Electric Zoo: a place where we can all get in touch with our inner animal and just completely let loose. Countless DJ's were present at this years three day festival in New York, but so many, who had already arrived, had to suffer the disappointment of being unable to play and rock their fan's worlds for the final day. Not to only mention the DJ's disappointments, but imagine the fans? I would be heartbroken if I was in their shoes right now.
Last night (or this morning for the all-night ravers) two people died because of recreational drug use and four were hospitalized for the same reason. My thoughts go out to the families and friends of the deceased and of those in the hospital, but this is an on-going issue that seriously needs to be fixed. I was present at the second annual Digital Dreams at the Ontario Place in Toronto this past summer where one girl drowned just after the first day of the festival ended. I'm going to go ahead and assume she was high on some form of drug because that's the cause of most deaths at EDM festivals and shows. We're too much of a unified group to get violent with one another.
Honestly, I am really sad about the people who died. It is really tragic that they had to go out in such a manner, but you should not use drugs if you do not know your limits. I believe that most people who overdose are the ones who have never done drugs before. Firstly, if it is your first time using drugs, you should be with people who you are comfortable with and who you know will take care of you if you start tripping out. Secondly, if it IS your first time trying a drug then you probably should not be using it at a festival or show. Try it somewhere you're comfortable with, where you know the surroundings, all the people present, and where you know you can easily access help if necessary. I've been there, had a bad trip and was super overwhelmed, but I got myself out of that situation and calmed myself down so that I didn't drop to the floor. Since then, I have made sure that I am super responsible with what I am using and made sure to know my limits. That's the key: know your limits and what your body can handle.
Most people believe - because of the deaths at these festivals - that the EDM community is based solely around drug use. It really upsets me that this is how our loving, peaceful community is portrayed. We are some of the most humble, welcoming, peace-giving, accepting, and heart-felt people you will ever have the chance of meeting, yet we are all considered drug-addicts who just want to trip out on some pretty lights and loud music. There is so much more to our community that people on the outside just do not see and never will unless they submerge headfirst into what we call home.
It truly pains me that we are represented in such a negative manner. I mean, yeah, doing drugs is fun from time to time and it really enhances the feelings you get when you're watching your favourite DJ drop your favourite tracks, but that is not what it's all about. Going to shows and festivals, for me personally, is to get lost in the moment, meet new people, listen to upcoming talent, see my favourite DJ's for the first, second, or third time, spend time with my best friends and cruuu, and, most importantly, forget about reality for a while.
The EDM community is a peaceful place. You don't have to feel judged or out of place. It is where all the eccentrics, the undoubtedly weird, the wild, the dreamers, the new-age hippies and ravers, and the people who have an insane love for electronic music come to be together and create a perfect atmosphere of good vibes. That is what PLUR is all about: Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect. Our community thrives on this acronym and, personally, this is what I try to live my life by. The world needs more people like we have in the EDM community, but we will continue to be marked as drug-addicts and hopeless causes while we have people abusing drugs and not knowing when to call it quits.
Be responsible, people. You're ruining it for the rest of us who are trying so hard to build something so beautiful and magical.
Love this <3
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