Music
10 perfect gifts for techno music lovers
Need to get a present for a friend who loves the rave? We're here to help.
It's difficult to find a good present for a music fanatic. So if there’s someone in your life with a massive passion for 4/4 beats, then here's a list of 10 gift suggestions which will appeal to lovers of techno and beyond – ranging from vinyl gadgets, to label merch and professional quality earplugs.
1. Phantasy Vinyl Lucky Dip
For just £10 Erol Alkan’s label will send you three randomly selected 12”s from their back catalogue in the post. Given their roster includes the likes of Daniel Avery and Factory Floor’s Gabe Gurnsey, it’s a safe bet that whatever random records arrive, there'll be some dancefloor-friendly material.
2. High Tech Soul: The Creation of Techno Music
A must-see documentary on the history of techno music and the socio-political backdrop of Detroit that birthed it. Featuring interviews with instigators such as Juan Atkins, Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson, as well as those who followed in their footsteps such as Richie Hawtin, Jeff Mills and Carl Craig.
Kevin Saunderson at Red Bull Music Academy Bass Camp 2015
© Maria Jose Govea / Red Bull Content Poo
3. Late Night Tales Bundles
The post-club compilation album is something that has died off a little bit in the world of Spotify and playlists, but the Late Night Tales series continues to release fantastic after-hours compilation albums curated by artists. Such artists that have curated albums include: Jon Hopkins, Four Tet and Trentmoller. The series offers a range of bundle packages, including both vinyl and digital.
4. Sports Banger Clobber
Acid house flip flops, sunglasses, festival-friendly hats and bags – Sports Banger is a bit of a modern day rave clothing emporium. They even put out music alongside their clothing too.
5. Original Peter Record Bag
Original Peter was created by two life-long record collectors, Jonny Trunk (of Trunk Records) and Ed Griffiths (of blaxploitation.com) after they got sick of replacing broken record bags. So they set out to design a stylish, sturdy, durable and high-capacity collection of record bags. Orders also include a lucky dip LP from Jonny and Ed’s personal collection.
6. Kompakt Memory Card Game
Do you know The Feild's record sleeves from Michael Mayer’s? Well, should you wish to test your knowledge of the German label Kompakt then you can do so with this here memory card game, which features 64 artworks from the label’s catalogue.
Michael Mayer
© Jean-Christophe Dupasquier / Red Bull Content Pool
7. PRO17 Custom Ear Plugs
These high quality ear plugs are substantially more expensive than the foam pairs you'll find on the high street, but for DJs or regular techno ravers who need to protect their hearing without reducing the quality of their music listening experience, they're well worth the investment.
8. Dekmantel Merch
The Amsterdam-based dance festival, events company and record label is hugely popular and widely respected – with 2018's line-up including the likes of Regis, Rødhåd and Helena Hauff. It also has a tasty selection of merch. From cross-body bags in collaboration with Patta, to bags, hoodies, keyrings, badges and hats.
9. Vinylmood Record Dock
Handcrafted from the Netherlands, this collection of slim wooden docks have been created to display records prominently as you play them. Suitable for both 7” singles and heavyweight 12” LPs.
10. Discwoman Merch
Discwoman is an NYC-based booking agency and artist collective with a diverse network of DJs and producers who share a determination to reclaim clubs as safe, empowering spaces. If you've been to the right parties, chances are you'll be used to seeing their logo on sweaters, caps and festival-friendly drawstring bags among the crowd.
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