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New Labels Put New York Techno Back on The Map

There must be something the water.

New York isn't the first place that comes to mind when talking about techno—house music, maybe; disco, certainly. Even despite its many other offerings, it's common knowledge that the Big Apple can't compete with techno-topias like Detroit, Berlin, and even London. But the past few years mark a new era for the city, which now boasts at least half a dozen new labels catching the ears of techno tastemakers worldwide.

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Techno is an international sound, and every major city has its techno scene. New York is no exception, with parties like BlkMarket Membership and Bunker bringing the biggest names from the festival circuit to our intimate dancefloors. Promoters like Wolf + Lamb—who have since moved onto the brighter and more Balearic sounds, but are still essential to any story on techno in New York—have been releasing records for years. "Obviously it's nothing like Berlin or anything, but it's probably a good thing for my health and sanity that I'm not tempted to spend 48 hours straight at Berghain every weekend," says Divvorce, who runs Fifth Wall Records.

And like any serious techno label, each of these new imprints has pressed at least one of their releases to vinyl. Wax is so central to the techno experience that some don't even feel a need to explain why. "It's a record label," stresses William "Speculator" Burnett of WT Records. "It's not a record label without records." Many of the label heads are in their 30s—not exactly upstarts in the world of electronic music—and the majority are based in Brooklyn. Nearly all of them release a variety of electronic genres, not just techno. Long Island Electrical Systems' Ron Morielli, in fact, is dead set against a strict techno format. He told Little White Earbuds, "It's cool to hear some gnarly techno for, like, two and a half hours, but by the third hour, man, your mind is not blown anymore, there's no distinction."

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The wave of new labels comes just as there's been an explosion of new clubs in Brooklyn with top techno promoters' heavy involvement. But most of these imprints are not party-affiliated. You can find their artists DJing around the boroughs, and you might catch the occasional label release party at a neighborhood bar, but throwing parties isn't their focus (longtime promoters ReSolute are one exception here). WT Records' Burnett points out that he's "not concerned about some 'scene.' These days I prefer to spend time making music in my studio at night, not wasting money and time at a club or bar." And to think—we used to call it dance music.

Enough talk already, let's turn the volume up:

Fifth Wall

New York isn't the first place that comes to mind when talking about techno—house music, maybe; disco, certainly. Even despite its many other offerings, it's common knowledge that the Big Apple can't compete with techno-topias like Detroit, Berlin, and even London. But the past few years mark a new era for the city, which now boasts at least half a dozen new labels catching the ears of techno tastemakers worldwide.

Techno is an international sound, and every major city has its techno scene. New York is no exception, with parties like BlkMarket Membership and Bunker bringing the biggest names from the festival circuit to our intimate dancefloors. Promoters like Wolf + Lamb—who have since moved onto the brighter and more Balearic sounds, but are still essential to any story on techno in New York—have been releasing records for years. "Obviously it's nothing like Berlin or anything, but it's probably a good thing for my health and sanity that I'm not tempted to spend 48 hours straight at Berghain every weekend," says Divvorce, who runs Fifth Wall Records.

And like any serious techno label, each of these new imprints has pressed at least one of their releases to vinyl. Wax is so central to the techno experience that some don't even feel a need to explain why. "It's a record label," stresses William "Speculator" Burnett of WT Records. "It's not a record label without records." Many of the label heads are in their 30s—not exactly upstarts in the world of electronic music—and the majority are based in Brooklyn. Nearly all of them release a variety of electronic genres, not just techno. Long Island Electrical Systems' Ron Morielli, in fact, is dead set against a strict techno format. He told Little White Earbuds, "It's cool to hear some gnarly techno for, like, two and a half hours, but by the third hour, man, your mind is not blown anymore, there's no distinction."

The wave of new labels comes just as there's been an explosion of new clubs in Brooklyn with top techno promoters' heavy involvement. But most of these imprints are not party-affiliated. You can find their artists DJing around the boroughs, and you might catch the occasional label release party at a neighborhood bar, but throwing parties isn't their focus (longtime promoters ReSolute are one exception here). WT Records' Burnett points out that he's "not concerned about some 'scene.' These days I prefer to spend time making music in my studio at night, not wasting money and time at a club or bar." And to think—we used to call it dance music.

Enough talk already, let's turn the volume up:

Fifth Wall


Aside from being the youngest label owners mentioned here, they also have the most focused sound, releasing a bevy of heavy, distorted industrial techno. It was started in 2012.

