From Detroit Legends to Berlin’s Tresor: Techno’s Evolution Explored

OTR breaks down DW Documentary- ‘How Techno was born: From Detroit to Berlin and back’

This short documentary by German news organisation, DW, explores the growing popularity and diversity of Techno, it’s evolution as a sub-culture, and most importantly, the true history of the sound.

Focus is placed on Techno’s forgotten roots through exploring the African-American Techno pioneer DJs from Detroit that influenced the Techno sound of Berlin.

We visit the Techno epicentre of Berlin, the immersive experience that is the Tresor club. We hear from legendary Techno originators, Jeff Mills, Juan Atkins and Alan Oldham from the famous Underground Resistance collective.

As a result of Techno finding its home in Berlin, the African-American roots of the sound have often been overlooked. This documentary attempts to redress the balance by speaking to the innovators themselves and hearing them express their original vision of Techno.

Finally, the documentary focuses on what Techno actually means. It turns out the music is only part of what Techno is in Berlin, it is a comprehensive culture, a culture once associated with excessive recreational drug use but now for communities and spaces where fans go to enjoy the music and events. Watch the full documentary in the link above.