Raver & EDM Scene Confessions

I did artist interviews at a camping music festival last month, and it was the first time I’ve ever attended a multi-day rave. Truthfully? It freaked me out. I went to Ultra Music Festival in Miami for 2 years in high school and plenty of concerts and after hours parties since. But the older I get, the more baffled I become by how large-scale electronic music events, specifically engineered for drug usage, sensory overload, and escapism, have become multi-million dollar businesses in countries all over the world. 

The age of our anonymous Raver contributors varies from teens to 40s; it’s a mixed bag of traditional folks with corporate jobs, escapees of repressive, sheltered, or painful childhoods, and “misfit” stereotypes of the subculture. Some say the slogan of Peace Love Unity Respect is total delusion, wearing off with the Molly and Acid; others say it’s brought them friends that have become family. Some attend to enrich their lives, others to commemorate deaths. Almost all admit that drugs are a central part of the experience.

While each contributor was asked the same question - are raves productive utopias, or dangerous alternate realities? - their answers, like their backgrounds and motivations, vary greatly. Strap in for a wild trip. (Written submissions start at 16:37, audio submissions at 32:47.)

~ Tales of Taboo is produced and narrated by Ali Weiss. Follow Ali on Instagram & TikTok @aliweissworld. Audio production by Zoe Kuhlkin. Theme song by Chris Stathopolous. Cover photo by Erika Flynn. Cover art by Kristen Montenegro. GOT A SECRET TO GET OFF YOUR CHEST? Share your own confession - or thoughts and feedback - at [email protected].