Arpanet is an electronic music project founded by Heinrich Mueller, one-half of the influential duo Drexciya and behind numerous other projects in the Afrofuturist and experimental music genres. Emerging in the early 2000s, Arpanet is closely associated with the themes of technology, surveillance, and the evolution of the internet, drawing its name from the ARPANET, the precursor to the modern internet.
Arpanet's music is deeply rooted in minimalist, sci-fi aesthetics, and futuristic soundscapes, often exploring cold, mechanical rhythms and intricate synthetic textures. The project debuted with Wireless Internet (2002), a concept album released on Record Makers, which examined the rise of wireless communication technologies. Subsequent releases, including Quantum Transposition (2005) and Inertial Frame (2006), delved into themes of quantum physics and relativistic science, reflecting Mueller long-standing interest in scientific and technological advancements.
Like many of Mueller projects, Arpanet maintains an aura of mystery, avoiding public appearances and interviews. However, its influence is unmistakable in the realms of electro and Detroit techno, inspiring artists who embrace both scientific themes and innovative sound design.