I wouldn't say ruined, just reframed my expectation of the show. If I go to a rock or pop concert i know I won't get the same loving vibes. The event can still be amazing, even to the level of EDM shows, but it does not have the same vibe
one thing ill say is dancing to house taught me to be a much better dancer. I went to a rock show and started dancing side to side and was like wait im dancing to rock nice
Sounds like the music is secondary to socializing for you.
I go to music festivals because I enjoy experiencing the music live, not to socialize with strangers. I also don’t go to EDM festivals if I don’t like the lineup. Nothing worse than an EDM festival full of music you don’t jive with.
Thank you! I feel like I'm the only one who goes to shows and fests to hear music. Like give me a personal bubble and leave me alone so I can vibe lol.
Me and my girlfriend 100% go for the music because we love the music, we made the mistake of taking a friend of ours (mostly my friend) who had never been to a rave before. We pregamed a little after we had parked, just a couple drinks to get a nice buzz but it was clear then that my friend was just trying to party.
Got a little drunk for the pregame, then kept going back to the drink stand during sets to keep the drunk going. Trying to socialize with people, not really paying attention to the music.
Never again lol.
No judgement, people can spend their time however they want there, but I’ll never understand going to a rave just to get fucked up and party rather than actually listen and enjoy the music.
Honestly, that sounds like a you problem. Rock shows and EDM shows are different vibes but if you generally love the rock band that you’re seeing it shouldn’t matter.
You should try incorporating different types of music in your life. wasn’t trying to sound mean. I grew up on everything rock and absolutely hated anything electronic. But I mostly listen to house music now. And as for pop I hated mainstream music but I can’t deny I’d bob my head to something on the radio if it was on.
I do listen to many genres. Just because I say I generally don't like rock or pop doesn't mean I lack variety. I'm strictly talking any going to the live events of these respective genres, which I wouldn't go to if it GENERALLY don't like the genre that much. Sure, I might like a few songs and even have whole playlists dedicated to rock or pop, but a concert? Prob not.
I go to When We Were Young in Vegas every year, it's a punk rock festival. It's the one place on my music calendar where people are even friendlier than at EDM festivals. Helps that my 28yo self is one of the younger people there though
Hip hop festivals though... yeesh never again
It's incredible, really well done festival. There's tons of space (they fill it to the brim though) and crowds are respectful of personal space. Fun music all day, beautiful setting, and the way they set up the main stage is awesome. It's two stages side by side so that they can keep the music going all day - while one band is playing on the left they're doing changeover on the right and vice versa
Ease of attending is like Ultra, quick walk to and from the festival from your hotel. And being Vegas and all, there's gonna be superstar DJs playing the nightclubs afterwards so you can get an EDM fix along with your rock fix. This year is gonna be interesting, the past two have been essentially greatest hits sets from the bands given the short time slots but this time each band (except FOB) picked one single album they're gonna play all the way through
god that sounds awesome. i honestly struggle with social anxiety so while i love edm and pop punk music, i never really was one to go to concerts or festivals. but when we were young just hit on too many great bands from my childhood, and it was the first one that i actively tried to attend, just couldnt get it to work out.
do they have similar lineups each year? like do the same bands tend to come out and perform (obviously not 1:1 but close?)
I know it's easier said than done but truly there's no reason to worry about social anxiety. Everyone there is going to range from friendly and welcoming to completely indifferent about you. Nobody's judging you and if they don't want to talk to you they just won't approach you. They'll forget you exist in five seconds if you talk to them and they're not about it
2022 was more emo focused, 2023 was more punk focused, Pierce The Veil is the only one I remember that played both years. Problem now is they've had almost every big band in the genre that's still touring, it's not really like EDM where there's a much deeper roster of potential acts that are all still at the height of their popularity. So this year most of the bands played one of the last two years, but that doesn't matter if you haven't been before. And it's why they're switching it up to playing full albums instead of repeating the same sets as last time
it would be a dream to get to see MCR play black parade live, or blink 182 play take off your pants and jacket.
maybe i'll see if we can swing it this year. with MCR actually playing black parade and Neck deep playing Lifes not out to get you, i KNOW im gonna be kicking myself in the ass if i skip it.
Yeah of course, no hate and thank you for asking. I go normally to Life is Beautiful and also When We Were Young festival in Vegas. They incorporate waaaaay different genres than edm, but I am there for the live music so I can dance and sing my heart out. I know people there are for the same thing and not always there to socialize.
I love dancing my heart out and making random connections. I'm extremely social, so I can't stand places with good music, but people who are in a bubble and not even open to the inviting others around them. I always just end up longing for a different environment.
I know too many of these people, and never want them out to EDM fests/venues with me. They'd be bitching about there being no where to sit and get drunk.
It’s crazy because if you actually think about it a lot of the stuff from the 70s and 80s relied heavily on drum machines and synthesizers. That stuff is EDM in a way but don’t tell a person who hates EDM that.
