Nor-Tec Rifa!: Electronic Dance Music From Tijuana to the World

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Nor-Tec Rifa! is a documentary about the electronic dance music scene in Tijuana, Mexico. The film tells the story of how the music has evolved and how it has become a global phenomenon.

Nor-Tec and the Rifa! Scene

In the early 2000s, a new form of electronic dance music called Nor-Tec or Nortec emerged from Tijuana, Mexico. This new style of music was a fusion of various genres, including ambient, techno, house, and traditional Mexican music. The word “rifa” means “party” in Mexican Spanish, and the music was created for dancing.

What is Nor-Tec?

Nor-Tec is a genre of electronic dance music that developed in the nightclubs of Tijuana, Mexico in the 1980s. It is characterized by its heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines, as well as its fusion of Mexican and American cultural influences. The Nor-Tec sound is often compared to that of European techno and house music, but with a distinctly Latin flavor.

The Nor-Tec scene first gained international attention in the early 2000s with the release of several compilation albums, including “Nor-Tec Rifa! Volume 1” (2000) and “Volume 2” (2001). These albums featured popular Nor-Tec artists such as Nortec Collective, Bostich + Fussible, and Fussible.

Since then, the Nor-Tec scene has continued to grow in popularity, both within Mexico and internationally. In recent years, a number of Nor-Tec artists have found success on the global stage, including DJing duo Cubicolor ( whose song “Down The Wall” was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2017) and producer Rebolledo ( who collaborated with legendary electronic musician Brian Eno on his album “The Ship” in 2016).

With its catchy melodies and high-energy beats, Nor-Tec is sure to get you moving – so put on your dancing shoes and let the good times roll!

Where did it come from?

Nor-tec, also known as tecno-brega or tecnotropical, is a type of electronic dance music that originated in the northern Mexican city of Tijuana in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The music is a blend of various genres, including techno, trance, house, and Latin American and Caribbean music. It is characterized by its use of synthesizers, drum machines, and Latin-influenced rhythms.

Nor-tec first gained popularity in Tijuana’s underground nightclub scene. It later spread to other parts of Mexico and then to the United States and other countries in Latin America and Europe. In recent years, nor-tec has experienced a surge in popularity due to the increasing popularity of electronic dance music (EDM) around the world.

Despite its relatively recent origins, nor-tec has had a significant impact on electronic dance music culture. The music has been credited with helping to break down barriers between different cultures and social classes. It has also been praised for its positive message and its ability to bring people together.

What are the elements of Nor-Tec?

Nor-Tec, also known as Nortec or NORTEC, is a subgenre of electronic music that originated in Tijuana, Mexico in the late 1990s. It is a fusion of techno and traditional Mexican music, and often features accordion-like melodies and samples of traditional Mexican music. Nor-Tec is also sometimes referred to as “Tecno Brega” or “Tijuana Bass”, and has influenced subsequent genres such as Electro Cumbia and Moombahton.

The History of the Rifa! Scene

In the early 2000s, a new sound began to emerge from the clubs of Tijuana. It was a sound that blended the best of electronic dance music with the energy and attitude of the city’s famous rifa! culture. The result was a style of music that was bothnew and familiar, and it quickly caught on with clubgoers around the world. Today, the rifa! sound is still going strong, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

What is the Rifa! Scene?

The Rifa! Scene is a type of electronic dance music that originated in Tijuana, Mexico. It is characterized by its fast tempo andheavy bass, and is often played at clubs and parties. The Rifa! Scene has its roots in the early 2000s, when a group of young DJs and producers began to experiment with mixing traditional Mexican music with electronic dance music. Over the years, the sound of the Rifa! Scene has evolved, incorporating elements of hip-hop, trap, and dubstep. Today, the Rifa! Scene is one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music in Mexico and has a growing following in other parts of Latin America and the world.

Where did it come from?

The origins of the Rifa! Scene can be traced back to the early 2000s in Tijuana, Mexico. A group of young people, mostly in their teens and early 20s, started attending underground raves and parties that were happening in secret locations across the city. These events were often hosted in abandoned warehouses or industrial spaces, and they featured a mix of electronic music genres such as techno, house, and drum & bass. The young ravers who attended these parties became known as “riferos,” and the scene was born.

Over the years, the Rifa! Scene has grown from a small underground movement to a global phenomenon. Thanks to social media platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube, riferos around the world have been able to connect with each other and share their music with the world. Today, the Rifa! Scene is home to a diverse community of producers, DJS, and ravers from all corners of the globe.

What are the elements of the Rifa! Scene?

The Rifa! Scene is a type of electronic dance music that originated in Tijuana, Mexico. It is characterized by its fast tempo, heavy bass, and often sexual lyrics. Rifa! music is often played at parties and clubs, and has become popular among Mexican-Americans and other Hispanics in the United States.

There are four key elements that make up the Rifa! Scene: themusic, the clothing, the dance, and the culture.

The music of the Rifa! Scene is fast-paced and includes a lot of electronic elements. The lyrics are often about love and relationships, and can be quite explicit. The clothing worn by Rifa! dancers is usually tight and revealing, and the dances are often very suggestive.

The culture of the Rifa! Scene is one of acceptance and inclusion. Anyone who wants to join in and have fun is welcome. The focus is on enjoying the music and dancing, and having a good time with friends.

The Global Impact of Nor-Tec and the Rifa! Scene

In the 1990s, a new style of electronic dance music began to emerge from the nightclubs of Tijuana. Called “Nor-Tec” or “Rifa!,” this music combined elements of techno, trance, and traditional Mexican music. The Nor-Tec scene quickly spread beyond the border, and today, Nor-Tec DJs can be found performing in nightclubs around the world.

Nor-Tec and the Rifa! Scene in the U.S.

Nor-tec, also known as Nortec, is a type of electronic music that originated in Tijuana, Mexico. It is a mix of Norteño and techno music, and is often referred to as ” Mexican Techno.”

Nor-tec music gained popularity in the early 2000s, particularly in the Tijuana-San Diego area. In recent years, however, it has begun to gain popularity in other parts of the United States as well.

The Nor-tec scene in the U.S. is largely centered around Los Angeles, where there are a number of clubs and events that cater to this type of music. There is also a growing Nor-tec scene in New York City.

Nor-Tec and the Rifa! Scene in Europe

Nor-tec and the Rifa! Scene have had a global impact, with the music being heard in clubs and festivals all over the world. In Europe, the music has been particularly popular in Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands. In Spain, some of the biggest Nor-tec and Rifa! parties happen in Barcelona, which has a large Latin American community. The music has also been popular in Germany, where it has been played at clubs and festivals such as Melt! Festival. In the Netherlands, Amsterdam is home to a large number of Latin American immigrants, and the city has become a hub for Nor-tec and Rifa! parties.

Nor-Tec and the Rifa! Scene in Asia

Nor-Tec and the Rifa! Scene has had a large impact in Asia, particularly in China and South Korea. In China, the style of music known as “shidaiqu” has become very popular, and is often compared to Nor-Tec. In South Korea, the style known as “jeonseol” has also been influenced by Nor-Tec.

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