Raves began in the 1970s and started as secret dance parties, usually after hours in metropolitan cities. Frankie Bones, a DJ from New York City, coined the term “rave” to represent the movement he was seeing so much of at this time.
EDM stands for Electronic Dance Music. This is an umbrella term that carries genres and subgenres that attract so many different people.
House, dubstep, techno, hardstyle, trap, progressive house, hardcore and bass house are just some of the genres underneath that umbrella.
Each genre brings its own energy, vibe and community. For example, techno fans may gravitate toward darker warehouse venues with low lighting and pulsing beats, while bass fans enjoy chest-rattling sound systems and wild visual displays. No matter the genre, the shared connection is the music and the way it brings people together to lose themselves on the dance floor.
PLUR stands for Peace, Love, Unity and Respect, which are the principles and the values that raving is based on. Raves are alive because of the shared love of self-expression, dance and music.
The outfits, the lights, the flow arts and the music all combine to create a judgment-free zone where people can truly be themselves. That freedom of expression is what draws so many to the culture, whether you’re decked out in neon from head to toe or in jeans and a tee, there’s a place for everyone.
Kandi began in the ‘90s and is handmade beaded jewelry that is worn to raves. Kandi trading goes along with this; people with their arms full of kandi can trade with others to keep the tradition alive.
Many trades come with a personal story, a moment or a meaning. Some pieces are made for specific shows or festivals and passed on to someone who had an impact that night, even a small one. It’s about connection, gratitude and memory.
“For the rave vibes or ‘ravers’, there is this very welcoming, very comforting, happy-go, peace, love and harmony energy happening,” said Jeffrey Rios Jr., web developer and local raver. “Strangers will approach other strangers with a huge hello, outfit-compliment and loving hug and/or handshake.”
As raves are being adopted and becoming more mainstream, PLUR is getting lost, now more than ever. It is important to remember that when attending raves, having these values is the most important thing.
This means don’t push and shove your way to the front, let people through to find their friends or to get out of the crowd, and most of all, if someone is visibly struggling and/or needs help, help them as best as you can.
Through music and dance, raving is judgment–free. People are there to dance, have fun and express themselves, and for many people, that is the only way they can.
“The biggest difference you’ll feel at a rave versus a concert is the pure vibe and energy of the event as people are there to dance and connect with others rather than to watch a performance most typically,” said Daylan Tanner, local DJ who goes by the alias “Dayfish.” “No separation between the artists and crowd. Just music and an immaculate vibe.”
