Techno in Berlin
UNESCO's recognition of Berlin's techno music as an intangible cultural heritage highlights the profound influence of this vibrant cultural phenomenon on global society.
Lexi Sun, "UY Zone at Berghain Halle," Vogue.
It is already a part of our history. On March 13, 2024, Berlin's techno music was officially recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. UNESCO, a specialized agency of the United Nations founded in 1945, promotes education, science, and culture at an international level. We can understand from this the great importance that this recognition has.
The Berlin techno scene refers not only to music but also to underground clubs, street parades, and rave parties. These venues are where this particular musical genre comes to life, bringing together the community of enthusiasts who follow it. All these elements played a fundamental role in defining the cultural identity of Berlin after the fall of the Wall on November 9, 1989. Although the techno genre was born in Detroit, USA, it found greater success in Germany, becoming a soundtrack to the city’s reunification at the end of the Cold War. Techno music has had a stable and intense impact on society, which continues to this day. Thus, UNESCO added it to its list of the cultural heritage of humanity, officially recognizing its contribution to the cultural identity of Berlin.
What is techno music?
It is a musical genre that originated in the USA in the 80s, part of the electronic dance music family. It was first heard at a party in Detroit in 1988, where DJs played music inspired by the German electronic group Kraftwerk. This new dance music then spread rapidly across the USA and soon globally. Founding artists include Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson. Over time, subgenres such as acid techno, minimal techno, industrial techno, dub techno, and tech house have developed. Techno music creates an energetic atmosphere with its engaging, hypnotic rhythm, stimulating dancing. It thrives in metropolitan and futuristic settings, enhanced by neon lights, artistic installations, and visual effects, creating a unique ambiance. This is why we discuss the techno scene. The community of enthusiasts in the techno scene shares values like freedom, creativity, and open-mindedness, enjoying this musical genre together.
Techno music facilitates a state of "flow," with songs often long and continuous, typically without pauses between tracks. The scene engages people through multiple senses—not just hearing but also sight (with lights and projections), touch (bass vibrations), and smell (smoke and perfumes). The genre is characterized by innovation through experimentation; artists and DJs continuously explore new instruments, techniques, and sounds, always aiming to keep a vibrant style that captivates listeners. Currently, the most listened-to techno artists include Scooter, Gesaffelstein, Weval, Lucy, Daniel Avery, and Overmono.
The particular characteristics of techno music
Techno has a distinctive identity, often described as dark, intense, futuristic, and pounding. It requires high-speed, repetitive rhythms, and extended durations. It is primarily associated with rave culture, known for free, self-managed musical events open to all. These events are held in large, isolated spaces, perfect for powerful music. They require elaborate setups to accommodate musicians, jugglers, light shows, scenographic instruments, and smoke effects. Rave culture promotes alternative venues for music and dance, closely linked to the techno scene. Techno’s rhythmic structure is based on a 4 on the floor disco groove, a constant rhythm with a bass drum on every fourth beat, guiding the music at 120 to 140 beats per minute. Its style and atmosphere utilize modulations and sound effects like reverb and delay, producing distinctive sounds that appear bare and futuristic with an industrial, metropolitan character. While techno differs from house music’s funky and jazzy nature, it also stands apart from melodic trance and hip-hop-derived electro. Techno is often confused with Tekno, a different genre originating from the UK and Ireland in the early 90s.
The extraordinary value of the Berlin techno scene
Techno music has become a significant part of Berlin, symbolizing freedom. Its vibrant power influenced the cultural and social revolution leading to the fall of the Wall. It also became the soundtrack of Berlin and Germany’s reunification. The creative energy released fostered a music scene that brought young people in the German capital closer together. Techno has been a bearer of values like tolerance, pacification, and diversity. The clubs and large spaces in Berlin where techno is played are not merely entertainment venues but zones of inclusion. For example, the legendary techno club Berghain was declared a national cultural institution by the German parliament in 2016. This recognition underscores the techno scene in Berlin as a model of social rebirth, peaceful coexistence, and cultural inclusion. For those in Berlin wanting to experience the techno scene, popular clubs include Tresor, Sisyphos, and Kater Blau, each offering unique atmospheres and experiences unmatched elsewhere.
Recognition by UNESCO
Having reached this point, we have no doubts about why UNESCO recognized the Berlin techno scene as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. This recognition underscores the profound importance of music at both cultural and social levels, nationally and globally. The inclusion of techno music in this prestigious context demonstrates its significant contribution to the cultural identity of Berlin and Germany. The value it brings is not only artistic but also a global symbol of respect, innovation, inclusion, and the richness of diversity. In conclusion, the Berlin techno scene has been recognized as a manifesto of creative freedom and expression, unique in the world, capable of uniting an entire society in peaceful coexistence.
