People of the Rave Community

Hey everyone,

So had to do a video. This one is just talking to different people from the community and interviewing them about different aspects of the community.

Electronic Dance Music & Moonstruck Munkey

Hey everyone, so another part of the assignment was to complete an audio slideshow with narrative (pictures that play in sequence with someone talking).

I chose to interview and photograph an up-and-coming artist, Moonstruck Munkey (aka Kyle Woolley). Munkey was super awesome to work with, though I had to drastically cut down on the actual interview as it was almost 5 times longer then the assignment needed it to be! We touched on the rave community, and how Munkey got into the rave community and became an artist. He's actually opened for quite a lot of shows in Edmonton, loves a variety of genres of EDM, and is also a promoter for Peep This Entertainment. If he could preform whatever he wanted it would be a combination of "hardstyle with experiemental trap and dubstep" (which is pretty amazing but maybe I'm biased because I personally have a love for all artists that are hardstyle, trap and dubstep).

Munkey and his girlfriend are super adorable, and if you frequent EDM shows in Edmonton you will definitely run into them. They both really embody what PLUR is all about, and keep the good vibes that are so vital to the rave scene alive. 

The music in the background of the slideshow is a track that Munkey created as well (though I had to butcher it a little bit to make it fit with the slides). Please go check him out on Soundcloud! 

Being a Promoter in the PLUR Community:

The air is filled with excitement and anticipation. It’s an hour before the show begins, and all the promoters have gathered in the foyer outside of the Shaw Conference Center hall. The stage is set up, the lights are going through their final test and the room is buzzing with energy. Almost everything is in place, the crew are simply putting on the finishing touches to make tonight a night to remember.

Already the opening artist is setting up and getting settled before the doors open. Get Together 2017 has an amazing line-up, and the two-day event is completely sold out. Fans from all over Alberta have bought tickets and are willing to drive lengthy distances just to come enjoy the music and the community.

This event is being co-hosted by two different companies, Boodang Music Canada and Blueprint Alberta. Each company is having a separate meeting with their group of promoters, going over the rules of going backstage and getting their “plus-one” checked in.

Marcos Omar, former Blueprint Alberta promoter

“Promoters” are employees that get the word out about the shows, sell tickets, and handle refunds. They advertise for the upcoming events on their social media pages, and, if they sell enough tickets, get to go to events that their company hosts for free. They can get discounts on merchandise and can even have a plus-one for events as well. It’s a pretty fun job, and as a promoter one meets many different people and makes a lot of new friends. Getting paid to meet new people and go to free shows sounds like a pretty decent gig.

For Marcos Omar, working for Blueprint Alberta was like working with “a small family”. Omar was a Blueprint promoter for 2 years, and he took part in many shows during that time.

He found that the decision to join Blueprint was easy, “I was going to shows for at least 5 years and I was coming from Grand Prairie every time. Once I moved to Edmonton I decided to join the group. One of my good friends was running as manager so he was a really good guy, and I decided to join the team.”

Omar has always loved electronic dance music and getting a chance to work with the rave community sounded like a lot of fun. He decided to become a Blueprint promoter because he “loved the energy and the people working there.” 

Marcos Omar and Daniel Raymant at Get Together 2017

To Omar being a promoter meant that he got to see lots of different kinds of edm shows, he got to meet lots of new people and artists, and he got to experience new kinds of music that he had never heard before. He met a lot of people throughout the industry and made many new connections.

“My favourite parts of the PLUR community are the fact that you can be yourself. There’s no judgement. There’s a lot of the gay community, people that are shy… There are all kinds of people with different styles, and I really like it.” Said Omar, “I think that everyone should at least give it a try one day. Sometimes you think that it’s all about partying and letting loose, but it’s actually a lot about community. And if anybody has a chance to ever go to a show, give it a try. There are a lot of free shows that you can go to and check out for yourself, so I would definitely recommend to everyone to at least try it once.”