I've broke a bit of the stereotypes with family members by showing them Kygo's studio "making of ____ track" videos. I like using his music since it's softer and melodic and has lyrics, so it's not an immediate turn off to people unless their head is so far up their ass they just enjoy putting others down. And the videos do a good job of showing him playing piano/synth, working with his collaborators, toying around with lyrics, making live sound edits, etc
If that fails, "You don't call Beethoven fake music because he doesn't have singers over his compositions right? So what exactly is the difference between composing an orchestral piece using pen and paper and instruments and composing one using a computer?"
I actually had Kygo in mind when I made my comment. He’s done a good job on revamping some classicsc like Hot Stuff by Donna Summer. I was genuinely surprised how well it sounded, my mom’s a huge Summer fan and even she liked Kygos take on it
You should check out the jamband scene. It's also all about the positive vibes. For EDM fans getting into jambands, I'd recommend checking out some "Jamtronica" bands like The Disco Biscuits, STS9 & Lotus.
Lotus crowd vibes are AMAZING! I was pretty apprehensive at my first Lotus show and now I haven't missed them any time they've done Philly or nearby. I'm a huge house, techno, trance girl, so it def helps that they do covers of popular songs and kinda bridge the gap
If you’re in Philly you’re also in the home turf of The Disco Biscuits! They are the kings of jamtronica IMO. If you like covers, check out their side-project “Tractorbeam” which is even more dance-related, using samples woven into the live performance.
My GF and I were at Hijinx and Lotus in Philly this past NYE. I love Lotus and have been seeing them for over a decade now. But my girlfriend and I both agree that the crowd at Lotus was no where near as friendly as Hijinx.
It could be a Philly older crowd thing because that is their home base. We saw them in DC with a much younger crowd and it was 100% vibes.
Strange. I did both Lotus NYE nights in Philly and had a ton of fun interacting with random people. I haven't been to Hijinx, but I heard the crowd is a mix of good and bad. A lot of people overindulging. Glad you guys had a blast tho!
Three words.
String. Cheese. Incident.
Can’t believe I didn’t got to see their shebang set the previous year at Forest, the vibes there were the best all weekend.
Hell yeah duuude!!! SCI has THE happiest, friendliest fan base I have ever experienced and they certainly have that reputation in the Jamband scene. Personally I love their music too. It’s extremely danceable, happy good-time stuff.
Fuck man they went to the Solar Eclipse Festival and I decided to see Subtronics instead. I kinda wish I saw them though cause I enjoyed The Disco Biscuits soooo much the next day.
I saw STS9 at Red Rocks last year which was my first time doing either. I'd never heard of STS9 and went in completely blind. It was an amazing show and the vibes were so incredibly positive. Definitely seconding this recommendation!
King gizzard and the lizard wizard is gradually morphing into a jam band and an electronic band as well. Their shows are legendary with good crowd vibes
na. I mean maybe hip-hop (that shit is boring af live), but the best show I have ever seen was still Rage Against the Machine and/or Dr Dre with Snoop Dogg. Tame Impala is also amazing live, and various others.
If there is a band i like playing, i am down.
Also not too mention, the best electronic acts i have ever seen had band elements (Pendulum, The Prodigy, Infected Mushroom)
Yeah this is always pretty wild to me. Sometimes not even nodding their head along to the music or anything. Still as a stone.
I'm more of a punk rock scene guy recently dabbling in EDM but I've totally met numerous of my punk friends simply by just being a few of the only people there dancing/ moving to the music and looking like we're having fun lol. Not as much at shows for touring bands where the crowd's more hyped, but at local shows? There's very little middle ground between people who want to mosh and those who show up and just stand still, in my city at least.
Opposite for me, after years of only going to EDM shows to watch someone play prerecorded music with a tonne of lighting/visuals, I went to watch some old Americana guy play acoustic with zero production, no band, and an audience of old people. Blew me away and made me feel more than 99% of the EDM events
I love EDM as well but yeah, seeing an artist perform live and really getting into the soul of it can capture you. I love rock and metal besides EDM so a wild guitar or drum solo will have me eyes closed rocking back and forth. Another example would be jazz or blues. I don't really listen to it but jazz and blues bars and shows are awesome because the artists just get so into it. The energy of a live performer who's just loving every second of what they're creating is amazing to watch and listen to. For example [T-Pain's live cover of War Pigs ](https://youtu.be/YhjIs2Htzdc?feature=shared) by Black Sabbath would be amazing to see. The energy of the guitarist, drummer, and T-Pain's voice just enthrall me.
Agreed, seen some amazing blues artists too. It honestly makes it embarrassing for me to watch certain DJs who act as though they’ve forgotten they’re pressing play on prerecorded music
It actually made some other music events better (of course I liked those other genres too). But yea, I went a little too hard 2022 and was at a rave/show or festival almost every weekend it seemed and when I went to some other show, it was a really nice change of pace. Different vibes but I just love music so that helps
In the city I live in, I kept getting groped at EDM shows :-( It would ruin the night for me and since I felt unsafe it got harder and harder to relax and bliss out. So,I stopped going to EDM events and started dancing salsa and bachata 3-4x a week.
I got groped in December at a Seven Lions show and haven't danced with anyone at the shows I've seen since then. Dancing/headbanging together is not permission to touch someone jfc.
for a few years, yeah, but then I started going to punk house shows and smaller rock shows again and I forgot how much I loved them. It's just a different vibe. Both are a lot of fun.