Plan B


Run by DJ Spider, this label is from The Bronx and started in 2008. Spider recently played at Berghain, Berlin's techno mecca.

WT Records


With 19 releases under its belt already, the label has built a roster that includes artists like Shawn O'Sullivan and Hypercube.

Sequencias


Launched in 2011 by JM De Frias, they've released music by the likes of The Sun God and Healing Force Project.

ReSolute


These guys are a bit wary of publicity, but the promoter heavyweights now throw legendary parties just about twice a week. Their label launched in 2011.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy


This label, named after the eponymous literature section in the Strand bookstore, was launched last year. Many of those involved with Sci-Fi work at Dubspot, the electronic music school (full disclosure: I freelance there too).

L.I.E.S.


We're sure you've heard of the Long Island imprint. But in the rare chance you haven't, we suggest you take a gander and get weird with Ron Morelli and his ilk.

Mr. Saturday Night


This label, started in 2012, has only a fleeting relationship with techno. But given the fact that Mr. Saturday Night has been such an anchor in the 4x4 party scene in Brooklyn, we had to include them.

Mike Steyels is going blind from staring at his laptop in the dark - @iswayski

Aside from being the youngest label owners mentioned here, they also have the most focused sound, releasing a bevy of heavy, distorted industrial techno. It was started in 2012.

Plan B

New York isn't the first place that comes to mind when talking about techno—house music, maybe; disco, certainly. Even despite its many other offerings, it's common knowledge that the Big Apple can't compete with techno-topias like Detroit, Berlin, and even London. But the past few years mark a new era for the city, which now boasts at least half a dozen new labels catching the ears of techno tastemakers worldwide.

Techno is an international sound, and every major city has its techno scene. New York is no exception, with parties like BlkMarket Membership and Bunker bringing the biggest names from the festival circuit to our intimate dancefloors. Promoters like Wolf + Lamb—who have since moved onto the brighter and more Balearic sounds, but are still essential to any story on techno in New York—have been releasing records for years. "Obviously it's nothing like Berlin or anything, but it's probably a good thing for my health and sanity that I'm not tempted to spend 48 hours straight at Berghain every weekend," says Divvorce, who runs Fifth Wall Records.

And like any serious techno label, each of these new imprints has pressed at least one of their releases to vinyl. Wax is so central to the techno experience that some don't even feel a need to explain why. "It's a record label," stresses William "Speculator" Burnett of WT Records. "It's not a record label without records." Many of the label heads are in their 30s—not exactly upstarts in the world of electronic music—and the majority are based in Brooklyn. Nearly all of them release a variety of electronic genres, not just techno. Long Island Electrical Systems' Ron Morielli, in fact, is dead set against a strict techno format. He told Little White Earbuds, "It's cool to hear some gnarly techno for, like, two and a half hours, but by the third hour, man, your mind is not blown anymore, there's no distinction."

The wave of new labels comes just as there's been an explosion of new clubs in Brooklyn with top techno promoters' heavy involvement. But most of these imprints are not party-affiliated. You can find their artists DJing around the boroughs, and you might catch the occasional label release party at a neighborhood bar, but throwing parties isn't their focus (longtime promoters ReSolute are one exception here). WT Records' Burnett points out that he's "not concerned about some 'scene.' These days I prefer to spend time making music in my studio at night, not wasting money and time at a club or bar." And to think—we used to call it dance music.

Enough talk already, let's turn the volume up:

Fifth Wall


Aside from being the youngest label owners mentioned here, they also have the most focused sound, releasing a bevy of heavy, distorted industrial techno. It was started in 2012.

Plan B


Run by DJ Spider, this label is from The Bronx and started in 2008. Spider recently played at Berghain, Berlin's techno mecca.

WT Records


With 19 releases under its belt already, the label has built a roster that includes artists like Shawn O'Sullivan and Hypercube.

Sequencias


Launched in 2011 by JM De Frias, they've released music by the likes of The Sun God and Healing Force Project.

ReSolute


These guys are a bit wary of publicity, but the promoter heavyweights now throw legendary parties just about twice a week. Their label launched in 2011.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy


This label, named after the eponymous literature section in the Strand bookstore, was launched last year. Many of those involved with Sci-Fi work at Dubspot, the electronic music school (full disclosure: I freelance there too).

L.I.E.S.


