English electronic music singer, songwriter and member of dance group Opus III, Kirsty Hawkshaw shares her fondest memories of ten of the most unforgettable songs from early 90s rave culture for Beatport’s playlist of the week.
The early 90s were a mixed bag of experiences I was privileged to witness, especially in my early 20s. It was a time when making connections required real effort as you ventured into the unknown. I vividly remember a deep conversation at one of Cornwall’s legendary free parties, the White Goddess Festival, under a full moon in Camelford. We pondered a future where a digital web would connect us to long lost friends and endless information. As we spoke, flocks of birds danced above us in a murmur, perfectly mirroring our thoughts and feelings. Looking back, it feels like we inadvertently predicted the rise of the internet. Today, I’m delighted to share some of those precious memories and the unforgettable tunes that kept us swirling and swaying in a chaotic whirlwind.
Check out Kirsty Hawkshaw’s Playlist of the Week on Beatport.
Goldie – Kemistry (Doc Scott Remix) (London Records)
In October 1992, I was on tour in Japan with Opus III, Fabio, MC Flux and Sarah Sandy of Groove Connection. Sarah was in charge of one of the most prominent jungle agencies at the time and the historic Club Speed, which still exists today. During these intense and sometimes grueling trips, Fabio gifted me one of his mixtapes on the tour bus. I immersed myself in it, headphones on, staring out the window. Jungle was my favorite genre, although I had no idea what tracks were playing until the internet years later revolutionized our ability to identify those elusive melodies that still echoed in our heads and nervous systems. This track, “Kemistry,” has a permanent place in my top ten favorites as its emotional depth touches me deeply. Fun fact: it was Sarah Sandy who coined the term “drum & bass”; back then, we just called it jungle.
Joey Beltram – Energy Flash (R&S Records)
For years I mistakenly believed this song was called “Beltaine”! At almost every free party I went to in the early 90s this song was playing and I would confidently proclaim that it was THE song that would get the crowd going.
Sonz Of A Loop Da Loop Era – Higher (Suburban Base Records)
Describing this track as chaotic is only a superficial description. In the early 90s, dancing went beyond mere movement; it became a shamanic journey, a profound unravelling of the self. The intention was to reach deep within and clear away the traumas left over from the confined, formative years of the 70s. Each beat asked us to let go, heal, and reconnect with our true being.
Zero B – Lock Up (Food Music)
This track is pure joy. My 20-year-old self, fueled by the beats, hugging random strangers like we’re old friends or jumping in the air on my imaginary pogo stick, arms flailing wildly like one of those inflatable men dancing outside a car dealership. Who needs coordination when you’ve got jazz hands!
Aphrodite, Micky Finn, Urban Shakedown – Some Justice (Urban Takeover)
It’s December 1991 and we’ve officially taken over the Roundhouse in Camden. The first few days of the occupation felt heavy and dank. The place had a bad energy practically sticking to the walls, like dark secrets, and it was crying out for a thorough clean! By the end of those days, we’d done our job; we’d banished that darkness and cleared the space like a team of spiritual rave cleaners. Amidst all the chaos, this track stands out in my memory like a neon sign and the absolute joy that erupted when it appeared was nothing short of pure delight!
Alison Limerick – Where Love Lives (Arista)
I first heard “Where Love Lives” by Alison Limerick in 1990 at a farmhouse rave party with some old school friends who later formed the Spiral Tribe movement. At the time, I was quite shy and socially awkward and had difficulty communicating and speaking my truth. Dancing with my friends helped me overcome these social obstacles and I will forever cherish this song as a beautiful memory.
Adam F – Circles Revisited (181 recordings)
The essence of ‘Circles’ resonates deep within me, a classic drum and bass track that I first heard on a mixtape in 1995. I vividly remember that trip from Devon to London, the night sky lit up by the mesmerising Hale-Bopp comet, its ethereal glow resembling a portal of light. That moment, coupled with the pulsating genius of ‘Circles’, created an unforgettable experience. No matter how many times I listen to it, I never tire of its captivating production. Fate had a wonderful twist in store for me when I married Adam, who passionately recreated this classic for the ‘Revisited’ version. The countless hours I spent listening to his reinterpretation only deepened my appreciation for the track. One of the highlights was the opportunity to contribute a cameo keyboard line. “Circles” has secured its place in my top ten tracks, an indelible part of my musical identity, woven deep into my DNA. It is a timeless piece that I cherish and celebrate, a reminder of love, nostalgia and the beauty of timeless music.
Future Sound Of London – Papua New Guinea (Jumpin’ & Pumpin’)
I did a backflip to this track once. I was standing outside the greenhouse on Chippenham Road where I was living with the spiral log at the time. When I heard it, I stormed into the house and literally went mad with joyful abandon. It’s amazing the impact some tracks can have and I wish I was still so agile.
Orbital – Belfast
I remember a moment at a festival when my late friend Sally Harding and I were in the audience watching Orbital and we both desperately needed a number 1. The sound engineer Mickey Mann was on scaffolding in the middle of the area. So we cheekily crawled under Mickey’s desk and relieved ourselves, afraid of missing ‘Chime’. Belfast was a sunrise moment and holds very special memories for me. Those days were so much fun.
Opus III, Shadow Child, Adam F – Fine Day XXIV
When Simon (Shadow Child) sent us this re-work of “Fine Day” I was so excited because he really captured the essence of the original version that first came out in 1992. There are so many different mixes out there now and this one has come through. Adam added some beautiful additional elements and I re-sang it.
