Consider this:

Techno is a MULTITUDE of styles and experiments in electronic music. What seems remarkable about techno is its developing politics. I suggest six distinguishing features:

1. Youthfulness, not age.

2. Groove, not just bpm.

3. Techno is Pansexual.

4. Techno is Global. (Here copying is not more vulgar than sampling: Why should it? What matters is the inclusive gestures that recognize the groove across cultures, whether technologically literate or aboriginal. Granted, cultural distinctions are often vague, politically undertheorized, and risk an empty łglobal village˛ multiculturalism. But the scene is not altogether naive about these difficulties.)

5. Techno is Cosmic / Spiritual. (This much hyped element has more to do with technology and concentration than with the New Age genealogy that some people claim for it. Its formal expression is repetition variously inspired: Cage, Glass, Eno, or disco, or Jajouka ‹ I donąt think it impossible for these disparate sources to coexist in the dance mix. Remember, here it is not a question of carefully acknowledged and processed traditions, but of good grooves collected across the board. The groove itself will work as a reminder of the technology that reproduces it and the willingness with which ravers give in to the celebration it inaugurates ‹ see next item.)

6. Hopeful, not escapist. (This is it. This music wants to let you leave the club and get along with your life, look it in the eye and come back empowered, inspired, willing to envision and work for change. For this it builds coalitions across various sounds and populations. It reminds me a bit of the Genesis Orridge / Sleazy / Chris & Cosey experiments with noise and magick, resulting in an acid-house-porn-film music that wants to heighten awareness, not numb it.)