We're sure you've heard of the Long Island imprint. But in the rare chance you haven't, we suggest you take a gander and get weird with Ron Morelli and his ilk.

Mr. Saturday Night


This label, started in 2012, has only a fleeting relationship with techno. But given the fact that Mr. Saturday Night has been such an anchor in the 4x4 party scene in Brooklyn, we had to include them.

Mike Steyels is going blind from staring at his laptop in the dark - @iswayski

Run by DJ Spider, this label is from The Bronx and started in 2008. Spider recently played at Berghain, Berlin's techno mecca.

WT Records

New York isn't the first place that comes to mind when talking about techno—house music, maybe; disco, certainly. Even despite its many other offerings, it's common knowledge that the Big Apple can't compete with techno-topias like Detroit, Berlin, and even London. But the past few years mark a new era for the city, which now boasts at least half a dozen new labels catching the ears of techno tastemakers worldwide.

Techno is an international sound, and every major city has its techno scene. New York is no exception, with parties like BlkMarket Membership and Bunker bringing the biggest names from the festival circuit to our intimate dancefloors. Promoters like Wolf + Lamb—who have since moved onto the brighter and more Balearic sounds, but are still essential to any story on techno in New York—have been releasing records for years. "Obviously it's nothing like Berlin or anything, but it's probably a good thing for my health and sanity that I'm not tempted to spend 48 hours straight at Berghain every weekend," says Divvorce, who runs Fifth Wall Records.

And like any serious techno label, each of these new imprints has pressed at least one of their releases to vinyl. Wax is so central to the techno experience that some don't even feel a need to explain why. "It's a record label," stresses William "Speculator" Burnett of WT Records. "It's not a record label without records." Many of the label heads are in their 30s—not exactly upstarts in the world of electronic music—and the majority are based in Brooklyn. Nearly all of them release a variety of electronic genres, not just techno. Long Island Electrical Systems' Ron Morielli, in fact, is dead set against a strict techno format. He told Little White Earbuds, "It's cool to hear some gnarly techno for, like, two and a half hours, but by the third hour, man, your mind is not blown anymore, there's no distinction."

The wave of new labels comes just as there's been an explosion of new clubs in Brooklyn with top techno promoters' heavy involvement. But most of these imprints are not party-affiliated. You can find their artists DJing around the boroughs, and you might catch the occasional label release party at a neighborhood bar, but throwing parties isn't their focus (longtime promoters ReSolute are one exception here). WT Records' Burnett points out that he's "not concerned about some 'scene.' These days I prefer to spend time making music in my studio at night, not wasting money and time at a club or bar." And to think—we used to call it dance music.

Enough talk already, let's turn the volume up:

Fifth Wall


Aside from being the youngest label owners mentioned here, they also have the most focused sound, releasing a bevy of heavy, distorted industrial techno. It was started in 2012.

Plan B


Run by DJ Spider, this label is from The Bronx and started in 2008. Spider recently played at Berghain, Berlin's techno mecca.

WT Records


With 19 releases under its belt already, the label has built a roster that includes artists like Shawn O'Sullivan and Hypercube.

Sequencias


Launched in 2011 by JM De Frias, they've released music by the likes of The Sun God and Healing Force Project.

ReSolute


These guys are a bit wary of publicity, but the promoter heavyweights now throw legendary parties just about twice a week. Their label launched in 2011.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy


This label, named after the eponymous literature section in the Strand bookstore, was launched last year. Many of those involved with Sci-Fi work at Dubspot, the electronic music school (full disclosure: I freelance there too).

L.I.E.S.


We're sure you've heard of the Long Island imprint. But in the rare chance you haven't, we suggest you take a gander and get weird with Ron Morelli and his ilk.

Mr. Saturday Night


This label, started in 2012, has only a fleeting relationship with techno. But given the fact that Mr. Saturday Night has been such an anchor in the 4x4 party scene in Brooklyn, we had to include them.

Mike Steyels is going blind from staring at his laptop in the dark - @iswayski

With 19 releases under its belt already, the label has built a roster that includes artists like Shawn O'Sullivan and Hypercube.

Sequencias

New York isn't the first place that comes to mind when talking about techno—house music, maybe; disco, certainly. Even despite its many other offerings, it's common knowledge that the Big Apple can't compete with techno-topias like Detroit, Berlin, and even London. But the past few years mark a new era for the city, which now boasts at least half a dozen new labels catching the ears of techno tastemakers worldwide.

