If you’re like me and you want to also become your very own DJ or techno artist, then of course you need to know where to start. The great thing that I like most about techno music is that, as the name implies, it’s “technological”, meaning that to get started all you really need is your computer plus some determination to try. Why, you’ve got all the basic hardware you need right in front of you! That’s one of the things that I like about techno music and electronica, the fact that you don’t really need to fuss over musical instruments and various recording equipment, you also don’t need to worry so much about your playing skills. Of course knowing how to play a musical instrument can help, but the great thing here is that you can survive without it.
I’m assuming that if you’re staring in front of a computer right now, and I know you are, then you already have all the hardware for making techno music. Now what remains is the choice of software. If you’re someone who wants to go all out into the water, and if you want the best music production software right away, then maybe you can shell out two-hundred to four-hundred dollars for Reason 6, which is the best program for making techno songs on the market right now. However, be warned, it’s so complete and feature rich–the same software used by professional producers–that it can also be overwhelming. I’ve written various reviews about this great product which you can read on the website. The good thing about Reason 6 is that it’s really all you need not just to make high quality techno songs, but practically any song in other genres as well. In other words, it’s a complete Digital Audio Workstation.
However another option, and one which I personally recommend, is to start with a more basic program, to just get your feet wet. Something to familiarize you with the process of making your own beats, loops, etc. and just coming up with your own full-fledged techno song in about an hour or two. One of the most popular options for the beginner is definitely DUB Turbo.
What I like about DUB Turbo is that it simply does what it was made for, and it keeps things clean and simple. They have a significant selection of sounds that can create anything from techno, dance, to hip-hop. Although I won’t say that your first track will be a Billboard hit, you can easily produce mp3 tracks which you can share with your friends or show off in Youtube and Facebook right away. Also, you don’t need any additional equipment, since you can use your computer keyboard as you would a drum pad or piano keyboard. If you’re going for the long haul and want to become a professional I’d recommend Reason 6, but if you want to learn things slowly, and just have a nice stepping stone towards your DJ career, then I’d recommend DUB Turbo.
