send us a Tweet with your opinion!