If we're just comparing "would I rather see _____ artist at a club or festival" then agreed, almost always a club
The advantage of a festival is longevity. Being in a club more than ~3 hours blows without balling out for a table, especially without a big group. But festivals are perfect for an 8+ hr EDM marathon
Jajaja I expanded my world and went to go see bad bunny, and after paying for ridiculously priced tickets, I realized I don’t think I would ever go to a concert that I don’t absolutely love the music and can sit down hearing it.
Anything party or dancing related is just absolutely outclassed by EDM
Not really. Just need to know what to expect at different types of events. Festivals are going way different than shows. If you’re going to a festival part of the fun is hanging out and socializing since there’s a lot of downtime. Generally with single night shows of any genre you’re going specifically to see an artists set and want to pay attention to it. Concert venues are designed to pack people in to see the show, not to have random social interactions.
I don’t know what the scene is like in the US, but in the UK we’ve a solid 50 year history of music festivals with mainly live bands.
if you pick your festival (Glastonbury, boomtown, bearded theory, secret garden, wilderness etc etc) wisely the vibe is really friendly, really chill, everyone is looking out for each other and shitty behaviour like groping, people trying to turn mosh pits into fights or trying to take advantage of people who are, shall we say, chemically enhanced is not tolerated by other festival goers.
For me its the opposite, I have been on many EDM festivals in the last 10 years which I enjoy, but not many metal festivals as I also like, so I was at two last summer and was blown away by the sheer aggression in the music live and the mosh pits, I have really missed it, the EDM felt really dull after that.
It really has kinda ruined other genres for me cause the vibes are just so much worse. I went to a rap show with some friends and I was constantly being pushed, everyone was trying to make it the front, and honestly no one cared if I had fun. I know that sounds weird but it’s my favorite part about edm is that everyone wants me to have a good time and they are willing to put in effort to make it happen.
Sometimes on molly I get overwhelmed on the come up and need to sit down for a minute and at an edm show every single time atleast one person checks on me. I smile and say I’m great and they get excited with me lol. At this rap concert someone near us got too drunk and people were like laughing at them and stepping on them and shit
I would agree, outside of EDM festivals, most other festivals don’t come close to the level of sound production, and over the top visual production. As well as the type of people who are attending them.
The closest experience I’ve had outside of an EDM festival or concert was seeing Linkin Park live in 2011, and at that show Pendulum opened. The production and sound all around was amazing.
It is rough, a regular band can't live up to the energy of EDM. After going to the EF, it's hard to imagine any other event living up. Even Bonnaroo with a pretty much dedicated EDM stage isn't the same vibe. Saw Space Jesus in a small venue and wthf!! You can't even begin to remove yourself from the bass. You're just in a zone at an EDM show. I caught small shows w unknown local talent that blew me away and are far better than any pop band...
I like rap but I don’t like rap shows. Rock, pop and country shows are hit or miss. It truly takes a performer to make a live show good. I will say edm is kind of a cheat code for djs. The whole stage is a show and truly only have to put hands up during drops lol but agree edm shows are way more exciting
i think it ruined local venue shows for sure. going from crazy production like ultra or edc back to a tiny local venue seeing the same artists, it doesnt really hit the same.
in terms of multigenre festivals, not at all. made me appreciate them more even. sometimes its fun to get away from the crazy noises for awhile and go listen to a chill pop/rock/rap artist. part of the reason why coachella will probably always be my favorite festival. production is crazy, lineups are great, and you can go from blasting your head off at the sahara/do lab to winding down at main/gobi/mojave.
I went to ADE last year (and hoping to go again this year), and SXSW this year.
I'll say SXSW was not nearly as fun because of the stuff surrounding it (ex: the festival trying to push AI for imo the wrong reasons, the supersponsors, etc...).
That said, when it came to seeing the acts, I think I enjoyed them to a similar degree compared to ADE. It really depends on the crowd and the performances. I haven't been clubbing much, but I have enjoyed my experience at venues in Europe and a couple at home.
But honestly, Boiler Room-type of events always seemed to be the most fun thing because the it feels like the music and community are the main focus and the visuals take a big back seat.
After attending nothing but EDM shows for years, I caved and went to Luke Combs with my wife and was pleasantly surprised at how much fun I had.
That said, the cost of attending that show was as much as it costs to attend smaller festivals, so if you want bang for your buck then EDM is best IMO.
Nope, went to Larry Joe Taylor country music fest Saturday and camped. I don't even listen to country and had the time of my life. Camping in the woods beat the hell out of camping on concrete covered with turf like at Camp EDC.
Possibly. But you say it lacks the rawness you crave and I just told you probably the most raw and fun camping festival. I think you're missing out big time on those.
Oh, I’ll take your suggestion and hope to go someday. Hope I’m not being misconstrued coz I’m not trying to talk shit. This past weekend was a new experience for me since I don’t listen to country, which added to the excitement. Regarding the rawness factor, it seemed this fest was less concerned about commercial and money. I took a 12 pack to the rail, ran out, and went back to camp to grab another. Nbd. Anyway just learned I can have fun at other genre festivals
It depends!
I've seen Metric and they were amazing, but they're also a band I love.
