I'm so Glad I lived during 90's
Ah the 90's What a Time It Was
The 90s had such a unique vibe—it was a time of simplicity mixed with big cultural shifts. Life felt a bit more grounded in some ways, with less of the constant digital pressure we have today. People spent more time outdoors, had face-to-face interactions, and enjoyed the moment more without the constant connectivity we have now.
Pre-Social Media World:
Less Digital Footprint
People didn’t live their lives online as they do today. Social media, streaming, and constant connectivity weren’t a part of daily life, so there was more freedom to be present in the moment.
In-Person Socializing
Friendships were built over phone calls (usually landlines!) or hanging out in person. You’d meet up, talk, and just be without checking your phone every few minutes.
Technology & Entertainment
The Excitement of New Tech
In the 90s, we were still in awe of things like dial-up internet, flip phones, and the first home gaming consoles. The internet was new and exciting, but it wasn’t all-consuming like it is now.
Collecting Media
Music was bought on CDs or tapes, and movies were rented from video stores. There was a sense of ownership over your media collection, and the anticipation of waiting for your favorite movie or album was real!
The Culture of the 90s
Music & Fashion
The 90s had such distinct music genres—grunge, rap, pop, and the birth of rave culture. Fashion was bold and carefree, with a lot of individual expression through styles like baggy jeans, flannel shirts, and crop tops. It was a mix of rebellion and laid-back vibes.
Community & Family Time
People spent more time together in person, whether at home, in the neighborhood, or at family gatherings. There wasn’t the same level of distraction, so there was more focus on human connection.
It really was a different world—a blend of nostalgia, innocence, and innovation, all at once. It’s understandable why so many people feel nostalgic for those days. Do you have any standout memories or favorite moments from that time?
OH DO I¿!
Ah, electronic music in the 90s! It was an exciting, experimental time for the genre, and it laid the groundwork for much of the electronic music we hear today. The 90s were a golden era for dance and rave culture, with genres evolving and mixing in new ways.
Key Events in 90s Electronic Music
The Rave Scene
Rave culture exploded in the 90s, fueled by electronic music, underground clubs, and the rise of massive warehouse parties. Cities around the world, especially in the UK and the U.S., were hosting all-night raves that would feature legendary DJs and huge crowds.
The Birth of EDM Festivals
The Birth of EDM Festivals: Massive festivals like Love Parade in Berlin and Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) in Los Angeles started in the 90s, growing to become some of the most iconic global celebrations of electronic music.
Acid House & The Rise of Rave
Acid House, with its signature squelchy 303 basslines and trippy rhythms, had a resurgence in the early 90s. Acts like The Chemical Brothers and The Prodigy brought this sound into the mainstream, blending acid house with elements of techno, punk, and rock.
Genres that Defined the 90s
Techno
Techno was still evolving from its origins in Detroit in the late 80s, and by the 90s, it was taking off globally. Artists like Carl Cox, Jeff Mills, and Derrick May helped push the boundaries of the genre, creating more atmospheric, experimental, and harder-edged sounds.
House
House music was a major influence in the 90s, especially with the rise of Chicago, New York, and European house scenes. Daft Punk, Armand Van Helden, and Frankie Knuckles were key players who influenced both underground and mainstream dance music.
Trance
Trance music became a defining sound of the 90s, with its ethereal melodies, hypnotic beats, and build-ups leading to euphoric drops. Paul Oakenfold, Tiesto, and Sasha were major figures in the trance scene.
Drum & Bass
The fast-paced, bass-heavy rhythms of drum & bass came from the UK and influenced the rave scene. Artists like Goldie, LTJ Bukem, and Roni Size helped popularize this genre.
Trip-Hop
A fusion of electronic beats with moody, atmospheric sounds, trip-hop emerged in the UK with bands like Massive Attack, Portishead, and Tricky defining its experimental, darker edge.
Notable Artists & Albums
Daft Punk - Homework (1997
This album was a defining moment for house music, blending funky basslines with electro, disco, and acid house influences. Tracks like “Around the World” and “Da Funk” became timeless anthems.
The Prodigy - The Fat of the Land (1997)
With their unique mix of breakbeat, techno, and rave, The Prodigy brought electronic music to the forefront of mainstream culture. “Firestarter” and “Breathe” became iconic.
Moby - Play (1999
Moby’s Play was groundbreaking, as it became the first album to sell over 10 million copies, incorporating elements of house, techno, and ambient music with soulful samples.
The Chemical Brothers - Dig Your Own Hole (1997)
The Chemical Brothers brought a fusion of big beats, techno, and rock into the mainstream with hits like “Block Rockin’ Beats” and “Setting Sun.”
Fatboy Slim - You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby (1998)
A major force in the big beat scene, Fatboy Slim’s album was packed with funky, sample-heavy tracks like “Praise You” and “The Rockafeller Skank,” which became global hits.
Tech & Sound Evolution
The Roland TB-303 and TR-808
The classic acid house sounds were powered by vintage machines like the Roland TB-303and TR-808 drum machine. These machines became a foundation for early 90s electronic music, especially in the rave and acid house scenes.
Sampling & MIDI
Sampling technology advanced rapidly in the 90s, allowing producers to pull from a vast pool of musical influences. MIDI technology also evolved, making it easier to control multiple instruments and synths.
Mainstream Impact
Electronic music was still somewhat underground at the start of the 90s but began to seep into the mainstream by the mid-to-late decade. By the time the 90s ended, electronic music had transformed into a globally recognized force, influencing everything from pop music to fashion, art, and lifestyle.
Legacy
The 90s laid the groundwork for modern electronic dance music (EDM) as we know it today. The genre’s evolution in the 90s—through the birth of different subgenres, the rise of iconic artists, and the underground rave scene—had a lasting impact on music culture. Many of the artists and sounds that defined the 90s, like Daft Punk and The Prodigy, are still influencing today’s electronic music scene.
Do you have a favorite 90s electronic track or artist? It’s such an exciting era, and I bet there’s a song that always takes you back to that time!
