If you’re a fan of electronic dance music (EDM), then you’re probably excited for the upcoming festival season.
What Is ‘EDM?
If you’re not familiar with the term, EDM is an acronym for Electronic Dance Music.
It refers to a type of music that is typically played at raves, in nightclubs and at dance festivals.
The genre has seen a recent surge in popularity, and as a result, there has been an increase in the number of EDM music festivals held around the world.
The first EDM music festival was held in 1998 in Los Angeles.
It only lasted for one day and had a very inexpensive ticket price. The typical length of an EDM music festival is three days, but many are held over the span of a week.
For example, this year’s Ultra Music Festival was held in Miami from March 15-18. Tickets for this year ranged anywhere from $350 to $1,500 depending on when they were purchased and whether fans bought VIP passes.
Just as the genre of music is broad, so too are the types of EDM music festivals. Some popular ones around today include Mysteryland in New York and TomorrowWorld in Atlanta.
While most take place on a farm or large outdoor area, others have been held at places like the Mall of America as part of a dance club’s anniversary party.
The “Do’s” And “Don’ts” Of EDM Festivals
Whether you’re heading to a major festival like Ultra or Electric Daisy Carnival, or smaller event like Tomorrowland or Mysteryland, there are a few things you need to know before you go.
Here are the “do’s” and “don’ts” of EDM festivals:
Do:
- Arrive early to get the best spot in the crowd
- Bring a backpack with plenty of water and snacks, and wear sunscreen
- Dress appropriately for the weather conditions
- Be prepared for long lines and security checks
- Have fun!
Don’t:
- Bring glass bottles or containers, or any other prohibited items
- Leave your group to go off on your own
- Try to sneak in alcohol, drugs, weapons, etc.
- Get so wasted that you can’t remember the experience!
What Should You Wear To A EDM Music Festival
When you’re attending an Electronic Dance Music (EDM) music festival, you’ll want to dress comfortably and in a way that will let you dance all night long!
Some things to consider when choosing your outfit are:
- Loose, comfortable clothing that will let you move around easily
- Breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen, to keep you cool
- A hat or sunglasses to protect you from the sun
- An extra shirt and pants in case it gets cold or wet outside
- Comfortable shoes, such as sandals, sneakers, or boots
EDM festivals have a wide variety of music that is sure to please even the pickiest EDM fans.
With some of the biggest names in EDM (such as Armin Van Buuren and Kaskade) performing at these events, you’ll want to make sure you enjoy every minute of them!
Types Of EDM Festival DJ’s And Their Styles
There are a variety of different types of EDM DJ’s that can be found at an EDM festival.
Some DJs focus on mixing different tracks together to create a seamless experience for the audience, while others focus on creating their own unique tracks.
Some DJs prefer to use live instruments while others rely solely on electronic equipment. Some DJs are very energetic and outgoing, while others are more laid-back and chill.
Ultimately, there is no one “type” of EDM DJ – each one brings their own unique style to the table.
One type of DJ that can be found at an EDM festival is a “livetronica” performer. These DJs use live instruments to play jams over electronic beats and samples.
Many describe the feeling of a livetronica set as more organic or alive than a typical DJ set, which gives it a unique quality different from other artists.
Another type of EDM DJ that can be found at a festival is a DJ who uses pre-recorded sets. This style of performance is more focused on the technical aspects, such as beat mixing and track selection, because there is no need for them to carry equipment or perform any instruments.
This gives these artists more time to interact with the crowd and show their personality.
Finally, DJs who like to make their own music are also often seen at EDM festivals.
These artists create tracks that they’ll perform multiple times throughout the festival, each time giving it a slightly different feel due to changes in instrumentation or other aspects.
Different sets by these artists within one festival will feel fresh and new due to the constantly changing tracks.
There are many different types of DJ’s and each one has their own unique style. Some popular styles of DJing include turntablism, mashups, and beatmatching.
Why Do People Go To EDM Festivals?
People go to rave parties for many reasons. Some people go to rave parties to dance and have a good time. Others go to rave parties to take drugs.
Some people go to rave parties because they are curious about them. Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that rave parties are an interesting phenomenon.
Lets explore some of the reasons why people might go to rave parties and what they might expect if they do attend one.
1. To Enjoy The Music:
Rave attendees enjoy the highly stimulating live techno and house music, which is particularly common in electronic dance music (EDM).
The high-quality sound systems set up around the area makes for an even more immersive experience than normal concerts.
Participants often listen to music through headphones, which are sometimes called “cans” or “phones” among ravers.
2. To Dance:
The fast-paced electronic beats of rave music encourage movement and dancing. Ravers dance primarily for the enjoyment they get out of it, but these moves can also serve as a way to show one’s appreciation for the music. In addition, many ravers find dancing to be a meditative and spiritual experience.
3. To Meet New People:
Raves are social events which brings young adults from all walks of life together with one purpose in mind – to dance their hearts out!
For those who might otherwise feel uncomfortable going to dances or parties alone, raves provide a great opportunity to meet people, while also making it easy for us to dance the night away with them!
4. To Have A Good Time:
Whether ravers are there for any of the above reasons or all of the above reasons, their shared purpose is to enjoy themselves and share in an experience with others.
Although raves can be seen as dance parties, they are often seen for their more holistic, immersive qualities. Dance music is just one of the many forms of self-expression that raves represent.
Rave attendees can also come to experience other activities such as glowsticking, face painting and costuming which accompanies dancing all night long!
5. To Let Go Of Inhibitions:
Raves are famously drug friendly events, and many ravers freely admit to using drugs while at raves.
This is not to say that all participants get “high” or hallucinate while attending raves, but the free-flowing atmosphere encourages people to let go of their inhibitions about what might otherwise be considered strange or unusual behavior.
Types Of Drugs And The Effects On Your Behaviour
There are many different types of drugs that are used at raves. Some of the most popular drugs include ecstasy, Molly, and LSD. These drugs can have a variety of effects on your body, mind, and behavior.
Ecstasy is a drug that is typically taken in pill form. It can cause hallucinations, mood swings, and paranoia. MDMA (the main ingredient in ecstasy) can also cause seizures, heart attacks, and even death.
Molly is another drug that is often taken at raves. It is a form of ecstasy that is supposedly “pure” and free from adulterants.
However, recent studies have shown that Molly may not actually be pure MDMA. It can cause similar side effects as ecstasy and can also lead to seizures and permanent brain damage.
LSD, or acid, may also be taken at raves. It is a hallucinogenic drug that causes intense mood swings and paranoia in some users.
Long-term use of LSD has been shown to cause “flashbacks,” which are short periods when the user re-experiences the effects of the drug.
There are many other drugs that can be used at raves as well such as cocaine, china white, and Ketamine.
Users who decide to take these or any other type of drug should do so carefully and with an understanding of the risks involved.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of the genre or just looking for something different to do, these music festivals are a great way to spend time with friends.
Many of them include different types of activities besides dancing.
Some even have comedy clubs or free food samples for visitors to enjoy during the day.