Kraftwerk

Kraftwerk literally invented the template for all electronic dance music, crafting the blueprint for synth-pop, techno, and virtually every form of computer-generated music. Their 1974 album Autobahn sold over 6 million copies worldwide, a record that outperforms #6 Deadmau5's highest-selling album by a factor of 3. The group's influence on modern EDM is deeper than the average artist, with tracks like "Trans-Europe Express" directly inspiring early hip-hop and techno pioneers in Detroit. Each member's precisely sequenced live performances, using custom-built robots and video screens, set a standard for visual artistry that remains unmatched in the industry.