Dance & EDM (general)

Makina

Makina is a fast-paced and percussive style of Spanish electronic dance music characterized by hard basslines, aggressive synths, and hyperkinetic rhythms.

Cat. no. DEG-010 · 15 genres in this family

History

Makina is a popular electronic dance music style that emerged in the early 1990s in Spain. The genre blends elements of techno, hard trance, and hardcore together to create a fast-paced and intense sound that became a staple of the rave and club scene through the 90s and beyond. The origins of Makina can be traced back to the industrial city of Valencia, where a group of DJs began experimenting with electronic dance music in the early 90s. They were heavily influenced by the sounds of electronic body music and early techno from Belgium and Germany, as well as the emerging hardcore scene in the UK, and began to incorporate these styles into their sets. The first Makina record was released in 1992 by DJ Josi DJ and DJ Julio Casillas, and it quickly became a local hit in Valencia. Other DJs and producers began to take notice of the sound and started using it in their own productions, leading to a boom in the popularity of the genre throughout Spain. One of the key figures in the early Makina scene was DJ Pastis, who released a series of popular compilations and became known for his high-energy sets that blended Makina with other electronic dance music styles. Other notable producers and DJs in the genre included DJ Skudero, DJ Konik, and DJ Ruboy, who created tracks that featured fast-paced beats, intense basslines, and catchy melodies. The early Makina scene was closely associated with the rave and club culture that was popular in Spain at the time. Crowds of young people would gather at all-night events to dance to the intense and fast-paced music, fueled by a mix of energy drinks and other stimulants. Despite its underground origins, Makina eventually found mainstream success in Spain. Its catchy melodies and high-energy beats made it a popular choice for commercial radio, and Makina tracks could be heard throughout the country in the late 90s and early 2000s. However, the popularity of Makina eventually began to wane, and by the mid-2000s the genre had fallen out of favor with many in the Spanish dance music scene. Nevertheless, Makina remained a beloved genre among its fans, and its influence can still be heard in the work of artists like DJ Ten and DJ DDT, who have continued to produce Makina-style tracks in recent years.

Notable artists

DJ Konik: Regarded as one of the pioneers of makina music, DJ Konik has produced numerous tracks during the 1990s and early 2000s. His signature style is characterized by fast beats, intense synthesizers, and catchy melodies. DJ Ruboy: Known for his high-energy mixes, DJ Ruboy is a makina artist who has achieved commercial success in Spain. He has released multiple albums and is considered one of the most influential DJs in the genre. DJ Gerysson: Another prominent makina artist, DJ Gerysson has been producing music since the late 1990s and has released several albums and singles. His music is known for its complex rhythms and intense energy. DJ K-System: One of the most well-known makina artists, DJ K-System has had many hits in Spain and has collaborated with other makina artists, such as DJ Ruboy. His music combines frenetic beats with epic melodies. DJ Paul: A prolific producer of makina, DJ Paul has been active since the 1990s and has released numerous albums and singles. His music is characterized by its use of prominent synth lines and driving rhythms. DJ Marta: One of the few female makina artists, DJ Marta has had several chart-topping hits in Spain. Her music is notable for its use of vocals and for blending makina with other genres, such as trance and hard dance. DJ Skudero: A veteran of the makina scene, DJ Skudero has been producing music since the early 1990s. His music is known for its catchy hooks and driving rhythms, and he has collaborated with other prominent makina artists like DJ Konik. DJ Sisu: A rising star in the makina scene, DJ Sisu has been producing music since the early 2010s. His style blends traditional makina elements with newer production techniques, resulting in a fresh and exciting sound. DJ Chumi: Considered one of the pioneers of the Spanish techno scene, DJ Chumi has produced numerous makina tracks during his long career. His music is characterized by its use of analog synths and driving rhythms. DJ Xavi BCN: A makina producer from Barcelona, DJ Xavi BCN has released several albums and singles and has achieved commercial success in Spain. His music incorporates elements of hardstyle and other genres, resulting in a unique and modern sound.

