Schranz
A very fast, hard German techno style built on heavy drums and short, sharp loops.
History
Schranz is a German word used for a very hard and fast form of techno s1. It grew in Frankfurt and other German cities in the 1990s s1. The music is built on loud, dry drums and short, repeating loops, with almost no melody s2. It is faster than most techno and is meant to sound aggressive and forceful s1. Chris Liebing, who comes from Frankfurt, became one of its widely known DJs and producers s1. Sven Väth used the word for his harder DJ sets and helped make it known s1. The style was strongest in Germany but was played across Europe s1. Some listeners use schranz as an insult for music they find too simple or too hard s1s2. It is closely related to hard techno and industrial techno s2. The style was played at clubs such as Omen in Frankfurt and at large German events. Some DJs still use the word to describe their hardest sets s1.
Sound
- A very fast, heavy kick drum
- Short, sharp repeating loops
- Almost no melody
- Dry, hard production
- An aggressive, driving mood
Key figures
- Chris Liebing — Frankfurt DJ and producer linked to schranz
- Sven Väth — German DJ who used the term for hard sets
- Sven Wittekind — German producer known for hard schranz records
- Thomas Schumacher — German producer in the hard techno scene
Labels
- CLR — Frankfurt , 1999
- Bush Records — London , 1994
- Cocoon Recordings — Frankfurt , 2000
Defining tracks
Connections
Came from: Hard Techno , Detroit Techno , Industrial