Techno is an international sound, and every major city has its techno scene. New York is no exception, with parties like BlkMarket Membership and Bunker bringing the biggest names from the festival circuit to our intimate dancefloors. Promoters like Wolf + Lamb—who have since moved onto the brighter and more Balearic sounds, but are still essential to any story on techno in New York—have been releasing records for years. "Obviously it's nothing like Berlin or anything, but it's probably a good thing for my health and sanity that I'm not tempted to spend 48 hours straight at Berghain every weekend," says Divvorce, who runs Fifth Wall Records.

And like any serious techno label, each of these new imprints has pressed at least one of their releases to vinyl. Wax is so central to the techno experience that some don't even feel a need to explain why. "It's a record label," stresses William "Speculator" Burnett of WT Records. "It's not a record label without records." Many of the label heads are in their 30s—not exactly upstarts in the world of electronic music—and the majority are based in Brooklyn. Nearly all of them release a variety of electronic genres, not just techno. Long Island Electrical Systems' Ron Morielli, in fact, is dead set against a strict techno format. He told Little White Earbuds, "It's cool to hear some gnarly techno for, like, two and a half hours, but by the third hour, man, your mind is not blown anymore, there's no distinction."

The wave of new labels comes just as there's been an explosion of new clubs in Brooklyn with top techno promoters' heavy involvement. But most of these imprints are not party-affiliated. You can find their artists DJing around the boroughs, and you might catch the occasional label release party at a neighborhood bar, but throwing parties isn't their focus (longtime promoters ReSolute are one exception here). WT Records' Burnett points out that he's "not concerned about some 'scene.' These days I prefer to spend time making music in my studio at night, not wasting money and time at a club or bar." And to think—we used to call it dance music.

Enough talk already, let's turn the volume up:

Fifth Wall


Aside from being the youngest label owners mentioned here, they also have the most focused sound, releasing a bevy of heavy, distorted industrial techno. It was started in 2012.

Plan B


Run by DJ Spider, this label is from The Bronx and started in 2008. Spider recently played at Berghain, Berlin's techno mecca.

WT Records


With 19 releases under its belt already, the label has built a roster that includes artists like Shawn O'Sullivan and Hypercube.

Sequencias


Launched in 2011 by JM De Frias, they've released music by the likes of The Sun God and Healing Force Project.

ReSolute


These guys are a bit wary of publicity, but the promoter heavyweights now throw legendary parties just about twice a week. Their label launched in 2011.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy


This label, named after the eponymous literature section in the Strand bookstore, was launched last year. Many of those involved with Sci-Fi work at Dubspot, the electronic music school (full disclosure: I freelance there too).

L.I.E.S.


We're sure you've heard of the Long Island imprint. But in the rare chance you haven't, we suggest you take a gander and get weird with Ron Morelli and his ilk.

Mr. Saturday Night


This label, started in 2012, has only a fleeting relationship with techno. But given the fact that Mr. Saturday Night has been such an anchor in the 4x4 party scene in Brooklyn, we had to include them.

Mike Steyels is going blind from staring at his laptop in the dark - @iswayski

Launched in 2011 by JM De Frias, they've released music by the likes of The Sun God and Healing Force Project.

ReSolute

New York isn't the first place that comes to mind when talking about techno—house music, maybe; disco, certainly. Even despite its many other offerings, it's common knowledge that the Big Apple can't compete with techno-topias like Detroit, Berlin, and even London. But the past few years mark a new era for the city, which now boasts at least half a dozen new labels catching the ears of techno tastemakers worldwide.

Techno is an international sound, and every major city has its techno scene. New York is no exception, with parties like BlkMarket Membership and Bunker bringing the biggest names from the festival circuit to our intimate dancefloors. Promoters like Wolf + Lamb—who have since moved onto the brighter and more Balearic sounds, but are still essential to any story on techno in New York—have been releasing records for years. "Obviously it's nothing like Berlin or anything, but it's probably a good thing for my health and sanity that I'm not tempted to spend 48 hours straight at Berghain every weekend," says Divvorce, who runs Fifth Wall Records.

And like any serious techno label, each of these new imprints has pressed at least one of their releases to vinyl. Wax is so central to the techno experience that some don't even feel a need to explain why. "It's a record label," stresses William "Speculator" Burnett of WT Records. "It's not a record label without records." Many of the label heads are in their 30s—not exactly upstarts in the world of electronic music—and the majority are based in Brooklyn. Nearly all of them release a variety of electronic genres, not just techno. Long Island Electrical Systems' Ron Morielli, in fact, is dead set against a strict techno format. He told Little White Earbuds, "It's cool to hear some gnarly techno for, like, two and a half hours, but by the third hour, man, your mind is not blown anymore, there's no distinction."

