The term "techno" has taken on a broader meaning, encompassing many kinds of electronic dance music. Atkins himself has used the term to describe earlier bands that made heavy use of synthesizers. They presented their music to dance clubs, skating rinks, and parties. It soon became accepted to hear this type of music in all different all-age clubs. Atkins began recording in 1985. He continues to produce his own and other musicians' records under the Metroplex Records label. As far as instruments used in techno music, the techno producer's studio may consist of elaborate banks of synthesizers, samplers, effects processors, electronic keyboards, drum machines, and mixing boards wired together. Depending on how they are wired together, they sometimes influence each other's sounds as the producer builds up many layers of syncopated, rhythmic harmonies and mingles them together at the mixing console. Most producers use a variety of equipment to strive to produce something never heard before. Although, producers try to create something origional, most music stays within the style boundries set by their contemperaries. The producer also may use only a computer to compose techno music. Since all of the instruments used are electronic sounds, most sounds and instruments can be collaborated into a computer. Using only a computer is common today, even though this may give less variation to the music (Wikpedia).
Techno generally begins with a steady percussive beat. Into the beat a producer would mix synthetic sounds (Wikpedia). Techno features a fast, regular 4/4 beat, and is relatively atonal. It is produced with the intention of being incorporated into continuous DJ sets where different compositions are played, very long and synchronized, mainly for the purpose of dance. Techno does not typically contain traditional approaches to composition such as reliance on the playing of notes, the use of overt tonality and melody, or accompaniment of vocals.