Marcos Omar and partner, Justin Lawrence

But Omar noticed that as time went on things began to change from when he first started in the rave community to when he decided to leave Blueprint. Omar commented, “I think there’s been a change. I think some people are starting to go to shows for the wrong reasons, and it’s becoming a little more - it’s not as PLUR (peace, love, unity and respect) as it used to be. Not all the time, but most of the time. The crowd is getting different from when I started. I think it’s because some DJs are getting very mainstream. You hear them on the radio, so people are starting to hear their songs. They don’t really know the DJ, but they know some of their songs. So, they’re starting to go to shows just to see who this person is, without really knowing the person.”

Omar doesn’t mean that new people shouldn’t go to shows, as that is a good way for people to experience new artists and hear new music, but when people that don’t understand the PLUR community or what the PLUR community stands for then things do start to change. The magic and passion that are such a huge part of the community can get lost. The rave community is built on being friendly and compassionate. PLUR - peace, love, unity and respect, is an integral part of the community. And the more mainstream shows become, the more PLUR starts to disappear.

Part of the reason that Omar ended up leaving Blueprint was because of how the crowd was changing, and how the attitudes of the community have changed over the years. But the biggest factor for him was the time commitment.

Blueprint Alberta logo

“It was more about the music for me, more than about the money… It takes some of your time. You have to make posts, you have to invite people and sell tickets. Look around, the more people that get into the scene, the more promoters you have to compete with.”

But Omar hasn’t ruled out going back to Blueprint. He wants to give it a little time, as he hopes that “the passion will come back” and if it does, he will definitely return to Blueprint.

Listen to the interview:

Frequency 2018: A newcomer's experience

The music is loud, heavy bass pounding through the room. Strobe lights and lasers light up the room for brief moments, illuminating the dancing crowd. It’s hot and humid in the Shaw Conference Center, the place packed at this sold out show. Bodies weave in and out of the crowd, people are laughing and smiling as they get caught up in the music. There are people wearing colourful costumes and extravagant outfits, women covered in glitter and jewels, and masked figures with blank painted eyes that roam freely. This is a rave. This is a music festival in the heart of Edmonton. This is Frequency 2018.

            Once a year Frequency comes to Edmonton. It is an Electronic Dance Music festival with several artists. This year’s headliners are Tiesto, Brennan Heart, Ray Volpe, Snails, Oliver Heldens, Purple Haze, and more. There are two stages, the Energy Arena, and the Electric Arena. The rave attracts people from all over, some are veteran ravers, others are first timers. Regardless of what you look like, where you come from, what your background is, all are welcome in the rave community. Everyone is welcome to come and experience the music.

            First time raver Jude Tennan* is having an amazing time. This is his first music festival in Canada, a country that has only recently become his home.

“This is amazing. I love it. The people, the music… it’s fantastic. I’ve never experienced anything like it! I love Canada!” He exclaims. Tennan never had a chance to go to a music festival before coming to Canada. For Tennan, Canada is a place of new experiences and opportunities that he would never have had living back home in Syria.

“Everyone is so friendly! I want to come to more events like this.” Tennan states. He’s spent the night running back and forth between stages, trying to see all of the artists and experience the different genres of EDM music that each stage has. Tennan is enthralled with the music and the lights, the people that he’s met and the energy of the crowd. Though it is only his first rave, he plans on continuing to go to music festivals. He heard that Edmonton has a lot of different raves and wants to go to as many as possible.

A young woman whirls by in a bright orange furry hood, bobbing her head in time to the music, an ecstatic smile on her face. This is her first rave too. 23-year-old Emily Bear* is a first timer at music festivals in Edmonton as well and came with a large group of veterans. She ended up getting lost in the sprawling crowd and was off on an adventure to meet new people.

“This is so much fun! I can’t believe I’ve never gone to one of these before! I’m so happy that I decided to come!” Bear had been on the fence about going to the festival, as tickets were a bit pricey for just one night of dancing.

Bear’s Frequency 2018 ticket ended up costing her $120, but she found that it was worth the price to spend the night dancing and having fun. The festival doors opened at 9pm and it wouldn’t end until 6am the next morning. 

