New radio series traces techno's history and impact from Detroit to the world
A new radio documentary series is set to explore the history of techno, from its origins in Detroit to its development around the world.
Presented by DJ, producer, writer, and Detroit native Ash Lauryn, Techno: A Social History will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 from July 19th.
The three-part series – which is part of the station’s Summer of Arts programme – will chart the history and global impact of techno from 1960s’ Detroit to the techno parades of post-Cold War Berlin, into contemporary club scenes in cities including Kyiv, Beirut and Palestine.
As part of the series, Lauryn – who also presents monthly NTS show Underground & Black – speaks to a range of voices from the global techno community, including Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, Ellen Allien, Richie Hawtin, and more.
Lauryn also delves into the history of Berghain with Marcel Dettmann and Honey Dijon, Ukraine’s resilient club scene with Nastia, as well as Georgian club Bassiani with Giorgi Kikonishvili.
Posing the question “What makes techno the perfect accompaniment to radical ideas?” the first episode of Techno: A Social History is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on July 19th from 11.30-1200 (GMT).
