Techno is a genre of electronic dance music (EDM) that emerged in Detroit, Michigan, in the early 1980s. Characterized by its repetitive four-on-the-floor beat, tempos typically ranging from 120 to 150 beats per minute (BPM), and frequent use of synthesizers and drum machines, techno often prioritizes rhythm and texture over melody and vocals. Drawing inspiration from synth-pop, house, electro, and funk, Detroit techno pioneers like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson fused these influences with futuristic themes, creating a sound that resonated in the burgeoning rave scenes of Europe, particularly in the UK, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, where regional variations and subgenres like acid, hardcore, and ambient techno began to flourish.