Ash Laurin launches new documentary on the history of techno

A new audio documentary, presented by Ash Lauryn, will trace the race history, politics and social implications of techno music in the UK and beyond.

This multifaceted audio documentary explores the sonic and social evolution of techno and traces the journey the genre has made from Detroit to Palestine, to Berlin and beyond. Hosted by DJ, producer and journalist Ash Lauryn - we hear original stories from people involved in the global scene.

Titled Techno: A Social History—this documentary will be released in three parts and is part of BBC Radio 4's Summer of Arts series.

The themes and subjects covered in this documentary include resistance within techno clubs in Eastern Europe and the Middle East; the birth of techno sites such as Berghain; how techno made its way from the States to the rest of the world; and how art and architecture play into the culture.

We hear first-hand stories from some of the biggest drivers of the techno movement - from Ukraine's Nastia, to Kevin Saunderson, Ellen Allien, Richie Hawtin, Marcel Dettmann, Honey Dijon and many more.

It also looks into the deep social and political influence that techno and techno institutions hold within society - including a look into Georgian nightclub Bassiani, and the police raids that threatened the queer community that it was home to.

The whole series follows the relationship between techno music and counter-culture, trying to decipher why such a sound makes the perfect accompaniment to radical ideas and unfiltered self-expression.

Aired on BBC Radio 4 from July 19, this documentary has been made by Cup and Nuzzle Productions - an audio storytelling production company which focuses on the stories of music.

Techno: A Social History will start airing on BBC Radio 4 from July 19 at 11:30AM. Make sure to check out BBC Radio 4's website for more information.

[Via Mixmag]