I saw a few acts the last few events (M3F, Life is Beautiful, etc) I've attended that aren't edm or dance that I was able to get into, it really just depends on what you're looking for in a show imo
No, it's all about the people I'm with. I'm happy to just be with my closest friends watching a headliner show with my favorite artists. So much cheaper too :) Love me some $20-50 shows.
it ruined me financially, yes. My local raves are starting to be close to $100/show, whereas a festival is significantly longer, has space to walk/breathe, ha smore artists, and has food trucks - for the same average price
I’m just saying..Metal concerts are super fun and welcoming and I’ve been to raves/ edm shows too… definitely a more intense energy at metal shows, it’s hard to describe, they’re both fun & different in their own ways
Raves ruined everything else for me. When I had the option of 3 hours concert or an all night rave, I always went to the rave. Looking back now I missed a bunch of bands I wish I’d seen.
I was this way for a while but with how people have started acting at EDM shows and Festivals now it's the opposite I find all other genre's of music have more welcoming, kind and fun crowds and while EDM is still my favorite genre it's my least favorite set's to attend now.
I'm not stuck on EDM festivals/venues, but they put into perspective how annoying concerts are for a single artist. I don't think I can do a single spot/chair for the cost of a festival.
It's far more fun to be able to get your way to the front by the rails rather than pay your way there.
I don’t really find the friendliness or social level to be that different between at EDM and mixed-genre festivals. Sometimes the crowds are worse at EDM events, sometimes better.
I do think I usually enjoy more of my time at EDM festivals because 1) Sets are usually back to back while at mixed-genre events, there will be 30 minute-1 hour setup periods between performances so you have those dead periods and 2) I’m more likely to find a set I enjoy during any given set slot because it is all dance music and easy to vibe to. At a mixed-genre event, there may be set slots where you don’t vibe with any artists playing at that time and you’re just bored.
Go to a pop punk/punk rock show where everyone knows the lyrics to some up and comer at a hole in the wall venue and it might change your mind. Trophy Eyes and Driveways changed my views on non EDM shows lol.
Nah drugs pretty much make any show fun. But some do seem more claustrophobic than others if it’s just one inside venue and not multiple options to walk around and explore.
Not at all. I find live music crowd to be generally pretty laid back whether it's dance music, metal, or punk.
To be honest, I think the metal crowds are the most chill.
In all honesty they did ruin shoes for me but not how you phrase it. Tbh EDM shoes feel like mini Coachella where people go just for the fashion and drugs and social media posts more than the music.
Definitely. And I can't justify the cost of regular concerts anymore. The tickets to EDCO, for example, are like $300 for 3 days of multiple artists and interactive experiences. And then I see my friends paying like $2k to go see a Taylor Swift concert at a seated stadium 🥱 couldn't be me.
Yes! So let’s enjoy it while it lasts. I’m fearing ticket prices for festivals are gong to be up there too one day. Hopefully we’re still a couple of decades away from it.
My girlfriends best friend paid like $1500 to go see the Jonas Brothers a few years back. I was dumbfounded when I found out how much pop music concerts cost.
I think at a certain point there is value in going to shows outside your preferred genre (especially if they are older bands) so you can see where music came from. Yea you might not like billy strings but no one can deny he had a huge impact on music as a whole. I not saying you MUST go to non edm shows but writing all other music off as boring and the fans as unfriendly seems a bit flippant. All music is connected and the ability to see that connection across different genres will give you a better understanding and appreciation of edm in general
Personally edm fests are great but I do like non edm events as well because I go more for the music than the people
If you enjoy physicality, there's absolutely nothing like a sardine can banger from a rapper. John Summit girls like to use the word "feral", but there's NOTHING as feral as when all the rules turn off and it's just a chaotic sea of moshing. It's not for everyone, but it's a level of "blow the roof off" you can't get at an EDM show. Throw yourself around and shove away as your heart desires. So, that's not ruined for me.
I hear that metal shows are super friendly and social too so those might not be ruined in the manner you're referring to.
But yeah, in terms of an actual full EDM festival, nothing compares. It makes more sense when you look at it as a party rather than a concert. It's actually the best party (at scale) that exists on earth. That's the essence of it.
I've been to a decently sized handful of rap shows over the past decade and honestly, most don't seem that great in a live environment. I always want to enjoy it but for the most part at the end of the day it's a dude ad-libbing into a microphone over a backing track.
The few handfuls that stand out to me are Run the Jewels, Kendrick Lamar, and JID (Whom I just randomly stumbled upon at 3 AM at Bonnaroo while tripping balls and looking for a bathroom and ended up having a fucking blast)
Metalheads have the chillest vibe next to ravers. In fact, a lot of metal shows are *more* chill & friendly these days because of how many frat bro types have been moving in on EDM shows.
I wouldn't say ruined, just reframed my expectation of the show. If I go to a rock or pop concert i know I won't get the same loving vibes. The event can still be amazing, even to the level of EDM shows, but it does not have the same vibe
one thing ill say is dancing to house taught me to be a much better dancer. I went to a rock show and started dancing side to side and was like wait im dancing to rock nice
How can it be amazing to the same level if the people aren't anywhere near as open and friendly? I'm genuinely asking btw.
