It all started with “Levels”. Most people poke fun at Avicii’s overplayed 2011 hit but I am thankful for it. I was 14 when I first heard the track at a party. I was hooked by the loud beats and melodic harmony. It was something different, unlike anything I had ever heard. I grew up listening to the Top 20 Pop and this different sounding music captivated me. When I got home, I stayed up all night searching and downloading electronic tracks like it. That’s where it all started for me.
In February of this year, I had the opportunity to go to my first EDM show. At this point I had no idea what “PLUR” was or anything about the culture, I just really liked listening to the music. A couple of friends of mine were going to see Madeon at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC and asked me to come along. That night sent my love for EDM skyrocketing. I was exposed to the culture and witnessed a killer set by Madeon.
Two young guys came up to my friends and I and offered us kandi. We all had no idea what it was but graciously accepted. They explained the trade and what PLUR meant to them and to the community. The fact that it was about so much more than amazing music fascinated me. I was shocked when people around me would help me get to the front of the crowd and wish me luck with a smile, instead of pushing me away and yelling like I had experienced at other concerts.
When I was front row being overtaken by thirst and heat, I couldn’t believe it when the people around me kindly shared their last drops of water with me. That moment is when I truly realized what it all meant and that all I wanted more than anything was to be a part of this community.
I still have those two small bracelets that mean so much to me and I wear them often. Whenever I see someone at a show, I try to take the time to explain to them that this scene is so much more than amazing music, so that they will fall as in love with it as I did. Through this community and twitter, I have had the amazing opportunity to talk to and know Lady Casa. For those who don’t know her, she is an amazing presence in the rave scene and a beautiful soul. She enlightened me with her vast knowledge and positive spirit. Through her and this music, I have met many amazing people and great friends. This drew me even further in to the genre and community.
For the past two years, I have spent learning and experiencing as much as I can about EDM. This music and community means so much more to me than just the music I listen to. I am known for being “that music freak” and “that chick who goes to all those concerts” and I love that. So much so that most of my friends and even parents refer to me as “DJ. It’s my dream to one day have my whole life and work dedicated to this amazing genre and community. Electronic dance music is growing and I want nothing more than to be a part of it. I first stumbled upon this genre for the music, but I fell in love because of the culture.
This post was written by Mackenzie Hicks, a 16-year-old girl living in the Washington D.C. area. You can find her on twitter @mackedm. Have a story? Email therobots@whiteraverrafting.com
You should read: An Open Letter To The Electronic Dance Music Community: Let’s Consider The Bigger Picture
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