Techno: A Social History

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Techno: A Social History: Berlin

Berlin

BBC Radio 4 - Techno: A Social History, Berlin

What makes techno the perfect accompaniment to radical ideas?

For 40 years, techno has been the beating heart of social movements all over the world. What makes it the perfect music to accompany radical ideas? DJ Ash Lauryn investigates.

In 1989, as the Cold War stuttered to a close, the newly reunified Berlin became a symbol for liberal politics, wide-eyed hedonism, and the promise of a better future. At the same time, Detroit Techno was taking hold in the city’s basements, energising a new generation of explorers. Soon, techno parades were drawing millions of revellers to Berlin’s streets, and monumental cathedral-like nightclubs were being created in the city’s abandoned infrastructure.
 
DJ and producer Ash Lauryn tells the story of Techno’s modern day mecca, featuring stories from the figures who first seized this music and gave it a home in Berlin (Tresor founder Dimitri Hegemann, Love Parade creator Dr Motte) as well as the DJs who have helped cement the city’s international reputation (Ellen Allien, Marcel Dettmann, Richie Hawtin).
 
Produced by Frank Palmer
Sound design by Granny Eats Wolf

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For 40 years, techno has been the beating heart of social movements all over the world. What makes techno the perfect accompaniment to radical ideas? 

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