Frontpage magazine began as a fanzine for the popular Frankfurt discotheque Dorian Gray and eventually grew to cover Germany’s ’90s rave scene in depth. The magazine viewed techno as a way of life and chronicled the evolution of EDM and house music for almost a decade. With dedication, wit, and flair, Frontpage set itself apart from other publications, becoming an influential voice on German rave culture during the ’90s.
Initially funded by Technoclub’s founder, Alex Azary, Frontpage eventually expanded its focus beyond just techno music. It delved into trends, artists, and drops while putting a heavy emphasis on the techno scene and its surrounding culture. As the magazine’s funding shifted, founders Jürgen Laarmann and Stefan Weil saw an opportunity to move Frontpage from Frankfurt to Berlin, where they embraced the city’s emerging rave scene and underground culture.
The magazine’s team immersed themselves in the techno culture, partying full-time and living by the mantra of techno. Frontpage’s rave reporters published stories about sub-genres, interviewed iconic artists, and highlighted the latest releases and trends. With columns like ‘Shopping on Speed’ and ‘Octopussies,’ the magazine showcased its edge in covering the scene. The magazine also excelled in design, incorporating erratic typography and shaky images that reflected the ecstasy of rave and techno culture.
Despite some criticism of using its platform for self-promotion released, Frontpage played a significant role in shaping German rave culture in the ’90s until its final run in 1997. The magazine was known for its biting articles, in-the-know style, and avant-garde reporting that left a lasting impact on the scene.
