Just because techno is a big business nowadays doesn't mean Time Warp's forgotten how to stay true.
For how ubiquitous the term “business techno” has become among dance music purists, it’s remarkable how few of them can explain what it means. The phrase was coined by UK producer Shifted in protest of a Resident Advisor article before emerging as a viral trope in The Worst Techno Memes Ever Group Page. Unlike more cut-and-dry genre descriptors (some of which we may have had a hand in popularizing), its exact definition remains somewhat nebulous.
Perhaps, then, it’s easier to describe what business techno isn’t - and what better place to look than the lineup of Time Warp NYC.
Don’t get us wrong, the organizers did their due diligence in curating a roster that would give the event brand’s first stateside show in five years a formidable draw. They also took the opportunity to give techno’s traditional and proper side ample representation, however. If you want to explore the non-business side of techno at Time Warp on November 22nd and 23rd, we recommend checking these five artists out.
Peggy Gou
Peggy Gou seems to have appeared out of nowhere, suddenly taking the dance music world by storm. Her initial aim with DJing was to become the first Korean woman to play Berghain. She’s done all that and more in a few short years.
The Berlin-based, Korean-born artist brings personality to her tracks, singing in Korean on her hit tunes “It Makes You Forget (Itgehane)” and “Starry Night.” Behind the decks, she’s fluid, rolling through house, techno, disco, and electro to capture audiences.
Gou takes the stage on day 2.
Ricardo Villalobos
Many recognize Ricardo Villalobos as a minimal techno pioneer and Time Warp mainstay.
With varied inspiration, from Depeche Mode to rhythmic South American music, the Chilean DJ/producer is a master of percussion, bringing simple soundscapes to life with remarkable percussive elements. Hear it on tracks like “Recat” and “Reannounce.”
Villalobos plays on day 1.
Avision
NYC’s very own Avision (real name Anthony Cardinale) has been playing with turntables since the age of twelve and had his first residency in New Jersey at fifteen.
Supported by Adam Beyer, Maceo Plex, Nicole Moudaber, Chris Liebing, and Joseph Capriati, Cardinale has put out some stellar tracks over the years, with releases on influential labels like Paco Osuna’s Mindshake, Carl Cox’s Intec, and his brother Victor Calderone’s Matter+.
His sound is lean, metallic, and raw. Get a taste as Cardinale performs day 2.
Sonja Moonear
Born in the Swiss mountains, Sonja Moonear grew up immersed in classical music. She would often sneak out at night and go to all sorts of underground electronic music parties, though.
Now, Moonear runs the Ruta5 label, organizes electronic music events in Switzerland, works as a sound designer for Swiss-French TV, and tours the world as a DJ.
Slow grooves, twinkling synths, and of course, powerful kicks mark the Moonear way. Catch her perform on day 1.
Enzo Siragusa
Enzo Siragusa has had an illustrious career in electronic music, starting in the U.K. rave culture of the '90s. With his iconic Fuse event series, he’s built a loyal, cult-like following in London, carefully curating parties with equal focus on community, atmosphere, and sound.
The dance music veteran takes the decks on day 1.
For more information on Time Warp's 25th anniversary in NYC, visit the event website.
Written by John Cameron and Saad Masood.
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source https://edm.com/features/5-time-warp-headliners-business-techno
