DJ Spun - The Beat By DJ Spun Vol 1
The Beat by SPUN – West Coast Breakbeat Rave Electrofunk 1988-1994
In the late 1980s, Disco was taking a backseat to the burgeoning psychedelic scene in San
Francisco, marking a pivotal shift in musical culture. A dynamic transformation was
underway as the younger generation sought a fresh auditory adventure, all while the
devastating AIDS epidemic cast a somber pall over the city's nightlife. Amidst this evolving
backdrop, a subtle yet distinct sonic movement quietly emerged within the confines of San
Francisco’s vibrant club scene, often referred to as "The Beat." Although Hip-Hop, New
Wave, Gothic, Punk, and the burgeoning Modern Rock genre held considerable sway, the
pre-RAVE clubs in SF witnessed the fusion of these genres into a unique amalgam of sound
that insiders dubbed “The Beat.” This musical tapestry encompassed everything from HipHop and Freestyle to Industrial, New Wave, Boogie, Miami Bass, and Techno – the unifying
thread being the distinctive vibe that characterised this eclectic mix.