The band was formed in 1986, initially known as "The Inner Circle", a classically influenced synthesizer project. Following a shakeout in direction, the name was changed to Gebrauche-Musik, representing a reinvention of style and musical focus of the group, which turned their attention to the songs delivered by the electronics rather than the other way around. In German, 'gebrauche musik' literally means 'use music'.
Additionally, in the early 1930's there existed a musical genre in Germany that was stylized as songs expressed with simple musical movements and with a minimum of common instruments. This genre presented musical content on the basis of the catchy melodies and the organization of these melodies in the formation of a musical piece. This short-lived genre was known as "Gebrauche Musik". Through the 90's, the group developed a unique format for expression that embraced the technology, and today, continues to evolve that style, staying ahead of the mainstream electronic curve.