Hard Style Techno: Guide to Producing Festival-Ready Beats

The Origins of Hard Style Techno

A Fusion of Styles

The roots of hard style techno can be traced back to the late 1990s and early 2000s. Producers in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands and Germany, began experimenting by blending:

• Hardstyle: Known for its euphoric melodies, reverse basslines, and aggressive kicks.

• Techno: Characterized by repetitive beats, hypnotic loops, and industrial sounds.

The result was a genre that took the best of both worlds—the drive of hardstyle and the atmospheric elements of techno.

Influential Artists

Some of the pioneers of this sound include:

• Angerfist: Known for merging hardcore and techno elements.

• Reinier Zonneveld: A master of dark, hard-hitting techno.

• Radical Redemption: Often credited for pushing the boundaries of hardstyle and techno.

Hardstyle vs. Techno: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the distinctions between hardstyle and techno is essential to grasping the essence of hard style techno. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Hardstyle

• BPM: Typically ranges from 140 to 150 BPM.

• Sound Design: Euphoric melodies, prominent reverse basslines, and pitched kicks.

• Audience: Popular among fans of festival anthems and euphoric sounds.

Techno

• BPM: Generally ranges from 120 to 140 BPM.

• Sound Design: Minimalistic, repetitive beats with a focus on atmosphere and groove.

• Audience: Appeals to underground and club-oriented crowds.

Hard Style Techno

• BPM: Bridges the gap, usually between 140 and 160 BPM.

• Sound Design: Combines the aggressive kicks of hardstyle with the hypnotic patterns of techno.

• Audience: Attracts fans of both festival and underground scenes.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure whether a track is hardstyle, techno, or hard style techno, focus on the kicks. Hard style techno kicks are punchy yet maintain a raw, techno-inspired texture.

How to Produce Hard Style Techno

Producing hard style techno is an exciting challenge. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Choose Your DAW

While any digital audio workstation (DAW) can work, FL Studio, Ableton Live, and Logic Pro are popular choices among hard style techno producers.

Step 2: Design the Kick

The kick is the heart of any hard style techno track. Follow these tips:

• Layering: Combine multiple samples, such as a sub-bass kick, a mid-frequency punch, and a distorted top layer.

• Distortion: Use plugins like CamelCrusher or FabFilter Saturn to add grit and power.

• EQ: Carve out frequencies to make room for other elements.

Step 3: Build the Groove

A strong groove is crucial in hard style techno. Focus on:

• Percussion: Add hi-hats, claps, and rides to enhance the rhythm.

• Bassline: Create a rolling bassline that complements the kick.

• Syncopation: Experiment with off-beat patterns to keep the groove dynamic.

Step 4: Add Melodic Elements

Hard style techno melodies are often dark and minimal. Consider:

• Synths: Use plugins like Serum or Massive for atmospheric pads and leads.

• Arpeggios: Program simple arpeggios to create a hypnotic effect.

• Automation: Modulate filters and effects to add movement.

Step 5: Arrange and Mix

• Arrangement: Start with an intro, build tension with risers, and deliver a powerful drop.

• Mixing: Use sidechain compression to ensure the kick stands out and apply reverb sparingly to maintain clarity.

Hard Style Techno in the Modern Scene

Festivals and Clubs

Hard style techno has taken over both festival main stages and underground clubs. Some of the biggest events for this genre include:

• Awakenings: A haven for techno and its subgenres.

• Defqon.1: Known for its hardstyle roots but increasingly featuring hard style techno.

• Time Warp: A mecca for techno enthusiasts.

Streaming Platforms

Tracks labeled as hard style techno are gaining popularity on platforms like Spotify, SoundCloud, and YouTube. Curated playlists and channels dedicated to this genre are driving its global appeal.