Humans beyond the machine : an in depth socio-cultural study of the development of first and second-wave techno music

Abstract

This dissertation looks at the socio-cultural factors influencing the development of first and second wave techno music, which has over its relatively short life time become a global phenomenon. The qualities of techno music are thoroughly explained throughout the dissertation, and reference will be made to its vast musical influences, its sub-genres, and other popular electronic music styles influenced by the techno sound. Particular emphasis will be made on the emergence of rave culture, techno's relation to it, and the changing effects it had on the concepts and stereotypes surrounding techno music. Its different communicative elements and social approaches will also be highlighted vis-a-vis its first and second-wave development in the most prominent areas, in this case being Detroit, the UK and Germany. How these three areas were contributors to its concepts and global success will also be mentioned. The music's development on the Maltese Islands will briefly be outlined and compared with the previous findings. Infonnation gathered throughout is through an extensive literature review, while personal communications are used for the postscript on the Maltese techno scene.