Though a comparatively new genre of music, Techno has a fair bit of history. It pays to know the origin story for a lot of sonic trends, you will be able to understand the references made when Techno-heads are discussing sounds.
First, I reccomend you familiarize yourself with the landscape. It all started with the Belleville Three. Thats right, three black guys created the genre after they got home from class at their local community college. Its true, read it. Yep, another genre invented by African Americans! Im not black, but as a lover of jazz I cant help but acknowledge the accomplishments of blacks who chose to channel their energies into new and experimental frontiers.
After the originators, familiarize yourself with the original labels and the works therein: Metroplex, Plus 8, Axis, Transmat
From there, many of the artists on these labels went on to start their own labels. Many of todays Techno labels can trace their lineage to artists found on these original labels.
[INCOMING BLOG POST]
I favor raw sonics with a slower progression. Something that sounds too polished doesnt keep my attention as well. With a raw, unfinished edge, it gives me more sonically to focus on in the micro. The slow and impending progression allows me to tune out the macro without it creeping through the song too quickly.It allows me to find that headspace (The Zone) that makes Techno special for me.
Heres a few recent bandcamp releases, hopefully you can see what I'm talking about. These tracks groove great while you're doing something else, like dancing, driving or doing laundry.
A Techno album with a faithful NRG and club classic sound. Though a little too "clean" sounding for my tastes, I enjoy the nostalgic feeling it gives.
https://kepas.bandcamp.com/album/helium
Zone Focus is a great compilation series that can help you find artists currently in the Techno game. WARNING: Lot of club classic/ nostalgia sound.
https://zonefocus.bandcamp.com/album/eighteen
only good track on this release
https://lonefront.bandcamp.com/track/if-you-hear-it
Tech-house is low art
https://tellisen.bandcamp.com/album/right
Track 1 and 3 are good acid grooves, separated by junk in 2-4
https://moustacherecords1.bandcamp.com/album/david-vunk-omega-strap-ep-moustache-techno-008
a taste of hardgroove if you want to see if its your thing
https://heroes-records.bandcamp.com/album/h2
https://intuitionrecordingspt.bandcamp.com/album/no-matter-what-ep
Bandcamp is a great way to find decent stuff from unsigned artists, just be prepared to sort through a lot of stuff that isnt good, or isnt even Techno!
My favorite label is K-84
Some of my favorite artists:
HD Substance
Shinedoe
Truncate
Matador
Petter B
Eclair Fifi
Len Faki
Jeff Mills
(Techno) Subgenres I am fond of that may also find a place in your heart: acid, hardgroove, detroit (old skool), Minimal (Robert Hood minimal, not that 2000's euro pitched kick shit), dark, prog