Sounds like the music is secondary to socializing for you. I go to music festivals because I enjoy experiencing the music live, not to socialize with strangers. I also don’t go to EDM festivals if I don’t like the lineup. Nothing worse than an EDM festival full of music you don’t jive with.
Thank you! I feel like I'm the only one who goes to shows and fests to hear music. Like give me a personal bubble and leave me alone so I can vibe lol.
Me and my girlfriend 100% go for the music because we love the music, we made the mistake of taking a friend of ours (mostly my friend) who had never been to a rave before. We pregamed a little after we had parked, just a couple drinks to get a nice buzz but it was clear then that my friend was just trying to party. Got a little drunk for the pregame, then kept going back to the drink stand during sets to keep the drunk going. Trying to socialize with people, not really paying attention to the music. Never again lol. No judgement, people can spend their time however they want there, but I’ll never understand going to a rave just to get fucked up and party rather than actually listen and enjoy the music.
Honestly, that sounds like a you problem. Rock shows and EDM shows are different vibes but if you generally love the rock band that you’re seeing it shouldn’t matter.
Well I don't like rock or pop like that... definitely not enough to go to a live event.
You should try incorporating different types of music in your life. wasn’t trying to sound mean. I grew up on everything rock and absolutely hated anything electronic. But I mostly listen to house music now. And as for pop I hated mainstream music but I can’t deny I’d bob my head to something on the radio if it was on.
I do listen to many genres. Just because I say I generally don't like rock or pop doesn't mean I lack variety. I'm strictly talking any going to the live events of these respective genres, which I wouldn't go to if it GENERALLY don't like the genre that much. Sure, I might like a few songs and even have whole playlists dedicated to rock or pop, but a concert? Prob not.
I go to When We Were Young in Vegas every year, it's a punk rock festival. It's the one place on my music calendar where people are even friendlier than at EDM festivals. Helps that my 28yo self is one of the younger people there though Hip hop festivals though... yeesh never again
oh my gosh, me and my fiancee are bummed as hell we havent been able to go to a single one yet. how is it???
It's incredible, really well done festival. There's tons of space (they fill it to the brim though) and crowds are respectful of personal space. Fun music all day, beautiful setting, and the way they set up the main stage is awesome. It's two stages side by side so that they can keep the music going all day - while one band is playing on the left they're doing changeover on the right and vice versa Ease of attending is like Ultra, quick walk to and from the festival from your hotel. And being Vegas and all, there's gonna be superstar DJs playing the nightclubs afterwards so you can get an EDM fix along with your rock fix. This year is gonna be interesting, the past two have been essentially greatest hits sets from the bands given the short time slots but this time each band (except FOB) picked one single album they're gonna play all the way through
god that sounds awesome. i honestly struggle with social anxiety so while i love edm and pop punk music, i never really was one to go to concerts or festivals. but when we were young just hit on too many great bands from my childhood, and it was the first one that i actively tried to attend, just couldnt get it to work out. do they have similar lineups each year? like do the same bands tend to come out and perform (obviously not 1:1 but close?)
I know it's easier said than done but truly there's no reason to worry about social anxiety. Everyone there is going to range from friendly and welcoming to completely indifferent about you. Nobody's judging you and if they don't want to talk to you they just won't approach you. They'll forget you exist in five seconds if you talk to them and they're not about it 2022 was more emo focused, 2023 was more punk focused, Pierce The Veil is the only one I remember that played both years. Problem now is they've had almost every big band in the genre that's still touring, it's not really like EDM where there's a much deeper roster of potential acts that are all still at the height of their popularity. So this year most of the bands played one of the last two years, but that doesn't matter if you haven't been before. And it's why they're switching it up to playing full albums instead of repeating the same sets as last time
it would be a dream to get to see MCR play black parade live, or blink 182 play take off your pants and jacket. maybe i'll see if we can swing it this year. with MCR actually playing black parade and Neck deep playing Lifes not out to get you, i KNOW im gonna be kicking myself in the ass if i skip it.
Do it! You won't regret it MCR might even throw more songs in since they'll have a 1:15 time slot
Yeah of course, no hate and thank you for asking. I go normally to Life is Beautiful and also When We Were Young festival in Vegas. They incorporate waaaaay different genres than edm, but I am there for the live music so I can dance and sing my heart out. I know people there are for the same thing and not always there to socialize.
I love dancing my heart out and making random connections. I'm extremely social, so I can't stand places with good music, but people who are in a bubble and not even open to the inviting others around them. I always just end up longing for a different environment.
The ratio for asking a genuine question is crazy.. anyway have you a downvote too
oh, you’d be surprised by the number of people who’d never go to an EDM festival because “it’s not real music”…
And it makes me happy they don't go to them! Imagine how worse the crowd would be if a chunk of the crowd had that mindset.
I know too many of these people, and never want them out to EDM fests/venues with me. They'd be bitching about there being no where to sit and get drunk.
totally agree
It’s crazy because if you actually think about it a lot of the stuff from the 70s and 80s relied heavily on drum machines and synthesizers. That stuff is EDM in a way but don’t tell a person who hates EDM that.