The wave of new labels comes just as there's been an explosion of new clubs in Brooklyn with top techno promoters' heavy involvement. But most of these imprints are not party-affiliated. You can find their artists DJing around the boroughs, and you might catch the occasional label release party at a neighborhood bar, but throwing parties isn't their focus (longtime promoters ReSolute are one exception here). WT Records' Burnett points out that he's "not concerned about some 'scene.' These days I prefer to spend time making music in my studio at night, not wasting money and time at a club or bar." And to think—we used to call it dance music.

Enough talk already, let's turn the volume up:

Fifth Wall


Aside from being the youngest label owners mentioned here, they also have the most focused sound, releasing a bevy of heavy, distorted industrial techno. It was started in 2012.

Plan B


Run by DJ Spider, this label is from The Bronx and started in 2008. Spider recently played at Berghain, Berlin's techno mecca.

WT Records


With 19 releases under its belt already, the label has built a roster that includes artists like Shawn O'Sullivan and Hypercube.

Sequencias


Launched in 2011 by JM De Frias, they've released music by the likes of The Sun God and Healing Force Project.

ReSolute


These guys are a bit wary of publicity, but the promoter heavyweights now throw legendary parties just about twice a week. Their label launched in 2011.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy


This label, named after the eponymous literature section in the Strand bookstore, was launched last year. Many of those involved with Sci-Fi work at Dubspot, the electronic music school (full disclosure: I freelance there too).

L.I.E.S.


We're sure you've heard of the Long Island imprint. But in the rare chance you haven't, we suggest you take a gander and get weird with Ron Morelli and his ilk.

Mr. Saturday Night


This label, started in 2012, has only a fleeting relationship with techno. But given the fact that Mr. Saturday Night has been such an anchor in the 4x4 party scene in Brooklyn, we had to include them.

Mike Steyels is going blind from staring at his laptop in the dark - @iswayski

These guys are a bit wary of publicity, but the promoter heavyweights now throw legendary parties just about twice a week. Their label launched in 2011.

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Sci-Fi & Fantasy

New York isn't the first place that comes to mind when talking about techno—house music, maybe; disco, certainly. Even despite its many other offerings, it's common knowledge that the Big Apple can't compete with techno-topias like Detroit, Berlin, and even London. But the past few years mark a new era for the city, which now boasts at least half a dozen new labels catching the ears of techno tastemakers worldwide.

Techno is an international sound, and every major city has its techno scene. New York is no exception, with parties like BlkMarket Membership and Bunker bringing the biggest names from the festival circuit to our intimate dancefloors. Promoters like Wolf + Lamb—who have since moved onto the brighter and more Balearic sounds, but are still essential to any story on techno in New York—have been releasing records for years. "Obviously it's nothing like Berlin or anything, but it's probably a good thing for my health and sanity that I'm not tempted to spend 48 hours straight at Berghain every weekend," says Divvorce, who runs Fifth Wall Records.

And like any serious techno label, each of these new imprints has pressed at least one of their releases to vinyl. Wax is so central to the techno experience that some don't even feel a need to explain why. "It's a record label," stresses William "Speculator" Burnett of WT Records. "It's not a record label without records." Many of the label heads are in their 30s—not exactly upstarts in the world of electronic music—and the majority are based in Brooklyn. Nearly all of them release a variety of electronic genres, not just techno. Long Island Electrical Systems' Ron Morielli, in fact, is dead set against a strict techno format. He told Little White Earbuds, "It's cool to hear some gnarly techno for, like, two and a half hours, but by the third hour, man, your mind is not blown anymore, there's no distinction."

The wave of new labels comes just as there's been an explosion of new clubs in Brooklyn with top techno promoters' heavy involvement. But most of these imprints are not party-affiliated. You can find their artists DJing around the boroughs, and you might catch the occasional label release party at a neighborhood bar, but throwing parties isn't their focus (longtime promoters ReSolute are one exception here). WT Records' Burnett points out that he's "not concerned about some 'scene.' These days I prefer to spend time making music in my studio at night, not wasting money and time at a club or bar." And to think—we used to call it dance music.

