Rioting Ravers, sold out Burningman tickets and Skrillex... OH MY!!!
Photo Cred: Nick Walsh Dubstep is "mainstreaming". Burningman has sold out for the first time ever. There was a riot in Hollywood at the premiere of "Electric Daisy Concert Experience" when an impromptu block party called by DJ Kaskade on Twitter backfired into crowd mayhem. Is the electronic dance scene entering the mainstream? I think we have to be very careful with how we approach this. Obviously, it doesn't look good on the rave scene if "ravers" are rioting in Hollywood. I saw a quote today somewhere, that said "this is what happens when you let the outside in". I think there is truth in this statement, and it was exemplified with what happened in Hollywood yesterday. The electronic dance/rave scene has evolved over the past 25 years or so since it has come into existence, with it's heyday said to have occurred in the 90's. I for one, missed the boat, but I get the impression from friends whom were fortunate enough to be around in those days, that this was the time when the scene was most "pure". It was about community, the raving experience, and most importantly the music. When I entered the scene in San Francisco myself in 2002, I was fortunate to hook up with Moksha Tribe, a group of people who took that same attitude and put it into the events we produced. I consider myself lucky to have been educated in the scene by such a great group of people, and fortunate that I was able to experience a glimpse into what raving was like in it's purest form - making people happy by coming together to produce quality events that combine music and experience to make a memorable night. Today, I go to events, and for the most part, with some exceptions, I do not see the same care put into the production. While I miss the experience, the question begs to be asked, "Does that even matter anymore?" Is this just how the dance scene has evolved? And... is the next evolution of the rave scene heading towards the mainstreaming of the scene as a whole in the United States? What would this mean for the dance industry as a whole? I welcome any and all comments. This is great stuff to ponder, and I hope this post generates a discussion. Let the games begin!