By ANNE COUTURE
WEB EDITOR
The first time I heard about EDM, or Electronic Dance Music, I was immediately suspicious. Did everyone do drugs? If I started dancing would I be judged for either my straight edge mentality or my awful dance moves? I decided to try it mostly because my desire to wear a tutu and stacks of colorful beads outweighed my fear. I am glad I did it.
My first experience was at Roseland Ballroom. My friends and I immediately pushed to the front, which was not that hard, but we did get there at the start of the show, which, did I mention, was six hours. By hour five the main event came on and our calves were burning from rocking out but the lights and music made it very much worth it. I was surprised by how loud it was but my eardrums quickly adjusted and it was just me and a couple hundred other people dancing just for the fun of it. The different artists leading up to the main event were also a surprise and helped to expand the limited library I knew of. It was easy to tell which DJ and song was better and what I preferred. I was surprised to learn that electronic dance music is not just one genre but a phrase that encompasses many genres such as dubstep and trance.
The rave culture is something that anyone can get into without having to succumb to stereotypes, which is true for any type of music. We all liked “Mr Brightside” by The Killers but I think it would be safe to say that only a few of us actually wore black eyeliner and nail polish like the males of that band did. In fact, songs by The Killers are probably on the iPod most Sperry and JCrew wearing people in this college. That being said, misconceptions about the people who like a certain genre of music should not be a deterring factor in enjoying something amazing.
Really approachable songs include the song Clarity, by Zedd, which has been remixed by many. This song is becoming so well liked that it has played on radio channels such as Z100 much to the distain of hipster EDM lovers. At A State of Trance Episode 600 NYC this past weekend at Madison Square Garden it played at least three times, remixed by people such as W&W, a progressive house trance group from the Netherlands, and the famous Armin van Buuren, who is considered one of the top DJs in the world. An American DJ and musician who is also great to connect with and listen to is Porter Robinson. His more popular songs include “Language” and “Easy.”
Of course, just because you are in your right mind, be prepared. At raves, they briefly check your body and your bags. You cannot enter with any liquids. I recommend bringing an empty camelback and filling it up with water when you get there from a sink or fountain while avoiding cups of liquids from strangers on the dance floor. Beware, if you have never seen a stray boob (then you have never walked outside of Fordham Gates); you might be in for a shock. Bring some friends and some dancing shoes, though, and you will have a great night.
If you want to experience awesome music and people, check out Myon & Shane 54 at Webster Hall on April 27, 2013. That gives you enough time to catch a sale at American Apparel and your local craft store for an outfit that you can dance in and shock your Instagram and SnapChat followers at the same time.
