Published
Fri, Jun 6, 2003, 06:02
Sounds Like Techno is a new online documentary exploring techno music, from its roots and early influences to its place in Australian music today.
More than that, it's an unbelievable feast for the eyes and ears, harnessing the full power of Flash technology to deliver one helluva finished product.
Featuring local and international artists, event promoters, managers of independent record labels and music from some of the most important DJs from Detroit to Melbourne, Sounds Like Techno is a unique Australian website which combines a broad range of opinions, styles and influences that are inherent to this subculture.
With the birth of techno, music has entered a new era. For some people it is noise, for others it is the music of the future. But whatever it is, or sounds like, techno has become popular. It has grown from a subculture ten years ago, to a substantial industry today.
Sounds Like Techno documents the history of techno music overseas and in Australia, its origins in the evolution of electronic music, and offers an insight into the making of the music and the tools involved.
The site examines the impact and effect that the digital revolution has had on this genre. It looks at the way artists and producers use digital equipment and software to produce, promote and distribute their work locally and globally, finding new ways to establish their independence in the network of an 'old-school' record industry. Sounds Like Techno presents four chapters, each consisting of sound bites, text quotes, narration, interviews and voice-overs. It can be viewed as a multimedia collage using a Flash player, or by browsing the text only version.
The site features interviews and music from some of the most important names in techno including Detroit DJs, Stacey Pullen, Derrick May and Juan Atkins, Kraftwerk's Ralf Huetter, Australia's Voiteck, Richie Rich, Ollie Olsen, Brewster B and Steve Law, and many others from Australia, Europe, USA and the UK.