Various Artists - Virtual Dreams II: Ambient Explorations In The House & Techno Age, Japan 1993-1999 [Music From Memory]

The upcoming instalment of Music From Memory’s popular multi-artist compilation, Virtual Dreams: Ambient Explorations In The House And Techno Age, Japan 1993-1999. Like the first instalment, released in 2020, Virtual Dreams II focuses on music close to house and techno that helped redefine the concept of ambient music during the 90s.

Whereas the first part largely focused on European techno and house producers exploring new soundtracks for chill-out rooms and re-imagining the future of club culture from new perspectives, this second instalment focuses its lens on one unique time and place: Japan between 1993 and 1999. Despite not having experienced the ‘acid house craze,’ club culture was just beginning to take shape in Japan in the early 90s. Unlike other parts of the world, where ambient techno or IDM emerged as a by-product or response to the scene, ‘listening techno’, as it became known in Japan, was a central pillar of the culture from its beginnings.

Virtual Dreams II looks to shine a light on this unique moment in time, where the thread of ambient music intertwined with the emerging club culture. This period saw the birth of important Japanese techno labels such as Sublime Records, Transonic Records, Syzygy Records, Frogman Records, and Form@ Records in the late 90s. The compilation features ambient, chill-out, and intelligent techno from these prominent labels, along with other lesser-known but equally influential imprints, as well as ambient diversions from Japanese house producers. Much of this music was only previously released on CD.

Virtual Dreams II was compiled by Eiji Taniguchi and Jamie Tiller, who worked together on other Music From Memory releases like Heisei No Oto and Dream Dolphin - Gaia. This project was also the last one Jamie Tiller worked on before his tragic passing in 2023. Jamie had been researching, planning, and compiling this version of Virtual Dreams even before the first chapter was released, convinced there were many themes in Japan that perfectly fit the concept of the series. Knowing how much love and energy he poured into the compilation gives it an especially meaningful place in our hearts.

Compiled by Jamie Tiller & Eiji Taniguchi, with artwork by Kenta Senekt, design by Steele Bonus & sleeve notes by Itaru W. Mita.