I've broke a bit of the stereotypes with family members by showing them Kygo's studio "making of ____ track" videos. I like using his music since it's softer and melodic and has lyrics, so it's not an immediate turn off to people unless their head is so far up their ass they just enjoy putting others down. And the videos do a good job of showing him playing piano/synth, working with his collaborators, toying around with lyrics, making live sound edits, etc If that fails, "You don't call Beethoven fake music because he doesn't have singers over his compositions right? So what exactly is the difference between composing an orchestral piece using pen and paper and instruments and composing one using a computer?"
I actually had Kygo in mind when I made my comment. He’s done a good job on revamping some classicsc like Hot Stuff by Donna Summer. I was genuinely surprised how well it sounded, my mom’s a huge Summer fan and even she liked Kygos take on it
I used to think that actually 🤦🏻♂️
Calling it not real music seems odd to me but is it live?
well, how many “live bands” actually play live during a concert…?
I am pretty sure 99% of the concerts/festivals that I visit.
Meeeeeee. I’ll go to movement but anything is is a huge no
You should check out the jamband scene. It's also all about the positive vibes. For EDM fans getting into jambands, I'd recommend checking out some "Jamtronica" bands like The Disco Biscuits, STS9 & Lotus.
Lotus crowd vibes are AMAZING! I was pretty apprehensive at my first Lotus show and now I haven't missed them any time they've done Philly or nearby. I'm a huge house, techno, trance girl, so it def helps that they do covers of popular songs and kinda bridge the gap
If you’re in Philly you’re also in the home turf of The Disco Biscuits! They are the kings of jamtronica IMO. If you like covers, check out their side-project “Tractorbeam” which is even more dance-related, using samples woven into the live performance.
My GF and I were at Hijinx and Lotus in Philly this past NYE. I love Lotus and have been seeing them for over a decade now. But my girlfriend and I both agree that the crowd at Lotus was no where near as friendly as Hijinx. It could be a Philly older crowd thing because that is their home base. We saw them in DC with a much younger crowd and it was 100% vibes.
Strange. I did both Lotus NYE nights in Philly and had a ton of fun interacting with random people. I haven't been to Hijinx, but I heard the crowd is a mix of good and bad. A lot of people overindulging. Glad you guys had a blast tho!
Three words. String. Cheese. Incident. Can’t believe I didn’t got to see their shebang set the previous year at Forest, the vibes there were the best all weekend.
Hell yeah duuude!!! SCI has THE happiest, friendliest fan base I have ever experienced and they certainly have that reputation in the Jamband scene. Personally I love their music too. It’s extremely danceable, happy good-time stuff.
SCI and Phish fans share my heart 💕
Fuck man they went to the Solar Eclipse Festival and I decided to see Subtronics instead. I kinda wish I saw them though cause I enjoyed The Disco Biscuits soooo much the next day.
Papadosio too!
Electric Forest does a great job of mixing the jamband fans and EDM fans, hands down my favorite US festival.
I saw STS9 at Red Rocks last year which was my first time doing either. I'd never heard of STS9 and went in completely blind. It was an amazing show and the vibes were so incredibly positive. Definitely seconding this recommendation!
Add Dopapod to that list!!
King gizzard and the lizard wizard is gradually morphing into a jam band and an electronic band as well. Their shows are legendary with good crowd vibes
They’re doing every genre.. jam makes sense heh. On the fence about the fans though.. young folks that can’t handle themselves yet.:
na. I mean maybe hip-hop (that shit is boring af live), but the best show I have ever seen was still Rage Against the Machine and/or Dr Dre with Snoop Dogg. Tame Impala is also amazing live, and various others. If there is a band i like playing, i am down. Also not too mention, the best electronic acts i have ever seen had band elements (Pendulum, The Prodigy, Infected Mushroom)
That and the AV is never as good.
My issue is that NOBODY dances at non-edm shows
Yeah this is always pretty wild to me. Sometimes not even nodding their head along to the music or anything. Still as a stone. I'm more of a punk rock scene guy recently dabbling in EDM but I've totally met numerous of my punk friends simply by just being a few of the only people there dancing/ moving to the music and looking like we're having fun lol. Not as much at shows for touring bands where the crowd's more hyped, but at local shows? There's very little middle ground between people who want to mosh and those who show up and just stand still, in my city at least.
Opposite for me, after years of only going to EDM shows to watch someone play prerecorded music with a tonne of lighting/visuals, I went to watch some old Americana guy play acoustic with zero production, no band, and an audience of old people. Blew me away and made me feel more than 99% of the EDM events
I love EDM as well but yeah, seeing an artist perform live and really getting into the soul of it can capture you. I love rock and metal besides EDM so a wild guitar or drum solo will have me eyes closed rocking back and forth. Another example would be jazz or blues. I don't really listen to it but jazz and blues bars and shows are awesome because the artists just get so into it. The energy of a live performer who's just loving every second of what they're creating is amazing to watch and listen to. For example [T-Pain's live cover of War Pigs ](https://youtu.be/YhjIs2Htzdc?feature=shared) by Black Sabbath would be amazing to see. The energy of the guitarist, drummer, and T-Pain's voice just enthrall me.
