Tilman Brembs' Analog Rave is more than just a photography book; it's a time capsule capturing the raw energy and spirit of Berlin's techno scene from 1991 to 1997. Through 275 analog photographs, Brembs transports readers to a transformative era where music, art, and freedom converged in abandoned buildings and underground clubs.
As the house photographer for Frontpage magazine, Brembs didn't just document the scene—he was an integral part of it. His immersive approach offers an intimate glimpse into a world where boundaries were blurred, and creativity thrived. Each image in Analog Rave tells a story of unity, expression, and the unyielding spirit of a city redefining itself.
This hardcover edition, printed on high-quality matte art paper, is not only a visual feast but also a significant historical document. It's a must-have for enthusiasts of electronic music, photography, and Berlin's rich cultural tapestry.
Frequencies with: Tilman Brembs
C: Your images feel lived-in, not observed from the outside. How did your personal connection to the 90s Berlin rave scene shift your approach to photography and storytelling?
T: Exactly – the images reflect lived time, shared moments I spent with the people shown in the photos. It wasn’t just a single instant when the picture was taken – I partied with those people, took the photo, and then we kept on dancing. What’s interesting is that I never really thought about storytelling or anything like that. I simply wanted to capture what my own eyes had seen. The camera was a tool for me, like a sketchbook for memories.
C: What do you hope people feel or understand when they look at your photos and this capsule of such a formative time in Berlin’s and global electronic music history?
T: I’m always happy when people can feel a bit of the magic from that incredible time – whether they were there themselves and experienced the madness firsthand, or whether they’re outsiders looking at the images like cave paintings from a long-lost age. I hope they see these pictures as visual proof of their own youth – because back then, hardly anyone had a camera, and there are often no photos from that era.
C: What kind of intimacy or truth do you think analog photography brings to documenting underground culture that might get lost in today’s digital rush?
T: Analog photography was clunky, and it was expensive. But that’s what made it special. The images have a unique quality. I’d compare it – cheekily – to fast food versus organic food. Analog was organic: limited, pricey, and a bit complicated, but with depth and character. Today’s Instagram channels often feel like fast food to me: a lot, artificial, and quickly made. Both have their place, of course – but anyone who’s ever shot analog knows the magic and depth those images carry. I loved it back then – though these days I shoot only digital.
C: Working with Frontpage magazine positioned you at the heart of the scene. How did this collaboration shape your work and the narrative you aimed to convey?
T: I started at Frontpage in 1993 – first as a freelancer, then on staff. I was like the house photographer, and it was a blast to head out with six rolls of film and treat the night like a photo safari. Frontpage was a creative playground – kind of like a blog before blogs existed. We published all sorts of things – some hard to read, some hard to understand – but it was fun. Most of my photos in the magazine were graphically edited with Photoshop, which didn’t bother me at the time. It was the wild '90s, after all. Would I allow that today? Probably not. :)
C: Looking at today’s electronic music scene and its evolution, what advice would you give to young artists and documentarians trying to capture the spirit of their generation?
T: I haven’t been part of the electronic scene for over 20 years. I’ve seen a lot, danced a lot, and photographed a lot. The only advice I can really offer is this: the foundation of any (photographic) work is passion. You should care about your subject, understand it – or at least try to. But hey, I’m an “old white guy” now, and I doubt young people want to hear advice from someone like me. I wouldn’t have listened either back then. :)
Analog Rave is available for purchase at zeitmaschine.org
