I guess it's just a matter of taste, then. I prefer his earlier, more creative and experimental stuff - even though it may not be as dancefloor-friendly as his mid-90's stuff. Post-94' the techno sound in general became more repetitive and less experimental, which I don't really like.

I think there were far better releases in 94' then Slater's output in that year (e.g. Joey Beltram ‎– The Caliber EP) and from then on, I feel his sound just became more repetitive and commercial, even though it may have still retained his unique touch.

I like this one, for instance (96'):



...and while it may even be more dancefloor-friendly than his earlier work, you can clearly hear how it sounds more monotonous and less experimental than the earlier stuff.

Last edited by AlphaStarred on Apr-07-2016 at 18:33

What about James Ruskin? Althought needless to say he hasn't been a very active name, afaik.

I honestly don't see how you can call someone legendary if they haven't really done any pioneering work. Out of all of the above-mentioned, I think only Luke Slater and Dave Clarke can merit such a title. The early stuff they put out have become timeless classics, no matter how grating they may be to the ears now, after repeated listening.

While Surgeon, Regis, Ruskin, et al. may have put out some solid techno here and there, did they really do anything original or pioneering? That would be my idea of legendary, anyway.

From the list I reeled off earlier, I'd certainly say Slam have some pioneering classics to their name - whoever made a record like Positive Education before them? Soma is right up in the top tier of UK techno labels as well.

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Ok, I must have overlooked the original list, then. That release is from 1993, so it makes more sense.

I'd also add Mike Dred to the list, but his was a more underground/niche sound, and not as dancefloor-friendly as some of the others. The same can be said of Aphex, as well.

quote:

Originally posted by Woony I would say Slater, Dave Clarke and Regis/Surgeon are absolute Legends. Mostly based off their releases in the early/mid 90s though.

While I'm not a techno devout follower, I would say this is spot on and I would have to put Slam in there - you really can't underestimate their impact, positive education was an instant classic and continues to be so.

I'm really not sure why Dave Clarke isn't top of that list and as you said earlier wooney - the red series are Techno blueprints. I think Red 2 has only 5 elements in it yet is a slice of musical genius.

There was a fantastic interview several years ago between Jeff Mills and Dave Clarke, essentially open letters to each other with questions. You could see the level at which they operate at and knew each other's influences so well yet it was apparent that they didn't know each other personally.

You should also hear Dave talk about electronics or anything technical. The detail he can go in to is staggering, and by that I mean he can probably build DAC timeclocks from individual components while relating that process to musical composition. The guy is borderline savant.

Slater has been consistent so he deserves to be there too and I would say the UK has arguably made a massive impact on techno as a whole.

I'm not so sure on the location thing being so definitive though. People make music that suits the mindset, not the place. To quote rod stewart of all people "You don't need to be in Memphis, you can get the blues walking down Archway Road".

What I was getting it is not one of them stands out as a true overlord above all the rest, which is what I was asked. And as influential as all of them were, I don't think they are on par with the likes of the Belleville Trio, Basic Channel, Jeff Mills, Sven Vath or Ritchie Hawtin.

___________________
Mixes:
> Maximum Elevation [Progressive House]
> DI.FM 26th Anniversary Guest Mix [Progressive House]
> Live @ Dance:Love:Hub London, 11.10.2025
> Higher Peaks [Progressive House]
> Dance:Love:Hub Afterparty (The Return) 23.11.24

Like these sets? Come see me play live at Kibosh in Manchester: https://www.instagram.com/kibosh.mcr/

oh I get what you mean. If any, I'd probably go with Dave Clarke as I think he made the most impact but it's tough competition against the likes of Vath or Mills.

I still have mu original Kat Moda EP form Mills and it's just raw genius.

Probably the reason I bought (two of) the same Vestax mixer as him.

interesting take. i suppose the question was almost like picking out who is the most important person in techno.