V/A - Virtual Dreams II (Ambient Explorations In The House & Techno Age, Japan 1993-1999)

We are proud to announce the next installment of our popular multi-artist compilation 'Virtual Dreams II - Ambient Explorations In The House And Techno Age, Japan 1993-1999'. As with Part One, released in 2020, it shines a light on house and techno-adjacent music that helped redefine the definition of ambient music during the 1990s.

For Part Two, we narrow the lens to a unique time and place: Japan between 1993-1999. In contrast to the rest of the world, where ambient techno / IDM emerged as a by-product of the scene, 'listening techno', as it is known in Japan, was a central pillar of the culture right from the start.

This period saw the birth of many great Japanese techno labels such as Sublime Records, Transonic Records, Syzygy Records, Frogman Records and Form@ Records. 'Virtual Dreams II' features ambient, chill-out and intelligent techno from these leading labels alongside other lesser-known but equally influential imprints. Much of the music featured has only ever been released on CD.

Compiled by Eiji Taniguchi and Jamie Tiller, it is also the final project Jamie Tiller worked on before his tragic passing in 2023. Knowing how much love and energy he put into it gives it an extra special place in our hearts.