Bochka is a Russian word that roughly translates into barrel. Yes, you heard it right, it’s a keg, an object used to store beer for example.
Barrel, also known in Russian as “Bochka”
So what is this fuss all about? Well. It’s a bit complicated. To simply put it – it’s a techno subgenre that people associate with a specific sound, especially the drum kicks.
Yes, it is that simplified, however, the genre started to take shape into a more artistic form.
It is casually used when someone wants to describe Techno. But not only just “Techno” as a whole, we use it to refer to Hard Techno and Industrial Techno as Bochka due to the fact that these subgenres and styles have that punching kick throughout the entire song.
Ok so what is exactly Bochka and what does it sound like? Well. It’s complicated because there’s no active definition on this on Wikipedia for example. However, I have personally dug deep into the depths of SoundCloud, spoke to various artists that perform this genre and there I’ve gathered the main ideas of the genre below:
- The overall sound is made to allow people to dance freely, due to its groovy melodies
- The kicks repeat themselves more than in any other subgenre of techno, such as genres with long build ups and hard drops like the Industrial Hardcore, Industrial or Hard Techno styles
- You can hear that there’s a softer kick, alligned more with the melody which flows continously throughout the entire track, these kicks are not that harsh on the ear and they are more pleasing to the average Techno listener
- The Bochka tracks are less fatiguing, although very continuous with slim build ups and almost no drops, they flow with the listener’s ear constantly and allows them to dance entirely free, without pauses
Some examples of Bochka tracks can be found in artists such as DRAAG, who is considered by many to be the creator of this style, dating back to 10 years ago.
One of the most iconic tracks of the Bochka genre is SISSIS:
The above track is the best examples of Bochka that I can think of, and it is a state-of-the-art musical piece that inspired a lot of artists today, including Dietrich.
I will list below a couple of important podcasts that should be taken into consideration by everyone who wants to understand how the Bochka style of Techno sounds.
And my personal favorite of all time:
These podcasts are fundamental for anyone who wants to listen closely, understand, practice and learn about this genre.
You can hear that in Bochka, there are very long kick phrases where two tracks are blended together in order to create harmony, and this is due to a highly efficient use of the EQ knobs.
Notable mentions:
There are two Russian labels to which I pay a lot of respect for. They are called Nypra and LARISA – these labels, along with the artists mentioned above are very iconic.
There is also MOS.ARV and 565R which I deeply respect and I love with all my heart, I highly advise you to check all of their stuff because you’re going to miss out!
Thank you for reaching this far into the article. If you love Bochka you can also follow me, I post a lot about music in general.
https://www.instagram.com/___abat____
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