Kraftwerk

Pioneers. Legends. Cult classics. Without Kraftwerk, would we even have techno today? Maybe, but it would sure sound different. And so would lots of records by some of your favorite bands, who borrowed in droves—and continue to draw inspiration—from the revolutionary ideas first recorded by this German act. Afrika Bambaataa based his famous track “Planet Rock” on a Kraftwerk sample. You’ll hear the band’s sounds on albums by everyone from Daft Punk, the Chemical Brothers, and Aphex Twin, to Dr. Dre, Kanye West, J Dilla, Frank Ocean, and more. Many go so far as to call Kraftwerk not just the godfathers of electronic music, but the most influential band on earth. As one member said in an interview: “When we started it was like, shock, silence.” Into that void Kraftwerk poured robots, synthesizers, and other machines, replacing guitars and drums, and opening audiences’ ears to new sonic vistas. And they haven’t given up since. 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of their milestone LP Autobahn, famously beloved by David Bowie and described by Uncut as “a road map for the musical future. We’re excited to join them on the journey at the OFF Festival!