i couldn't speak for the more popular music, hard house, drum n bass etc, as i have no contact with them, but i'd hazard a guess the record selling side is probably healthier than techno, but because they're more popular doesn't mean they won't struggle. i think techno is seriously struggling in this country, as is the clubscene in general and for the last few years, the people leaving the scene aren't being replaced. the bar culture, the moronic masses festering in town centres up and down the country, alas, are the majority these days, and there are fewer and fewer techno dj's buying the vinyl that the distribution companies need to stay afloat. i know its not as black and white as that, but its a major contributor, along with other factors which have been covered in previous replies to this thread. techno is more underground than its ever been in this country due to a basic lack of interest in that culture. running a techno night is getting harder, making a breakthrough as a new producer or dj is becoming harder, and it needs alot of time, technical knowledge and money to carve out a name for yourself. i think mark e.g. had a good point about the internet and mp3 market, especially with advances like final scratch. if the progression takes dj's to digital, instead of buying a record from a shop, or ordering a record on the internet, why not just pay for the same tune as a download? surely that would help the cost of distribution if it was all digital? its an important issue if the scene here is to stay alive, i really hope it does, this music is in my blood, but at risk of sounding like a pessimist, i don't hold out alot of hope for the future of techno in 'i'mabigbrotherpopidolgetmeanaenima' generation of ben sherman shirts and peroxide hair. phew!!! rant over i think!!!