Enough talk already, let's turn the volume up:

Fifth Wall


Aside from being the youngest label owners mentioned here, they also have the most focused sound, releasing a bevy of heavy, distorted industrial techno. It was started in 2012.

Plan B


Run by DJ Spider, this label is from The Bronx and started in 2008. Spider recently played at Berghain, Berlin's techno mecca.

WT Records


With 19 releases under its belt already, the label has built a roster that includes artists like Shawn O'Sullivan and Hypercube.

Sequencias


Launched in 2011 by JM De Frias, they've released music by the likes of The Sun God and Healing Force Project.

ReSolute


These guys are a bit wary of publicity, but the promoter heavyweights now throw legendary parties just about twice a week. Their label launched in 2011.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy


This label, named after the eponymous literature section in the Strand bookstore, was launched last year. Many of those involved with Sci-Fi work at Dubspot, the electronic music school (full disclosure: I freelance there too).

L.I.E.S.


We're sure you've heard of the Long Island imprint. But in the rare chance you haven't, we suggest you take a gander and get weird with Ron Morelli and his ilk.

Mr. Saturday Night


This label, started in 2012, has only a fleeting relationship with techno. But given the fact that Mr. Saturday Night has been such an anchor in the 4x4 party scene in Brooklyn, we had to include them.

Mike Steyels is going blind from staring at his laptop in the dark - @iswayski

This label, named after the eponymous literature section in the Strand bookstore, was launched last year. Many of those involved with Sci-Fi work at Dubspot, the electronic music school (full disclosure: I freelance there too).

L.I.E.S.

New York isn't the first place that comes to mind when talking about techno—house music, maybe; disco, certainly. Even despite its many other offerings, it's common knowledge that the Big Apple can't compete with techno-topias like Detroit, Berlin, and even London. But the past few years mark a new era for the city, which now boasts at least half a dozen new labels catching the ears of techno tastemakers worldwide.

Techno is an international sound, and every major city has its techno scene. New York is no exception, with parties like BlkMarket Membership and Bunker bringing the biggest names from the festival circuit to our intimate dancefloors. Promoters like Wolf + Lamb—who have since moved onto the brighter and more Balearic sounds, but are still essential to any story on techno in New York—have been releasing records for years. "Obviously it's nothing like Berlin or anything, but it's probably a good thing for my health and sanity that I'm not tempted to spend 48 hours straight at Berghain every weekend," says Divvorce, who runs Fifth Wall Records.

And like any serious techno label, each of these new imprints has pressed at least one of their releases to vinyl. Wax is so central to the techno experience that some don't even feel a need to explain why. "It's a record label," stresses William "Speculator" Burnett of WT Records. "It's not a record label without records." Many of the label heads are in their 30s—not exactly upstarts in the world of electronic music—and the majority are based in Brooklyn. Nearly all of them release a variety of electronic genres, not just techno. Long Island Electrical Systems' Ron Morielli, in fact, is dead set against a strict techno format. He told Little White Earbuds, "It's cool to hear some gnarly techno for, like, two and a half hours, but by the third hour, man, your mind is not blown anymore, there's no distinction."

The wave of new labels comes just as there's been an explosion of new clubs in Brooklyn with top techno promoters' heavy involvement. But most of these imprints are not party-affiliated. You can find their artists DJing around the boroughs, and you might catch the occasional label release party at a neighborhood bar, but throwing parties isn't their focus (longtime promoters ReSolute are one exception here). WT Records' Burnett points out that he's "not concerned about some 'scene.' These days I prefer to spend time making music in my studio at night, not wasting money and time at a club or bar." And to think—we used to call it dance music.

Enough talk already, let's turn the volume up:

Fifth Wall


Aside from being the youngest label owners mentioned here, they also have the most focused sound, releasing a bevy of heavy, distorted industrial techno. It was started in 2012.

Plan B


Run by DJ Spider, this label is from The Bronx and started in 2008. Spider recently played at Berghain, Berlin's techno mecca.

WT Records


With 19 releases under its belt already, the label has built a roster that includes artists like Shawn O'Sullivan and Hypercube.

Sequencias


Launched in 2011 by JM De Frias, they've released music by the likes of The Sun God and Healing Force Project.

ReSolute


These guys are a bit wary of publicity, but the promoter heavyweights now throw legendary parties just about twice a week. Their label launched in 2011.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy


This label, named after the eponymous literature section in the Strand bookstore, was launched last year. Many of those involved with Sci-Fi work at Dubspot, the electronic music school (full disclosure: I freelance there too).