“I haven’t been able to find my friends in about 2 hours now, but I’m having a great time. I’m not worried though, I feel really safe. Everyone here is so friendly!” Bear says.

Being lost in the middle of a music festival isn’t always a bad thing. People around you are kind and caring, and it’s a great chance to meet new people and make new friends. There also a sense of comradery and unification amongst the ravers, with veterans looking out for others around them, even if they don’t necessarily know them. It’s a very safe place to be. There are lots of security guards and police officers, as well as medical professionals in the venue and wandering the crowd. If anything was to happen there are services available and professionals on site to help.

Frequency 2018 was a lot of fun, with many newcomers to the rave scene. Still, there were many familiar faces and veterans. The strobe lights, background sets, and music were – and always are – fun to experience, and the artist Snails surprised the crowd by breaking out a giant inflatable snail during his set.

Unfortunately, there were a few people that had to be taken away in ambulances, due to possible medical conditions, or possible drug use, but they were able to get the help they needed thanks to the medical staff on site.

Always make sure to eat before heading to an event, and to stay hydrated. There’s always free water on site, as well as other drink options available for purchase. You’re going to be dancing and partying for a long time, make sure you take care of yourself and your fellow partygoers, that way you can still have an amazing experience but stay safe.

*Names have been changed for anonymity

Rant Time:

Okay, so I know that this blog is for a school project and all but I still need to rant for a second.

It is SO HARD to figure out how to put a bloody slideshow into Blogger. Because the old "Slideshow" gadget DOESN'T EXIST ANYMORE. I am NOT technologically adept okay, and the first 6 or 7 explanations on Internet all tell you to use the gadget that doesn't exist.

So I'm looking at my gadgets, and "Slideshow" isn't a thing. Which means I have to figure out if there is something wrong with my version of Blogger or if this is just not a thing anymore. Newsflash: not a thing anymore. So now what do I do? I have to figure something out.

Well the first two tutorials on embedding Google Slides don't actually explain anything. I had to watch three different Youtube videos before I could figure out how to make it work. GAHH.

I would like to make a shout out to Shaun Kirkwood. You the real MVP. Thank you for making a video that makes sense. You have helped me get this inane thing to work.

It may be because of what time it is, or the fact that I haven't eaten very much today, but this was way more difficult then it should have been. I'm just so thankful it's over. Can't wait to start attempting to upload videos or podcasts. Yayyyy. Probably going to go smash something.


On another note: probably going to do some posts about kandi and kandi tutorials. Those might be fun and relaxing. Or I might throw my laptop off the balcony when it comes down to uploading them. We shall see.

Photo Gallery:

What is "PLURR"?

To understand what PLURR stands for one must first understand the similar term, PLUR.

PLUR stands for Peace, Love, Unity and Respect. These are a set of principles, or pillars, that are associated with rave culture and electronic dance music. 

PLURR is very similar, but with the added Responsibility. It is more commonly used among veterans in the rave community.

Peace - To be in the same place as another, and exist simultaneously without conflict or adverse reactions

Love - To unconditionally feel great affection for a fellow being, and offer friendship regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or beliefs

Unity - To come together and defend common interests, and give a sense of well being among those who feel unaccepted; to allow any and all to be a part of you and your friends

Respect - To allow yourself to be who you are without expectations, and to allow others to do the same; giving those around you the pride, courage, compassion and honour you would yourself

Responsibility - To be responsible for yourself, and for your actions; as well as being responsible for the well-being of your fellow ravers (ie. you help those around you when they need it)

PLURR isn't just an acronym that gets thrown around when trading kandi or when meeting people at raves, it's a lifestyle. These links below explains a bit more if you want to delve into it: 

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/plur-lifestyle

https://thatdrop.com/defintion-p-l-u-r-within-edm-community/

We also use the acronym PLUR when trading kandi - beaded bracelets and cuffs that we make and trade with other ravers - along with a series of hand signs that are used while trading. 

