1991

1991 is the moniker of Swedish electronic musician Axel Backman, whose sonic explorations have positioned him as a distinctive voice within the global ambient and experimental music scenes. Emerging from Sweden’s vibrant DIY underground in the early 2010s, 1991 garnered attention through a series of enigmatic digital releases and limited-run physical formats on notable labels such as Astro:Dynamics, Opal Tapes, Boomkat’s fledgling Death of Rave, and Local Action. Backman’s work borrows from the rich traditions of ambient techno and lo-fi electronics, layering gauzy synth textures and warped soundscapes with a nostalgic but forward-thinking approach to sound design.

His music often evokes feelings of displacement and nostalgia, drawing inspiration from lost archives, cybernetic dreams, and the ghostly artifacts of obsolete media. With releases such as “High-Tech High-Life” and “No More Dreams”, 1991 has cultivated a loyal following among listeners seeking immersive listening experiences. In addition to his solo output, Backman is an active collaborator within Sweden’s experimental circles, bringing his signature atmosphere and compositional depth to a range of interdisciplinary projects.

1991’s recordings continue to expand on ambient music’s possibilities, positioning him as a vital and continually evolving presence within the contemporary electronic landscape.