New Subscriber Playlist: “Beats ‘n’ Bliss”

What do you think of when you hear the term “techno”? No doubt, crowded clubs and discothèques filled with sweating bodies dancing to crushing four-on-the-floor beats. (Or maybe you just think of the Roxbury Guys from SNL.) But what if I told you that there was techno out there that was of a, well, not gentler persuasion, but certainly of a more atmospheric variety?

Although it might be overshadowed by other electronic music genres like house and trance, ambient techno continues to exist in its own unique liminal space, which is probably why I find it so interesting. This month’s subscriber-only playlist, titled “Beats ‘n’ Bliss,” highlights some of the best the genre has to offer, be it the elegant chill of Iceland’s Yagya, Deepchord’s more harrowing sound design, or Germany’s always-reliable Martin Stürtzer.

Accompanying the playlist is the latest episode of my “Playlist Breakdown” podcast, in which I spotlight one of the playlist’s songs and why it’s so special, interesting, and/or meaningful. This month’s episode focuses on “Crepuscular Rays Over the Horizon,” a bit of beat-driven elegance from the Icelandic producer and composer.

Both of these are little bonuses for subscribers who support Opus financially. If you’d like to get access to them (and more), subscribe to Opus for just $5.00/month or $50/year. (You can also subscribe for free and get my weekend newsletter.)