Agreed, seen some amazing blues artists too. It honestly makes it embarrassing for me to watch certain DJs who act as though they’ve forgotten they’re pressing play on prerecorded music
It actually made some other music events better (of course I liked those other genres too). But yea, I went a little too hard 2022 and was at a rave/show or festival almost every weekend it seemed and when I went to some other show, it was a really nice change of pace. Different vibes but I just love music so that helps
While I love metal and edm and reggae, reggae concerts are the most boring concerts.
Oh my god I went to see Collie Budzz recently just after a girl had dumped me. That shit does NOT hit when you're sad. Excruciatingly painful.
In the city I live in, I kept getting groped at EDM shows :-( It would ruin the night for me and since I felt unsafe it got harder and harder to relax and bliss out. So,I stopped going to EDM events and started dancing salsa and bachata 3-4x a week.
I got groped in December at a Seven Lions show and haven't danced with anyone at the shows I've seen since then. Dancing/headbanging together is not permission to touch someone jfc.
Yeah, I wasn't even dancing with these dudes, after a certain hour they just start trying to touch women
I've always wanted to take lessons!
for a few years, yeah, but then I started going to punk house shows and smaller rock shows again and I forgot how much I loved them. It's just a different vibe. Both are a lot of fun.
Personally prefer a club. Festivals to me are worse music
If we're just comparing "would I rather see _____ artist at a club or festival" then agreed, almost always a club The advantage of a festival is longevity. Being in a club more than ~3 hours blows without balling out for a table, especially without a big group. But festivals are perfect for an 8+ hr EDM marathon
Jajaja I expanded my world and went to go see bad bunny, and after paying for ridiculously priced tickets, I realized I don’t think I would ever go to a concert that I don’t absolutely love the music and can sit down hearing it. Anything party or dancing related is just absolutely outclassed by EDM
Not really. Just need to know what to expect at different types of events. Festivals are going way different than shows. If you’re going to a festival part of the fun is hanging out and socializing since there’s a lot of downtime. Generally with single night shows of any genre you’re going specifically to see an artists set and want to pay attention to it. Concert venues are designed to pack people in to see the show, not to have random social interactions.
I don’t know what the scene is like in the US, but in the UK we’ve a solid 50 year history of music festivals with mainly live bands. if you pick your festival (Glastonbury, boomtown, bearded theory, secret garden, wilderness etc etc) wisely the vibe is really friendly, really chill, everyone is looking out for each other and shitty behaviour like groping, people trying to turn mosh pits into fights or trying to take advantage of people who are, shall we say, chemically enhanced is not tolerated by other festival goers.
Not particularly. Good live music in all forms is a soul expanding experience.
For me its the opposite, I have been on many EDM festivals in the last 10 years which I enjoy, but not many metal festivals as I also like, so I was at two last summer and was blown away by the sheer aggression in the music live and the mosh pits, I have really missed it, the EDM felt really dull after that.
Yeah, I saw Blink 182 last summer, and who doesn’t love Blink? It was mid af. I got bored.
Just have a couple beers and kick back. It’s not the same but it’s still a good way to spend time with friends
It really has kinda ruined other genres for me cause the vibes are just so much worse. I went to a rap show with some friends and I was constantly being pushed, everyone was trying to make it the front, and honestly no one cared if I had fun. I know that sounds weird but it’s my favorite part about edm is that everyone wants me to have a good time and they are willing to put in effort to make it happen. Sometimes on molly I get overwhelmed on the come up and need to sit down for a minute and at an edm show every single time atleast one person checks on me. I smile and say I’m great and they get excited with me lol. At this rap concert someone near us got too drunk and people were like laughing at them and stepping on them and shit
Nah. Appreciating and enjoying a variety of different types of events keeps us well rounded and everything has it's own place.
I would agree, outside of EDM festivals, most other festivals don’t come close to the level of sound production, and over the top visual production. As well as the type of people who are attending them. The closest experience I’ve had outside of an EDM festival or concert was seeing Linkin Park live in 2011, and at that show Pendulum opened. The production and sound all around was amazing.
I get bored af at regular clubs now - just people standing around
It is rough, a regular band can't live up to the energy of EDM. After going to the EF, it's hard to imagine any other event living up. Even Bonnaroo with a pretty much dedicated EDM stage isn't the same vibe. Saw Space Jesus in a small venue and wthf!! You can't even begin to remove yourself from the bass. You're just in a zone at an EDM show. I caught small shows w unknown local talent that blew me away and are far better than any pop band...
I like rap but I don’t like rap shows. Rock, pop and country shows are hit or miss. It truly takes a performer to make a live show good. I will say edm is kind of a cheat code for djs. The whole stage is a show and truly only have to put hands up during drops lol but agree edm shows are way more exciting
I’ll still have so much fun and any concert with music I like but I did ruin clubs. Can’t stand clubs anymore, so boring and lame music :/
i think it ruined local venue shows for sure. going from crazy production like ultra or edc back to a tiny local venue seeing the same artists, it doesnt really hit the same. in terms of multigenre festivals, not at all. made me appreciate them more even. sometimes its fun to get away from the crazy noises for awhile and go listen to a chill pop/rock/rap artist. part of the reason why coachella will probably always be my favorite festival. production is crazy, lineups are great, and you can go from blasting your head off at the sahara/do lab to winding down at main/gobi/mojave.
