What was a ballad like in the 90s?

At that time, the parties were long and filled with a lot of electronic music. The search for a more intense and different experience (and away from the authorities) consecrated a new format – that of raves. They were parties lasting up to 14 hours, usually outdoors, offering an escape from reality based on lots of sound, dancing and the use of synthetic drugs.

The term “rave” already existed in England since the 1950s, but was revitalized at the end of the millennium with the rise of electronic culture and the transformation of DJs into true superstars.

– (Jhonata Alves/)

New millennium hippies

While the ’80s celebrated individuality (ever heard the hit Dancing with Myself, from Billy Idol?), the raves had a hippie feel. Everything was collective, in an atmosphere of peace, love, freedom and communion with nature. The use of synthetic drugs and the beat of the techno and trance electronic genres (“trance”, in English) left the public in a vibe hypnotic.

Play here!

Weed and LSD were still rolling. But the drug of the moment was ecstasy, also called “bullet” and “e”. Its main component, MDMA, causes euphoria and well-being. It also sharpens senses such as touch – which is why so many hugged or rubbed each other’s hands. But don’t think it was pure hookup. The mood was more sensual than sexual.

H2O cocktail

The most consumed beverage was… water! Not only because the parties were real marathons, but also because ecstasy raised the body temperature (and it was advised not to mix it with alcohol, as this would alter its effects). In addition, the itinerant infrastructure of the raves did not allow drinks with a complex preparation

Who knows do it live

In addition to attracting the public, the DJ was seen as a shaman, responsible for conducting the dance ritual. And now he didn’t just select what was going to rock, he also mixed songs live. The ability to manipulate sounds from other artists to create something new became essential for a good professional. There are even tournaments to choose the best!

a real trip

There were many raves on beaches and places. on the outskirts of large cities. Some even had chartered buses to bring the crowd. In case of rain, tents sheltered the dance floor, bars and rest areas. The decoration was completed with laser cannons and screens, which displayed images of outer space, icons from Hindu mythology, psychedelic patterns…

play without fighting

The playful mood was everywhere. It was at this time, for example, that juggling became cool. There were still those who saw it all as a big child’s game, taking a pacifier, a whistle and stuffed animals. Fights and confusion were rare – security guards were instructed to be tolerant and only intervened in cases of excesses

Make yourself comfortable

Comfort was a priority to face the endless parties: T-shirt, shorts, sneakers, sunglasses, canga to lie on the floor, bathing suit to go into the sea… Others preferred more produced looks. It was the “clubber” tribe, which began to stand out especially in the big city clubs, with vibrant and customized clothes, overlapping styles, many accessories, etc.

CURIOSITIES

• The decade saw the boom in two new types of ready-to-drink drinks: energy drinks and “ice” drinks;
• In urban centers, the desire for long journeys gave rise to afterhoursa “post-ballad ballad” that lasts until noon;
• On the dance floor, everyone wanted to know about dancing. Only in the rest areas did the crowd really interact and make friends.

SOURCES: Books Every DJ Has Sambouby Claudia Assef Cultures of Rebellion: The Youth in Questionby Paulo Sérgio do Carmo, and Raves: Encounters and Disputesby Carolina Camargo de Abreu.

CONSULTANCY: Camilo Rocha, journalist and DJ.

ballads

Decade: 60 | 70 | 80 | 90 | 2000