Italian DJ and producer T78, aka Manuele Tessarollo, is one of the techno scene’s most passionate vinyl collectors, with the Autektone Records founder boasting some 11,000 records in his archive.
Over the years, he has collaborated with artists such as Reinier Zonneveld, HI-LO, Space 92, Mariana Bo, and Gabry Ponte – not to mention remixing Marco V and ASY*S – and is a regular in Beatport‘s Techno (Peak Time) and Hard Techno Top 100 charts.
His latest release is Self Control, which landed on the Filth On Acid label at the end of April – check it out here.
For the latest #MyRecordBag, T78 brings us a ‘journey through sound’ – ten tracks that shaped 90s electronic soul.
“The 1990s were a golden era for electronic music in Italy and Europe at large — a time when genres blurred, innovation thrived, and underground anthems became cultural milestones,” he says. “These ten tracks represent not only key moments in that sonic revolution but also a personal journey through rave energy, melodic introspection, and raw dancefloor emotion. Here’s a tribute to the sounds that shaped a decade—and a generation.”
Arkanoid – No Problem
“An early rave classic with unmistakable acid lines and relentless kickdrums, No Problem was pure warehouse power. It fused Eurotechno intensity with UK Bleep undertones, capturing the rebellious energy of the underground. This track wasn’t just music – it was an attitude.”
Digital Boy – This Is Muthaf**ker
“A raw, aggressive statement of intent, Digital Boy’s track was hoover techno at its finest. It embraced distortion, attitude, and breakneck BPMs, embodying the wild spirit of Italy’s harder dance scene. A track that didn’t ask for permission – it kicked down the door.”
Ramirez – La Musika Tremenda (DJ Ricci Remix)
“DJ Ricci’s remix added turbocharged power to Ramirez’s Latin-techno hybrid. Tribal energy met psychedelic synths, and the result was hypnotic. With its Spanish-spoken hooks and pounding groove, it became a dancefloor ritual – equal parts hypnotic and explosive.”
Leroy – The First Flight
“An emotive trance-infused journey, The First Flight offered a more introspective side of electronic music. With its melodic progressions and euphoric pads, it symbolised that moment when rave music became spiritual – a flight beyond the floor, into the soul.”
Gigi D’Agostino & Daniele Gas – Giallone (Remix)
“This classic captures the pulse that Gigi would later perfect. With thick kicks and slowed-down drama, it brought a unique theatricality to techno. Giallone was mysterious, cinematic, and ahead of its time – a slow burn with massive impact.”
Robert Miles – Children
“A landmark in melodic dance music. Children was dream house personified – a tender, piano-led anthem that bridged clubs and radio. It became a generation’s lullaby, offering emotional refuge in a world of chaos. Timeless and universally resonant.”
Sinus – Blob
“A minimalist, loopy gem that thrived in the more underground side of techno. Blob relied on groove repetition, subtle modulation, and hypnotic drive. A track that slowly pulled dancers into a trance-like state without needing any flashy tricks. Pure headspace.”
Davide Sgarbi – Feel The Drums
“Raw and tribal, this one hit like a percussive storm. Sgarbi’s use of drum layering and offbeat hits made it impossible not to move. It was pure rhythm energy, born for dark rooms and smoke-filled floors. Less melody, more primal force.”
Mauro Picotto – Lizard (Megavoices Mix)
“Definitely, the track that changed my life with its iconic bass. A defining anthem of the late ‘90s, Lizard was tech-trance on steroids. With its lead riff and massive build-up energy, it united festival crowds and club kids alike. The Megavoices Mix added that extra layer of euphoric madness, making it unforgettable.”
Mario Più – Communication (MAS Mix)
“A concept track that played with the sound interference of the mobile phone. Using massive snare drums and unexpected drops, it was ahead of its time – clever, tongue-in-cheek, and fully functional on the dancefloor. A standout in creativity during an era full of innovation.”
Final Thoughts:
“These tracks reflect more than just a taste – they map out a cultural evolution in the European electronic scene. From hard techno to dream house, from tribal grooves to trance euphoria, this selection captures the soul of a decade when dance music had no limits, and every track felt like a revolution.
“These weren’t just songs. They were statements, feelings, and memories etched in BPM.”
Thanks to T78 for your selections. Keep up to date with his latest news here.
Check out the top tracks that the 909originals team has recently discovered through Musosoup here. To feature your music on 909originals, click here. 🙂
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