We’re all familiar with the hypnotic nature of Detroit techno—the way a track can draw you in, making a 6-hour set feel like 5 minutes. But what is it that makes these tracks so captivating? How do producers know exactly when to drop the kick, snare, and hats to pull us into a trance?

In this workshop, we’ll dive into the art of form in Detroit techno production. We’ll break down the structural elements that define the genre, exploring how iconic artists like Robert Hood, Jeff Mills, and Juan Atkins use repetition, modulation, and subtle automation to keep listeners locked in. We’ll also examine sound design techniques like delay, reverb, and filtering, focusing on how these tools shape the form and overall flow of a track. By the end of the session, participants will have the skills to compose their own track, with a focus on the form and flow that makes Detroit techno so powerful.

Presenter:
CHAiA (NYC) performs house and techno incorporating samples from traditional Yiddish music.

Sunday, June 22nd, 2025
1 pm - 2:30 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map)
2nd Floor, near Dicepool

$10-20 sliding scale
(tickets required to attend, no one turned away for lack of funds, email info@synthlibraryportland.org for no-cost tickets)