There’s a growing misconception in the EDM scene that it’s somehow cool to support one event company, one club, one genre, and throw the rest of the lot out the window. As the electronic music scene grows, more and more people think that it’s vital that you support their specific clique. If you go to this club, that’s your spot, those are your friends, those DJ’s are your favorite local DJ’s, and every other club is subpar.
When bad news drops about a club or event company, there are always those people who jump to blaming that group and pointing out everything that’s wrong with them, while at the same time, talking up whatever club or event company they are a part of. Young promoters do this especially common, while people who have been around the block a few times tend to know better. Why do people do this? What are they trying to achieve? And why can’t these people just support the scene as a whole, especially since the EDM scene is such a small and tight-knit community? Why can’t we just be like the people in this picture?
Well, maybe it’s not all bad. After all, tribalism is a natural occurrence in humanity that dates back to when we were hanging in trees and throwing literal shit at each other, instead of just doing it on social media. So, when things get a bit turbulent in the scene, it makes sense that some of those ancient shit-flinging instincts might come back to surface. Well, the one problem with this method is that shit tends to stick.
Sure, people want to know where to find the best clubs or events or see the best artists perform. People want to know which spots have the best atmosphere, and which might not be for them. But, if you actually care about the EDM scene, being a raver, and going out to events, it should be pretty obvious that this sort of negativity towards other people within the scene is only going to come back and, well, you’re probably going to step in it. I’ve experienced it myself first-hand, and I’ve watched people go into depressive spirals, shun social media, or give up going to events as a whole, just because they got so caught up in the behind-the-scenes drama that going out was no longer fun for them.
I’ve watched how so much trash talking of other clubs and event companies has led them to become defensive and bitter, seeking revenge over petty comments. This escalates to the point where that group of people may not even be willing to accept constructive criticism, and that will only hinder their growth. So, as fun as it is to start a shit storm on social media over why you don’t like this club or this event company or this DJ over some half-baked reason, can some of us start focusing on what really matters for the EDM scene as a whole? Things like looking after each other. Things like PLUR. Creating safe atmospheres where people can have fun and dance to music they love, instead of getting caught up in pointless drama.
If there’s a club out there that really does have an issue, that’s one thing. Fights, theft, people getting drugged unknowingly, dangerous weapons, disrespect of personal space, drunk driving, these are things we should be worried about. Real problems that really affect people, not petty grudges between promoters and staff. If you’re tired of the negative stigma, take a responsible stand and do what we’re all supposed to do, support the scene, rather than dismantle it. Otherwise, people may start to question your motives in the community, and your ethics as a person.
I’m not ready to forget what it means to be a part of this community. Are you?
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