Techno was created and developed far away from the mainstream. The underground sound got its deserved popularity in the past few years but there is a lot of movement in sound with sub-genres and a lot of talent you may not hear about.
We believe underground producers and labels deserve special recognition, so we will be dedicating this feature to Motor City techno pioneers Octave One!
The electrifying live performances of Octave One are one reason that the Detroit born and bred producers are in constant demand. On stage, Octave One transforms synthesizers and sequencers into vessels of funk, house and symphonic beats. The live show is evidence of what longtime fans already know.
As well as performing live Octave One have penned several of the dance floor classics that define an era. With a wave of new music and global touring for 2023, the Burden brothers are set to release a new album entitled ‘Endustry’ under the much loved Random Noise Generation guise with and live shows to match.
Octave One is the brainchild of core members Lenny and Lawrence Burden. The Burden brothers burst onto the Detroit techno scene in 1990, producing their debut “I Believe,” featured on the compilation Techno 2: The Next Generation. The collective also includes frequent contributions from siblings Lynell, Lance and Lorne Burden. Their 2002 hit single “Black Water” has sold over one million records worldwide with multi-millions of streams. Little Louie Vega, Danny Tenaglia, Jeff Mills and Richie Hawtin are among the DJs that continue to regularly weave “Black Water” into their sets. The group has also earned critical acclaim for countless records including “Empower,” “Nicolette” and “The X-files.”
Octave One’s myriad of live experiences lead them in 2016 to play a special performance with members of the Tonhalle Orchestra in Zurich conducted by Stephen Hussey.
Their performances earn critical acclaim. “If you ever get the chance to attend one of their highly energetic shows, be sure to opt for the in-person venture and save the YouTube streams for later,” one journalist writes. Octave One is more than an electronic band; it’s an experience, teasing the boundaries of space, sound, and the possibilities of music in real time.
