Unplugged

Unplugged is an adjective and noun describing performances or activities conducted without reliance on electrical power or digital connectivity. In music, it most often denotes acoustic performances where electronic amplification is minimized or absent, using acoustic instruments and natural room acoustics. More generally, it can describe efforts to disconnect from digital devices and online networks.

In music, the term gained widespread association with the MTV Unplugged series, which began in 1989 and featured artists performing in stripped‑down arrangements. Iconic albums include Eric Clapton's Unplugged (1992), Nirvana: MTV Unplugged in New York (1994; recorded 1993), and Pearl Jam's MTV Unplugged (1992). These sessions typically present reimagined versions of songs originally recorded with electric amplification, often using acoustic guitars, piano, and sparse percussion; some arrangements incorporate string sections.

Characteristics of unplugged performances include intimate venues, clear vocal delivery, and emphasis on arrangement and dynamics rather than sheer volume. While the format originated with a strict acoustic emphasis, many artists use electric instruments with minimal amplification or close‑miked, “unplugged‑style” sounds, which can blur the line of what counts as truly unplugged.

The term is also used outside music to describe a lifestyle choice to abstain from digital media for a period, such as unplugged weekends or retreats intended to reduce screen time and promote offline activities.

Etymology: "unplugged" literally means to unplug electrical power or connections. Its modern musical sense emerged in late 20th-century popular culture, becoming a shorthand for intimate, acoustically oriented performances.