Trading kandi is a great way to meet new people in the rave community, as well as promote inclusion and share the PLUR and good vibes with others. It's also fun to spend time to make kandi because you can make each piece unique and special, and then you get to share what you've made with other people. Raving is very much about the community and having a great experience, as well as sharing that experience with others.


The PLUR community believes in respecting everyone, regardless of background, and banding together. They try to spread and promote peace and love, caring and understanding, respect and community.

Introductions:

The reason this blog exists is due to a school project. Throughout the next 13 weeks I will be updating this frequently, with various posts about electronic dance music. 

I will be taking a closer look at the rave community, and giving an insiders perspective, as I do frequent many shows and festivals and have a lot of connections through the community. I love EDM music, as well as a variety of other music genres, but I find that I enjoy the atmosphere, energy and experiences from EDM shows more than any other music community. There's something about how welcoming and friendly everyone is, the way that complete strangers are willing to help you out without expecting anything in return, that really draws me in.

I also want to break down the stereotypes and stigmas associated with EDM music, as most non-ravers don't understand the true nature of the rave community or what we stand for. 

A Brief History: 

EDM has been around since the 1960's, but didn't start to gain popularity until the 80's and 90's. During the 80's and 90's the EDM scene began to explode in the UK and Germany, with underground raves and all-night dance parties taking the countries by storm. By the mid-2000s EDM managed to make it's way to North America, and has become a part of popular culture ever since. 

Now: 

Music festivals, raves, and live shows are all very common in today's society. There are huge festivals all over the world, and each festival will drawn in thousands on people. Edmonton hosts several large-scale raves during the year, and many smaller venue shows as well. 

 Like all music genres, electronic dance music (EDM) has created it's own subculture and community. 

The rave community is built off of positivity, acceptance, and love. The rave community is centered around lifting each other up and supporting one another, and is rooted in peace and the notion of having respect for your fellow raver. What I love most about the rave community and culture is that it is so loving and welcoming. It doesn't matter who you are, what your background is, or where you come from, everyone is treated with compassion. From the other ravers, to artists and producers, there is an understanding that the music and lifestyle are inclusive and everyone is welcome to take part. 

“This music is for everybody – it’s for the outcasts, it’s for the cool people, it’s for the fat kids, it’s for the skinny kids, it’s for the gay kids, the straight kids. The aliens! The yellow people, the purple people, the black people, the white people, no matter who you are this is for you…” -Skrillex

“Our audience is intelligent and kind, discriminating only in regards to which sound they like best. Our audience is unprecedented in their drive to proactively support each other.” -Kaskade

This is the part of EDM culture that people not in the scene don't see. That they don't really understand until they experience it. There is such a huge stigma against ravers, and rave culture, and we are often badly portrayed in the media because all anyone can see is the drug use. Yes, there is never going to be a rave without drugs, but there will always be ravers that don't partake in the drugs. There will always be sober ravers; the people just there for the music, the people that are there for the community. 

I will be covering drug use and the stigma assigned to the EDM community in a future post. For now, this is to focus on the rave community and what it entails.

Sub-Communities:

Within the rave community there are sub-communities as well. Some of the sub-communities are dedicated to different artists, or following certain EDM genres (example: headbangers are people that are dedicated to heavy bass, the Mello Gang are fans of the artist Marshmello etc). Other sub-communities are people dedicated to flow arts - light toys that can be used to create beautiful patterns to the beat of the music, kandi kids - people that use beads to create bracelets, masks, necklaces and other objects, festival organizers and volunteers/promoters, and amateur djs - people that are trying to get started in the industry.

Ideally throughout this project I will be getting interviews with people from each sub-community, or go into a deeper explanation of who they are and how the contribute to the over-arching rave community. 

Some community groups are:

The Alberta Rave Community 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AlbertaRaveCommunity/?ref=bookmarks

PLUR Republic Canada:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/503151953070055/?ref=br_rs

Alberta Glovers United

https://m.facebook.com/groups/1670182749915627?ref=bookmarks

Emazing Lights Alberta

http: //www.emazinglightsalberta.ca/