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