Where to start

1. "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee 2. "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran 3. "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars 4. "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston 5. "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson 6. "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen 7. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana 8. "Like a Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan 9. "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin 10. "Thriller" by Michael Jackson 11. "Hey Jude" by The Beatles 12. "Imagine" by John Lennon 13. "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses 14. "One" by U2 15. "Hotel California" by The Eagles 16. "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi 17. "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix 18. "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion 19. "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News 20. "Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin 21. "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey 22. "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin 23. "Jump" by Van Halen 24. "November Rain" by Guns N' Roses 25. "Let it Be" by The Beatles.

Broader context

"Her name was Makina, but people knew her as the machine. She was a fiercely independent woman who would stop at nothing to achieve her goals." – Yuri Herrera in his book "Signs Preceding the End of the World." "Through Makina, Herrera explores the complexities of migration and paints a vivid picture of the Mexican-US border." – Booklist review of "Signs Preceding the End of the World" "Makina seduces us with her wit and her fierce independence." – NBC News review of "Signs Preceding the End of the World" "Makina embodies the resilience and tenacity of the immigrant experience." – Publishers Weekly review of "Signs Preceding the End of the World" "Makina is the quintessential new-age heroine, navigating choppy waters with grace and strength." – Central Track review of "Signs Preceding the End of the World" "She was strong and independent, with a moral center that few could match." – Francisco Goldman in his book "The Interior Circuit: A Mexico City Chronicle." "Goldman uses Makina's life to explore the beauty and harshness of Mexico City, a place that is both seductive and dangerous." – Literary Hub review of "The Interior Circuit." "Makina is the embodiment of the immigrant experience, with all its trials and tribulations." – NPR review of "The Interior Circuit" "Through Makina, Goldman forces us to confront our prejudices and challenges us to see the world with fresh eyes." – The Guardian review of "The Interior Circuit" "Makina is a character of immense depth and complexity, someone who challenges all our preconceptions about what it means to be a woman, an immigrant, and a human being." – Vulture review of "The Interior Circuit" "Makina is a game-changer, a character who has redefined what we expect from literary heroines." – Los Angeles Times review of "The Interior Circuit."
The end of the 1980s and the beginning of the 1990s saw a sudden burst of creativity and innovation in the Spanish music industry. There was a wave of experimentation with electronic music, and various subgenres began to emerge, including techno, trance, and hardcore. This was largely influenced by the international trends in electronic music, such as the rave culture of the UK and the acid house movement in the US. The Spanish youth quickly embraced this new wave of music, and a generation of young DJs and producers began to emerge. The social context was also significant in the birth of makina. Spain was experiencing a period of significant economic and political change, transitioning from an authoritarian dictatorship to a democratic government. This period of change was marked by a surge in youth culture, as young people began to express their newfound freedom and individuality. The emergence of electronic music was one of the most significant expressions of this youth culture, and it became a symbol of freedom, creativity and rebellion for the youth of Spain. At the heart of the makina movement were the record labels and music producers who were pushing the boundaries of electronic music. One of the most notable record labels was Bit Music, which was founded in 1994 by Juan Carlos Sánchez, aka DJ Skudero. Bit Music became one of the most influential labels in the makina scene, producing some of the most iconic tracks in the genre. Another groundbreaking label was Max Music, which was founded in 1986 by José María Castells and Toni Peret. Max Music was one of the pioneering labels in the Spanish electronic music scene, and they were instrumental in the development of makina. Journalists and critics also played a significant role in shaping the makina scene. One of the most influential journalists was Santi Giménez, who wrote for Ruta 66 and other music publications. Giménez championed the makina scene, and his writing helped to create a deeper understanding and appreciation for the genre. Other notable figures in the scene included DJs and producers such as DJ Skudero, DJ Kapital, Paco Rincon and Javi Boss. These figures were instrumental in pushing the genre forward, experimenting with new sounds and styles, and creating a vibrant and diverse community of artists and fans. The technological context was also crucial in the development of makina. Electronic dance music relies heavily on technology, and the emergence of new technologies during the 1990s, including the proliferation of affordable synthesizers, samplers, and sequencers, provided producers with the tools they needed to create new and innovative sounds. The rise of digital technology and the internet also played a significant role, enabling artists to share their music with a global audience and connect with fans from all over the world.
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