What Is House Music?
House grew out of Chicago in the early 1980s. It is built on a steady four-on-the-floor kick, warm basslines, and often soulful or disco-influenced elements, usually in a roughly 118 to 130 BPM range. It tends to feel groovy, uplifting, and social.
What Is Techno?
Techno emerged in Detroit in the 1980s. It is typically faster, more hypnotic, and more machine-driven than house, often around 125 to 150 BPM, with repetitive patterns, driving percussion, and less emphasis on vocals. It tends to feel darker, harder, and more immersive.
Techno vs House at a Glance
- Tempo: house is generally a bit slower; techno is generally faster.
- Mood: house is warmer and groovier; techno is darker and more hypnotic.
- Vocals: house often uses them; techno rarely does.
- Texture: house leans on soulful and melodic hooks; techno leans on rhythm and repetition.
- Blends: tech house, melodic techno, and progressive house sit between the two.
Hear both on Halloween night
House and techno across three stages. Tickets are on sale through Eventim.
How It Sounds at Drifted Halloween
Bart Skils plays driving peak-time techno. Moritz Hofbauer brings minimal and melodic techno. Oscar L blends techno and tech house. Wave Wave leans into melodic and progressive house. Moguai mixes techno, electro, and progressive house, and Charles B brings symphonic techno with a live orchestra. Dallas selectors John Wayne b2b Willie Trimmer play house, tech house, and disco-tinged grooves.
See the full lineup and the artist guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is techno faster than house?
Generally yes. Techno typically runs faster and feels more hypnotic, while house is a bit slower and groovier.
What is tech house?
Tech house blends the groove of house with the driving, stripped-back feel of techno.
Is Drifted Fest a house or techno festival?
Both. The lineup covers peak-time and melodic techno, tech house, and progressive and melodic house across three stages.
Do I need to know the genres to enjoy the festival?
No. Showing up open to new sounds is part of the experience.