“It’s over, nobody listens to techno!” – Eminem, being patently wrong as usual
Over the next few weeks we’ll be putting together a featured series of artists from our favorite genres that you should check out at EDC Las Vegas. We have a lot of ground to cover before everyone meets under the electric sky, so let us get a little minimal, repetitious, and dark with it, shall we? This week, we’re going to take a dive into one of the older genres of dance music – techno.
Techno was born in the intimate, underground clubs of Detroit, Michigan in the mid-to-late 80’s and has since grown into a subculture of dance music in its own right. Be careful what you call techno, though – you’ll soon find that lovers of this style of music will be quick to point out the various differences between the sub-genres (like tech house, dark techno, minimal techno… I could go on).
No matter what you call it, techno is a genre that has rightfully earned its due. Whether you’re new to it or have been listening for decades, check out the list below to find some amazing musicians who will keep you grooving all night at the Neon Garden this year!
Green Velvet
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Curtis Jones, better known as Green Velvet, is nothing if not a legend. Hailing from the Windy City, Jones has been producing unique music since his breakout “Coffee Pot (It’s Time for the Percolator)” under the name Cajmere in 1991. In 1993, he formed Relief Records, and much to our delight, alter ego Green Velvet was born.
Known for pairing dark, rolling beats with eccentric, eerie, and sometimes downright hilarious vocal samples, his style is unmistakably his and his alone – nothing else sounds like Green Velvet. Besides being a world-class DJ and producer in his own right, Jones has also collaborated with a number of well-respected artists in the scene over the years, including his last EDC appearance, which was part of a rollicking nationwide tour with Dirtybird boss Claude VonStroke as Get Real.
No matter what your predisposition, one thing is for certain – if you sleep on Green Velvet, you’re missing out.
Nicole Moudaber
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Nicole Moudaber is a Lebanese-Nigerian DJ and producer who hails from London, England. In 2009, Carl Cox said that she was “the most underrated DJ.” A lot has changed since then and it’s safe to say that Moudaber has launched her career into the stratosphere of the techno world. Claiming influence from Carl Cox among others, her style is one of driving, dark techno that takes you on a journey and makes you feel the music in your soul.
Perhaps just as importantly, Nicole is no stranger to breaking barriers: whether it was bringing dance music to Beirut after the Lebanese Civil war, or being a standout as a woman in a field dominated by men, she has always been true to herself and stood up for the causes that move her. Check out her mix below and be sure to see her at EDC!
Adam Beyer
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Have you heard of Drumcode Records? If not, perhaps you need to take a minute and step into the world of Adam Beyer, a Swedish-born techno DJ and producer. Drumcode Records is his baby label and features many top-tier names in techno (Joseph Capriati, Nicole Moudaber, Marco Carola, Maceo Plex… need I say more?).
Beyer is considered by many to be a living legend in the world of techno. He got his start in 1993 and launched Drumcode Records shortly thereafter in 1996. His radio show, Drumcode Radio Live, is broadcast in 53 countries around the world. If you can only find time for one artist to see in the Neon Garden, make it Adam Beyer!
Joseph Capriati
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Italian techno DJ and producer Joseph Capriati is one of the biggest players in the game today. Known for his epic 12-hour-long marathon sets filled with dark, introspective techno, he has spent the last few years thrilling crowds around the world at the kind of high-profile gigs that most artists only ever dream about. 2016 marked another huge milestone for Capriati with the launch of his new label, REDIMENSION Records, and this is surely just the beginning.
With a massive catalog at his fingertips and a predilection for playing sets that last long into the night, the newly expanded set times at the Neon Garden and Joseph Capriati are a match made in heaven. Check out his mix from Time Warp below for a preview of what he has in store for you at the Neon Garden!
Jamie Jones
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Techno DJ and producer, band member, record label co-founder, festival organizer, Welshman, and “leader of the sound of new house,” Jamie Jones is riding high on his recent successes in bringing dance music to the masses. Jones describes his sound as “quirky, groovy, and techno and house.” Others find that his sounds are warmer and more melodic as compared to other, more minimal, sub-genres of house and techno. This year, Jones will be making his third appearance at EDC Las Vegas. Be sure to check him out!
Lee Foss
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Chicago-born producer and DJ Lee Foss is always unpredictable. His sound ranges from groovy deep house to heavy, hard-hitting techno, and every single set is an adventure from start to finish. Growing up in the birthplace of house music provided Foss with tons of inspiration, and his sound reflects elements of the classic house, R&B, 80s electro, and Detroit techno that surrounded him in his younger days. Believe it or not, 2017 marks his first ever Electric Daisy Carnival experience. This is a set you won’t want to miss.
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