90s techno music in Switzerland

90s techno music in Switzerland

The passion of vinyl DJs and the golden era of electronic music

90s Techno Music in Switzerland. The 90s are considered the birth of modern techno music and sparked a huge cultural movement worldwide, especially in Switzerland. This decade laid the foundations for many electronic music genres, and Switzerland played a key role in the development of this scene. What's particularly fascinating is the fact that many of the legendary DJs and producers of the 90s still play with vinyl , which is more than just a medium for them—it's a passion and a cultural asset that is inextricably linked to their musical history. In this blog post, we take a look at the golden era of techno and the DJs who grew up with vinyl, as well as the continued relevance of this music and technology today.

The emergence of techno in Switzerland in the 1990s

In the early 1990s, the techno scene in Switzerland began to take shape. The electronic sound, originating in cities like Detroit, Berlin, and Chicago, quickly gained a following and was adopted by the Swiss music scene. Techno, house, and the many subgenres of the era, such as acid and trance, experienced a boom, and Zurich, Basel, and Geneva became hotspots for electronic music.

Some of the most important clubs and parties in Switzerland contributed to the creation and spread of this music. In cities like Zurich, clubs like X-TRA and Nordstern in Basel became legendary venues where the world's best DJs played. But smaller, underground raves and illegal parties also took place in the countryside or in abandoned factory buildings – an important part of techno culture in Switzerland.

The 1990s were also a time when the Swiss techno scene shone on the international stage with its own stars. Artists and DJs like DJ Marusha , Michel De Hey , André Galluzzi , and DJ Rush found their roots in this era and contributed to the further development of the unique sound and atmosphere of techno music.

Vinyl: The heart of the techno scene in the 90s

In the 1990s, vinyl was the primary medium for DJs to present their music live on dance floors. DJing with vinyl was not just a technical skill, but also an artistic expression that allowed DJs to showcase their personality and musical taste in their sets. The feel of vinyl, the gentle hiss, and the great detail of the sound made DJing with records a special experience—for both the DJ and the audience.

Vinyl was also a symbol of authenticity and artistry in the 1990s. DJs had to devote themselves to their records, selecting them carefully, timing the changes, and always keeping the audience in mind. The technique of beatmatching , mixing two tracks without digital aids, was a skill mastered by the best DJs and one that posed an enormous challenge on vinyl.

While many musicians and DJs have switched to digital music formats like Serato and Traktor in recent years, vinyl remains an indispensable part of the work of many true techno DJs. The passion for analog DJing and the love of classic records have never lost their significance in Switzerland. Vinyl represents a connection to a time when music was handmade and not just digitally produced.

The passion of DJs who grew up with vinyl

DJs who grew up with vinyl in the 1990s have a unique relationship with their music and the equipment they work with. For them, DJing isn't just a job—it's a passion deeply rooted in their own musical history. The ritual of spinning records goes far beyond simply playing music. It's an art form in which the DJ reads the mood of the audience, selects the right music at the right time, and makes the transitions between tracks as seamless as possible.

In Switzerland, there are many DJs dedicated to the art of vinyl . For them, it's an opportunity to experience music from a different perspective—without the speed and convenience of the digital world. Vinyl DJs have a particularly keen ear for the nuances of music, as they are accustomed to feeling the records directly and perceiving the finest details in sound quality.

The passion of these DJs is also evident in their dedication to their record collections. For many, a vinyl collection is not just a collection of music, but also an heirloom . Every record has a story, and many DJs take their records with them on tours, often accompanied by deep memories of their first experiences with music.

Techno and vinyl today: Swiss DJs stay true to their roots

Although technology has advanced, the passion for vinyl and techno in Switzerland remains undiminished. Many DJs from the 1990s are still active and continue to perform with their vinyl collections. Even though digital media and new technologies have revolutionized the scene in recent years, vinyl remains an essential medium for many.

In cities like Zurich, Basel, and Geneva, there are still numerous clubs and events where DJs exclusively play vinyl. These events not only offer a return to the roots of techno music, but also an opportunity for young music lovers and DJs to learn about the history and passion behind vinyl records.

Another aspect that keeps the love for vinyl alive in Switzerland is record production and distribution. Swiss record stores, such as Plattenladen Luzern or Plattenladen Basel , maintain a strong commitment to vinyl even today and offer a variety of classic techno records. Many DJs use these stores to find rare and special records to enhance their sets.

Conclusion: The golden era of techno in Switzerland lives on

The 1990s were undoubtedly the golden era of techno music in Switzerland and worldwide. During this time, a passion for vinyl grew that continues to this day. DJs who grew up during this era remain the driving forces of the scene, continuing to cultivate the art of analog DJing and passing it on to the next generation.

The Swiss techno scene is defined not only by the quality of the music, but also by the passion and dedication of the DJs who grew up with vinyl and live their art to the fullest. In Switzerland, the love of vinyl is unbroken, and it remains a significant legacy of the techno movement that lives on today.