Music Festival & Rave Culture: EDM Festivals
If you are looking for a fun escape that is full of life, you may find yourself at a rave or music festival. From electronic music and underground locations to big headliners and outdoor venues, there is a blend between festivals and raves. The two types of music-based events are different yet closely related. As they overlap, we are met with EDM festivals. By exploring their cultures and values we learn that they are more than just “parties;” they allow us to embrace a new sense of community.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Raves are a subculture that includes techno/electro dance music and DJ sets. They are typically smaller events at undisclosed and unconventional locations. This style of celebration dates back to the late 1900’s in the United Kingdom. The scene is dark and relaxed, with energetic visuals and effects: strobe lights, lasers, and holograms. As raves evolve, there has been a switch to the inclusion of house music since the 2000’s and more recently. Many late-night clubs and bars have curated different rave themes.
Music festivals typically have a standard lineup of popular music artists and groups, performing throughout multiple days. The venues consist of multiple stages in a large, outdoor setting. Tickets for festivals go for hundreds of dollars and tend to sell out for bigger lineups. Since there are a variety of artists, festivals reach a broader audience, unlike raves. Fan favorites such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Camp Flog Gnaw, are just three of the biggest music festivals in the nation. All, and multiple, day festivals allow us time to disconnect and be in the present.
EDM festivals come from the idea of festivals and raves being meshed together. Raves have blurred the line that distinct the two events from each other. What we previously knew as raves have become bigger and better - resembling more of a festival style setting and arrangements, with the same, and new, music genres. Popular events like Tomrrowland, Electric Daisy Carnival, and Sunburn Festival, fall under the EDM festival category. The core of these festivals is PLUR: Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect. This philosophy promotes safety and acceptance. We are given the freedom to explore different unconventional styles that are bold and vibrant. People can be authentic to oneself and have a good time without judgement or violence. Raving is an opportunity to find joy in letting yourself roam freely.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
The community within EDM festivals allows strangers to bond freely and in an exciting way. Kandi acts as a reflection of the PLUR values at raves. Kandi consists of homemade, typically beaded, colorful jewelry: necklaces, bracelets, etc. People who participate in creating these pieces, also known as “Kandi Kids,” trade jewelry through the PLUR handshake. You start with peace (P) by making peace signs and touching fingers. Next for love (L), both parties make half hearts and put them together. Then, unity (U) requires both people to interlock their fingers while holding hands. The last step, respect ®, is when you finally trade bracelets one at a time, while your hands are still together. This act of Kandi trading symbolizes a connected community and uplighting energy.
Raves and festivals are normally affiliated with substance use, when in the end, it is more accepted in these settings, but it is a personal choice that should not affect how one perceives EDM festivals as a whole. It is important to acknowledge that many of the substances used also have clinical uses, but they are not necessary by any means for having a true rave experience.
The welcoming atmosphere and freedom are what drives people to attend these EDM festivals of social liberation. Being able to dress in a way that allows you to express yourself, move in a way that is specific to you, and find & engage with new communities are why the popularity of EDM festivals is soaring as they evolve.
Strike Out,
Amia King
Editor: Maya Kayyal
Amia King is a journalism writer for Strike Magazine, Saint Augustine. She is fashion-obsessed, and you will more than likely find her thrifting an absurd number of belts and bags. She intends to pursue a career as a columnist and fashion critic, continuing her work in digital and print media. You can reach her through Instagram @amiarking_ or email @aking222005@gmail.com.
