The complex world of digging
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What exactly makes '90s records so loved—and fought over?

The complex world of digging

What exactly makes '90s records so loved—and fought over?

Digging—the art of searching for records—can take many different forms. From clicking through endless rabbit holes on Discogs and getting swept up by the YouTube algorithm, to, as the name suggests, spending hours thumbing through the bargain bins of record shops.
Digging is also a catch-all term for one corner of clubland. Soundtracked by the house, techno and electro of the '90s and early '00s, this world is driven by a love of obscure records. The scene emerged during the late '90s, led by DJs like Ricardo Villalobos, Vera and Zip and popularized at clubs such as Club der Visionaere in Berlin, fabric in London and, years later, Phonotheque in Montevideo.
In the age of the internet, there are more ways to go deeper and deeper, finding records that are rarer and rarer. Over time, politics and various unwritten rules have emerged: price hikes on Discogs, the economics of reissues and guarding track IDs as if they were gold.
All this begs the question: is it possible to value old records while also sharing them? Can you develop a unique sound and be inspired by the DJs you love? How do you balance innovation and nostalgia? Our latest video essay explores the complex world of digging.

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A Three-Day Deep Dive into Techno's Soul at a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Techno pilgrims rejoice! The highly anticipated Stone Techno Festival returns for its 2024 edition, promising an unparalleled three-day immersion into the world of electronic music. Mark your calendars for July 12th to 14th as the festival explodes onto the scene, solidifying its reputation as a must-attend event for global techno enthusiasts.

This year, Stone Techno takes things up a notch, transforming the idyllic Zollverein in Essen, Germany, into a pulsating techno haven for an extended weekend. The awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site, once a coal mine complex, offers a unique backdrop for the festival. Imagine dancing under the moonlight amidst the imposing industrial structures, four intimate dance floors pulsating with the energy of meticulously curated techno beats.

Speaking of the lineup, Stone Techno 2024 boasts a staggering 65 artists, each a prominent voice shaping the ever-evolving soundscape of techno.

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