Who Really Started Techno Music? Detroit vs. Berlin (2025)

Who Really Started Techno Music? The Origins of a Global Phenomenon

Techno music is one of the most influential genres of the past century, but its origins are often debated. Did Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson—the Belleville Three—start it all? Or did Kraftwerk’s pioneering electronic sounds lay the foundation? In this blog post, we explore the true origins of techno music, uncovering when, where, and who really started this revolutionary genre.

Kraftwerk, the pioneering electronic music group, posing in a futuristic setting with a signature robotic aesthetic, reflecting their influence on the origins of techno music. — Kraftwerk’s groundbreaking electronic sound laid the foundation for the birth of techno, inspiring generations of artists.

The Birthplace of Techno: Detroit, Michigan

Techno music emerged in the early 1980s in Detroit, Michigan, a city known for its industrial landscape and rich musical history of techno. At the time, Detroit faced economic decline, creating an environment that fueled creativity. Abandoned warehouses and factories became the backdrop for a new sound that would change music forever.

The Belleville Three: The Godfathers of Techno

The story of techno music is inseparable from the contributions of Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson, collectively known as the Belleville Three. These three high school friends from the Detroit suburb of Belleville are widely credited as the founders of techno.

Juan Atkins: Often called the “Godfather of Techno,” Atkins first used the term “techno” to describe the genre. His project Cybotron, formed with Richard Davis, released the groundbreaking track “Clear” in 1983, which many consider one of the first techno songs.
Derrick May: May’s track “Strings of Life” (1987) brought emotion and melody to techno, earning him the nickname the “Charlie Parker of Techno.”
Kevin Saunderson: Saunderson’s project Inner City blended techno with house music, producing hits like “Big Fun” and “Good Life,” which brought techno to the mainstream.

Image of the Belleville Three: Derrick May, Juan Atkins, and Kevin Saunderson, pioneers of Detroit techno. — The Belleville Three: Juan Atkins (left), Derrick May (middle) and Kevin Saunderson (right), the architects of Detroit techno, whose groundbreaking sounds shaped the electronic music scene and inspired the global techno movement.

Kraftwerk: The Blueprint for Techno

While the Belleville Three created techno, they drew heavy inspiration from the German electronic band Kraftwerk. Formed in the 1970s, Kraftwerk’s minimalist, robotic sound and use of synthesizers laid the groundwork for electronic music.

Key Tracks: Songs like “Trans-Europe Express” (1977) and “Numbers” (1981) were particularly influential, with their repetitive beats and futuristic themes resonating deeply with the Belleville Three.
Legacy: Kraftwerk’s influence extends beyond techno to hip-hop, pop, and other electronic genres.

A high-definition black-and-white photo of Kraftwerk, showing the group clearly with their signature futuristic aesthetic. — Kraftwerk, the German pioneers of electronic music, whose robotic sound and innovative use of synthesizers laid the foundation for techno.

So, Who Really Started Techno?

The answer lies in the combination of both influences. While Kraftwerk provided the blueprint for electronic music, Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson transformed those ideas into something entirely new.

Techno, as we know it today, was born in Detroit, shaped by the city’s industrial landscape and the creative vision of the Belleville Three.

A black-and-white view of Detroit in the 1980s, showcasing the city’s industrial skyline and urban landscape during a time of economic decline. — Detroit in the 1980s—a city in transition, where abandoned warehouses and factories became the birthplace of techno music.

The Evolution of Techno

From its Detroit roots, techno quickly spread across the globe, evolving into various subgenres and influencing countless artists. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, techno had found a second home in Europe, particularly in Berlin, where it became the soundtrack of a reunified Germany.

Berlin’s Techno Scene: Clubs like Tresor and Berghain became iconic venues, solidifying techno’s place in global culture.
Global Impact: Today, techno is a worldwide phenomenon, with festivals like Awakenings, Time Warp, and Movement attracting millions of fans.

An abstract artistic representation of Berghain’s exterior in Berlin, capturing its industrial, brutalist architecture with moody lighting. — The iconic Berghain—Berlin’s legendary techno temple, where music and architecture merge into an unforgettable experience.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation

Techno music is the result of a unique blend of influences, from the futuristic sounds of Kraftwerk to the creative genius of the Belleville Three. While Kraftwerk laid the foundation, Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson truly brought techno to life, creating a genre that continues to inspire and evolve.

So, the next time you lose yourself on the dance floor to the hypnotic beats of techno, remember the pioneers who made it all possible.

When and where did you meet techno for the first time?

Who really started Techno Music?

The Birthplace of Techno: Detroit, Michigan