L.I.E.S.


We're sure you've heard of the Long Island imprint. But in the rare chance you haven't, we suggest you take a gander and get weird with Ron Morelli and his ilk.

Mr. Saturday Night


This label, started in 2012, has only a fleeting relationship with techno. But given the fact that Mr. Saturday Night has been such an anchor in the 4x4 party scene in Brooklyn, we had to include them.

Mike Steyels is going blind from staring at his laptop in the dark - @iswayski

We're sure you've heard of the Long Island imprint. But in the rare chance you haven't, we suggest you take a gander and get weird with Ron Morelli and his ilk.

Mr. Saturday Night

New York isn't the first place that comes to mind when talking about techno—house music, maybe; disco, certainly. Even despite its many other offerings, it's common knowledge that the Big Apple can't compete with techno-topias like Detroit, Berlin, and even London. But the past few years mark a new era for the city, which now boasts at least half a dozen new labels catching the ears of techno tastemakers worldwide.

Techno is an international sound, and every major city has its techno scene. New York is no exception, with parties like BlkMarket Membership and Bunker bringing the biggest names from the festival circuit to our intimate dancefloors. Promoters like Wolf + Lamb—who have since moved onto the brighter and more Balearic sounds, but are still essential to any story on techno in New York—have been releasing records for years. "Obviously it's nothing like Berlin or anything, but it's probably a good thing for my health and sanity that I'm not tempted to spend 48 hours straight at Berghain every weekend," says Divvorce, who runs Fifth Wall Records.

And like any serious techno label, each of these new imprints has pressed at least one of their releases to vinyl. Wax is so central to the techno experience that some don't even feel a need to explain why. "It's a record label," stresses William "Speculator" Burnett of WT Records. "It's not a record label without records." Many of the label heads are in their 30s—not exactly upstarts in the world of electronic music—and the majority are based in Brooklyn. Nearly all of them release a variety of electronic genres, not just techno. Long Island Electrical Systems' Ron Morielli, in fact, is dead set against a strict techno format. He told Little White Earbuds, "It's cool to hear some gnarly techno for, like, two and a half hours, but by the third hour, man, your mind is not blown anymore, there's no distinction."

The wave of new labels comes just as there's been an explosion of new clubs in Brooklyn with top techno promoters' heavy involvement. But most of these imprints are not party-affiliated. You can find their artists DJing around the boroughs, and you might catch the occasional label release party at a neighborhood bar, but throwing parties isn't their focus (longtime promoters ReSolute are one exception here). WT Records' Burnett points out that he's "not concerned about some 'scene.' These days I prefer to spend time making music in my studio at night, not wasting money and time at a club or bar." And to think—we used to call it dance music.

Enough talk already, let's turn the volume up:

Fifth Wall


Aside from being the youngest label owners mentioned here, they also have the most focused sound, releasing a bevy of heavy, distorted industrial techno. It was started in 2012.

Plan B


Run by DJ Spider, this label is from The Bronx and started in 2008. Spider recently played at Berghain, Berlin's techno mecca.

WT Records


With 19 releases under its belt already, the label has built a roster that includes artists like Shawn O'Sullivan and Hypercube.

Sequencias


Launched in 2011 by JM De Frias, they've released music by the likes of The Sun God and Healing Force Project.

ReSolute


These guys are a bit wary of publicity, but the promoter heavyweights now throw legendary parties just about twice a week. Their label launched in 2011.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy


This label, named after the eponymous literature section in the Strand bookstore, was launched last year. Many of those involved with Sci-Fi work at Dubspot, the electronic music school (full disclosure: I freelance there too).

L.I.E.S.


We're sure you've heard of the Long Island imprint. But in the rare chance you haven't, we suggest you take a gander and get weird with Ron Morelli and his ilk.

Mr. Saturday Night


This label, started in 2012, has only a fleeting relationship with techno. But given the fact that Mr. Saturday Night has been such an anchor in the 4x4 party scene in Brooklyn, we had to include them.

Mike Steyels is going blind from staring at his laptop in the dark - @iswayski

This label, started in 2012, has only a fleeting relationship with techno. But given the fact that Mr. Saturday Night has been such an anchor in the 4x4 party scene in Brooklyn, we had to include them.

Mike Steyels is going blind from staring at his laptop in the dark - @iswayski