“People Felt Empowered To Build Something New”: How German Technology Shaped Dance Music
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Chances are, you’re making music on a DAW or with plugins born in Germany. How did the country come to dominate the software used in electronic music production?
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Many popular Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and plugins have German roots. For instance:
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- Cubase
- Ableton Live
- Logic Pro and Studio One (originally developed in Germany)
- Key plugins like Reaktor and Kontakt from Native Instruments
- Plugins like Diva and Hive from u-he
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This dominance in music production software can be traced back to the vibrant music scene in Germany, particularly in Berlin, during the late 20th century.
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The Birth of a Music Scene
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The story of Germany’s rise in music production software begins with the music itself. In the late 1960s, a new generation emerged in Germany, rejecting the traditional pop and rock music of the time. Instead, they embraced electronic sounds, often using primitive synthesizers. This era gave birth to influential bands like Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream, who pioneered electronic music styles.
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“Before the tech came the music,” said Heiko Hoffmann, A&R director at the Orchard, highlighting the importance of techno in this narrative.
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As the techno movement gained momentum in the 1990s, it created a new awareness and appreciation for electronic sounds and synthesizers. Non Eric of the Synth Museum Berlin noted, “Berlin is the birthplace of the ‘Berliner Schule,’ with its main act Tangerine Dream.” This cultural shift laid the groundwork for the software revolution that followed.
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The Impact of the Berlin Wall
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The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 was a pivotal moment for the music scene. It led to a surge in popularity for techno music, as cheap rents in the now-desirable East Berlin attracted artists and musicians. Christian Kleine of Ableton recalls, “Back then, it was anarchic. It was very wild.” This explosion of creativity and the DIY spirit fostered a vibrant music culture.
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As the techno scene flourished, it caught the attention of software developers. The combination of a thriving music scene and affordable living conditions encouraged many to explore music technology. Christian noted, “You saw, especially in Germany and Berlin at the time, that this was not like an underground movement. Everybody embraced it to some degree.”
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Technological Advancements
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During this period, significant technological advancements also played a crucial role. The late 1990s saw the introduction of affordable Apple computers capable of real-time audio processing. This accessibility allowed musicians and developers to experiment with software in ways that were previously unimaginable.
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As music inspired software engineers, the reverse was also true. The collaboration between musicians and engineers led to the development of innovative electronic instruments. For example, Tangerine Dream collaborated with Wolfgang Palm to create the PPG Wave, a groundbreaking synthesizer.
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Steinberg: A Frustration-Driven Innovation
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Before the 1990s, the 1980s saw the birth of Steinberg, a company founded by musicians Manfred Rürup and Karl Steinberg in Hamburg. Frustrated with existing MIDI sequencers, they aimed to create a better solution. Their first product, the Steinberg Research Interface, was released in 1984, followed by the groundbreaking Cubase in 1989.
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Cubase started as a MIDI sequencer but evolved into a comprehensive DAW, adding digital audio recording capabilities and introducing Virtual Studio Technology (VST) in 1996, which revolutionized music production.
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Native Instruments: Community and Collaboration
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In 1996, Stephan Schmitt founded Native Instruments, releasing the software synthesizer Generator (later known as Reaktor). This modular synthesizer allowed users to create their own instruments and share them online, fostering a sense of community among musicians.
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Philipp Kopp from Native Instruments emphasized the importance of this collaborative spirit, stating, “Reaktor embodies the innovative spirit that defined Berlin’s tech scene at this time.” This ethos prioritized accessibility and affordability, allowing more people to engage in music production.
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Ableton Live: A New Approach to Music Performance
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Not long after Native Instruments, Ableton was founded by Gerhard Behles and Robert Henke, who sought to create a new workflow for live performance. Their product, Ableton Live, was designed to be an instrument in itself, catering to musicians performing on stage.
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Christian explained, “The interaction of computers with the human was much more interesting to us.” This innovative approach allowed musicians to utilize computers in ways that enhanced their performances.
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The Future of Music Production
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Today, Germany remains a leader in music production software, with companies like Steinberg, Native Instruments, and Ableton continuing to innovate. Newer companies founded by former employees are also emerging, contributing to the ever-evolving landscape of music technology.
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As the democratization of music production continues, more people are making music than ever before. The future holds exciting possibilities, especially with the integration of AI in music technology. Christian summed it up well: “We live in interesting times nowadays. We are very curious how it will evolve from here.”
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Conclusion
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The rise of German software in electronic music production is not just a story of technological advancement; it is a narrative woven into the fabric of cultural evolution. From the experimental sounds of the 1960s to the sophisticated DAWs and plugins of today, Germany has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of modern music. As we look to the future, the synergy between technology and creativity promises to unlock new realms of musical expression.
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