Since the dawn of the first “untz,” there has been an ongoing battle within the world of dance music about techno as a genre. In the ’90s, the term was often used as a mislabel for all dance music. Today, the debate continues on what it is, and people have created other terms for it such as “business techno.” However, most can agree techno is characterized by the use of a 4/4 synthesized kick drum (the “un” in the “untz”), repetitive beats using various percussions, and heavy use of synthesizers. Now beyond that, is where things get tricky and you go into the wonderful world of subgenres. Don’t know where to start? Here are some sub-genres (plus tracks) to help you venture down the techno rabbit hole. Mind you there are even sub genres off sub genres so keep in mind this list is nowhere near complete but a great starting point for those looking to expand their techno knowledge.

 

Detroit Techno

The big bad granddaddy of them all. People sometimes debate the origins of techno, but all would agree on the initial impact and pioneering of the Belleville Three. Since the inception of their music, techno obviously evolved into something entirely different and subgenres were made. Thus “Detroit Techno” is the genre that is more akin to its original style and is still thriving today. Building on top of the aforementioned techno basics, Detroit techno also combines brighter, funkier, and more soulful aspects due to the influence of the Chicago house scene at the time of its inception.

Listen: Kevin Saunderson “Pump The Move”

 

Minimal Techno

Consider minimal techno a more stripped-down version of its parent genre. It typically only consists of drums, a bassline, and bare minimum essential elements to create a grooving track. Very little melody is involved in this subgenre as the focus is more repetition and subtle changes within the bare elements used. Detroit artist Robert Hood is often credited for pioneering this style of techno in the ’90s.

Listen: Robert Hood “Minimal Minded”

 

Acid Techno

Acid techno is a subgenre of techno focusing on the use of the sometimes squelchy and often trippy bass sounds of the infamous Roland TB 303 machine. Some notable artists that are often associated with acid techno are DAVE the Drummer, Plastikman, and more recently (plausibly debatable) artists such as Amelie Lens. Although developed in the 90s acid techno has made a massive resurgence. “[Techno] is the kind of genre that’s constantly developing and evolving,” says DJ duo Pan-Pot. “You can see this in between the last five to six years. Techno became super hard again very acid-driven.”

Listen: D.A.V.E. The Drummer “Punk Ravers”

 

Industrial Techno

Industrial techno is a hard-hitting high-energy version of techno that often uses dark, harsh, noisy, and aggressive elements associated with, no surprise, “industrial music”. From so many great artists to choose from, one industrial pick would be Paula Temple.

Listen: Paula Temple “Futures Betrayed”

 

Hard Techno

With the rise of popularity in hard techno exemplified by Sara Landry's 2024 performance as the first hard techno act to play the Tomorrow Land Mainstage, hard techno has clearly become a must know genre. However, Hard techno itself as a genre has gone through it's evolutions and creating possible branches of sub-sub genres as well. Currently as it's known today, hard techno does have the similar intensity of industrial techno but with a much more straight forward drive in energy, use of massive aggressive synths, vocal samples (and sometimes even use of pop vocal samples), and often (but not always) uses triplet bass rhythms commonly used in Psytrance. 

 

Hardgroove Techno

Hardgroove techno is a subgenre of techno that dates back to the 90's. The genre emphasizes rhythm and groove, featuring syncopated, funky beats and prominent, bouncy basslines. It stands out with its dynamic, percussive elements and energetic, danceable aggressive vibe. Often incorporating melodic or atmospheric touches, hardgroove techno blends influences from funk, breakbeat, and tribal music, creating a distinctive sound that's both rhythmically complex and highly engaging on the dancefloor. 

 

Ambient Techno

Switching gears to a softer side of techno. Ambient techno combines deep atmospheric textural sounds of ambient music with techno. Some would argue that ambient techno has a spacey Detroit techno sound. Some notable ambient techno artists are Carl Craig and Aphex Twin.

Listen: Carl Craig “Sandstorms”

 

Dub Techno

No not dubstep and techno. Dub techno is quite similar to ambient techno in that it’s a softer, more relaxing version of techno. It has a focus on trippy delay and reverb effects often associated with Jamaican dub music. One notable artist is Monolake.

Listen: Monolake “Cyan”

 

Hypnotic Techno

It's pretty much in the name. Hypnotic techno is a style of techno that draws in the listener to put them into almost a hypnotized state while creating energy to keep them dancing. Often associated with analog gear and sound, hypnotic techno generally does not use traditional scales of music but uses synths and noises to provide rhythmic elements to follow and evolve- taking the listener on a sonic journey. 

 

Final Thoughts On Techno Subgenres

There you have it, folks. Mind you there are so many more different genres and people even debate the above genres’ definitions. Heck, it might even be you the one having different opinions on the above subgenres. Enjoy exploring the various costumes and textures techno has to offer.