Episodes
| Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Detroit | 20220719 | 20220926 (R4) | In the early 60s, Detroit was known for two things - automobiles and Motown records. They were the dual-foundation of a progressive, cosmopolitan city, with a thriving black middle class. But after the Civil Rights riots of 1967, the cosmopolitan dream of Motor City curdled. The car jobs disappeared, and so did Motown. The once prosperous city became a post-industrial ghost town, setting the stage for a radical new culture. DJ, producer, and Detroit native Ash Lauryn traces the birth of Techno, a sparse, futuristic music that reimagined the wasteland of Motor City as a futuristic utopia, and reinvigorated the young generation who had been abandoned there. Part one of Techno: A Social History features stories from the genre's first architects, elevators, and disciples - Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, DJ Minx, and Richie Hawtin. They had no idea that this new sound of Detroit could thrive elsewhere - but soon enough, their strange music was being packaged up, exported, and applied to disparate contexts the world over. Produced by Frank Palmer Sound Design by Granny Eats Wolf A Cup & Nuzzle production for BBC Radio 4 What makes Techno the perfect accompaniment to radical ideas? |
| 02 | Berlin | 20220726 | 20221003 (R4) | In 1989, as the Cold War stuttered to a close, the newly reunified Berlin became a symbol for liberal politics, wide-eyed hedonism, and the promise of a better future. At the same time, Detroit Techno was taking hold in the city's basements, energising a new generation of explorers. Soon, techno parades were drawing millions of revellers to Berlin's streets, and monumental cathedral-like nightclubs were being created in the city's abandoned infrastructure. DJ and producer Ash Lauryn tells the story of Techno's modern day mecca, featuring stories from the figures who first seized this music and gave it a home in Berlin (Tresor founder Dimitri Hegemann, Love Parade creator Dr Motte) as well as the DJs who have helped cement the city's international reputation (Ellen Allien, Marcel Dettmann, Richie Hawtin). Produced by Frank Palmer Sound design by Granny Eats Wolf A Cup & Nuzzle production for BBC Radio 4 What makes techno the perfect accompaniment to radical ideas? |
| 03 | The World | 20220802 | 20221010 (R4) | In the final part of this social history, DJ Ash Lauryn explores the disparate contexts where the radical potential of Techno lives on, right now. The Ukrainian DJ Nastia speaks of the resilience of Kyiv's cherished club scene - which was born out of the turmoil of the 2013 revolution but for now lies dormant. In the capital of Georgia, Giorgi Kikonishvili speaks of Bassiani, the club that became a headquarters for progressive politics and community organising - until armed police raids threatened the scene's existence. Meanwhile in Beirut, long held to be the Middle East's capital for electronic music, Tala Mortada and other promoters attempt to rebuild after the 2020 explosion destroyed its storied nightclubs. And in Ramallah, fans of Techno go to extreme lengths to commune with like-minded people at parties, and the godmother of Palestinian techno, Sama' Abdulhadi, is jailed for hosting a showcase of local artists at a site of worship. Produced by Frank Palmer Sound design by Granny Eats Wolf A Cup & Nuzzle production for BBC Radio 4 What makes techno the perfect accompaniment to radical ideas? |