DJs seek voice beyond machines in e-music boom

Electronic music has enjoyed soaring growth in recent years, but to detractors the genre consists of little beyond crowd-pleasing DJs clicking "play" on their computers. But several leading artists are seeking to combat such perceptions with a renewed effort to emphasize the human element behind the music.

Richie Hawtin, a leading force in techno, on his latest tour has gone not only to clubs but to college campuses where he brought fellow DJs to lecture.

Hawtin, a British-born Canadian who has performed as Plastikman, is known for his minimalist techno but says honing his style took time.