The thumping basslines and robotic synths synonymous with techno might paint a picture of Berlin's sprawling nightclubs, but the genre's origins lie far away in the industrial decay of 1980s Detroit. There, amidst social struggles and economic decline, African American pioneers like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson began weaving a futuristic soundscape. Their experiments with electronic music, influenced by funk, electro, and even sci-fi, birthed techno – a genre that would redefine electronic music.

However, it was Berlin that became techno's crucible. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 shattered physical and artistic barriers. The city's vast, abandoned spaces – remnants of a divided past – became the breeding ground for a new sound. Clubs like Tresor, carved out of a former bank vault, and Berghain, housed in a power station, pulsated with the raw energy of techno.

The historic town of Viana do Castelo, Portugal, gears up for three days of electronic music revelry as Neopop Festival returns for its 17th edition. From August 8th to 10th, the imposing Castelo Santiago da Barra will transform into a dance music paradise, welcoming festival-goers with a lineup boasting established icons and fresh talents.

A Celebration of Electronic Music's Diversity

Neopop transcends the boundaries of a single genre, offering a smorgasbord of electronic music flavors. Prepare to be immersed in the pulsating world of techno, the infectious grooves of house, and the myriad subgenres that lie in between. From the legendary sounds of Jeff Mills and Richie Hawtin to the rising stars like Indira Paganotto and Sama' Abdulhadi, the lineup promises a journey through the very heart of electronic music.