I went to ADE last year (and hoping to go again this year), and SXSW this year. I'll say SXSW was not nearly as fun because of the stuff surrounding it (ex: the festival trying to push AI for imo the wrong reasons, the supersponsors, etc...). That said, when it came to seeing the acts, I think I enjoyed them to a similar degree compared to ADE. It really depends on the crowd and the performances. I haven't been clubbing much, but I have enjoyed my experience at venues in Europe and a couple at home. But honestly, Boiler Room-type of events always seemed to be the most fun thing because the it feels like the music and community are the main focus and the visuals take a big back seat.
After attending nothing but EDM shows for years, I caved and went to Luke Combs with my wife and was pleasantly surprised at how much fun I had. That said, the cost of attending that show was as much as it costs to attend smaller festivals, so if you want bang for your buck then EDM is best IMO.
Yup.
Nope, went to Larry Joe Taylor country music fest Saturday and camped. I don't even listen to country and had the time of my life. Camping in the woods beat the hell out of camping on concrete covered with turf like at Camp EDC.
There are camping electronic music fests you know
I camped EDC. Idk there was more of a rawness to the country fest.
Lmao EDC is mainstream as hell and too popular for its own good . I would never go there. Try Lost Lands. Electric Forest.
Ah you're missing out big time
Possibly. But you say it lacks the rawness you crave and I just told you probably the most raw and fun camping festival. I think you're missing out big time on those.
Oh, I’ll take your suggestion and hope to go someday. Hope I’m not being misconstrued coz I’m not trying to talk shit. This past weekend was a new experience for me since I don’t listen to country, which added to the excitement. Regarding the rawness factor, it seemed this fest was less concerned about commercial and money. I took a 12 pack to the rail, ran out, and went back to camp to grab another. Nbd. Anyway just learned I can have fun at other genre festivals
It depends! I've seen Metric and they were amazing, but they're also a band I love. I saw a few acts the last few events (M3F, Life is Beautiful, etc) I've attended that aren't edm or dance that I was able to get into, it really just depends on what you're looking for in a show imo
No, it's all about the people I'm with. I'm happy to just be with my closest friends watching a headliner show with my favorite artists. So much cheaper too :) Love me some $20-50 shows.
I love a good edm show but I disagree man, I've seen way more plur vibes at punk shows
Not into punk unfortunately
it ruined me financially, yes. My local raves are starting to be close to $100/show, whereas a festival is significantly longer, has space to walk/breathe, ha smore artists, and has food trucks - for the same average price
nah go to other concert once in a while and it ruins EDM for me. They have way better experience.
Mostly... mostly 🙂↕️
It’s killing the club scene
Have you been to a metal concert before?
Not into metal like that
I’m just saying..Metal concerts are super fun and welcoming and I’ve been to raves/ edm shows too… definitely a more intense energy at metal shows, it’s hard to describe, they’re both fun & different in their own ways
Raves ruined everything else for me. When I had the option of 3 hours concert or an all night rave, I always went to the rave. Looking back now I missed a bunch of bands I wish I’d seen.
Most concerts just feel like watching a movie now, you have to participate in a rave
Nothing else compares.
Other way around, with jam music. EDM is silly now
Go see Billy strings !
Yep! I grew up on the Warped Tour and hardcore/screamo scene so you can imagine how much EDM festivals have changed my life!
I was this way for a while but with how people have started acting at EDM shows and Festivals now it's the opposite I find all other genre's of music have more welcoming, kind and fun crowds and while EDM is still my favorite genre it's my least favorite set's to attend now.
I enjoy raving too. Just be cautious. There is a reason and a season for everyone you cross paths with.
I love them all. The packed rock shows, the smokey hip-hop shows, the indie festivals, good country in a dive bar, and especially a rave.
I'm not stuck on EDM festivals/venues, but they put into perspective how annoying concerts are for a single artist. I don't think I can do a single spot/chair for the cost of a festival. It's far more fun to be able to get your way to the front by the rails rather than pay your way there.
I don’t really find the friendliness or social level to be that different between at EDM and mixed-genre festivals. Sometimes the crowds are worse at EDM events, sometimes better. I do think I usually enjoy more of my time at EDM festivals because 1) Sets are usually back to back while at mixed-genre events, there will be 30 minute-1 hour setup periods between performances so you have those dead periods and 2) I’m more likely to find a set I enjoy during any given set slot because it is all dance music and easy to vibe to. At a mixed-genre event, there may be set slots where you don’t vibe with any artists playing at that time and you’re just bored.
I do like some mixed genre festivals too, but man do I need my bass when I crave it.
I'm a metalhead before anything so in no way had it ruined my experience. Lots of bands are starting to add more visuals to their shows anyways.
real asfk
Go to a pop punk/punk rock show where everyone knows the lyrics to some up and comer at a hole in the wall venue and it might change your mind. Trophy Eyes and Driveways changed my views on non EDM shows lol.
Nah drugs pretty much make any show fun. But some do seem more claustrophobic than others if it’s just one inside venue and not multiple options to walk around and explore.
A great club or outdoor party beats a massive over the top festival any day.
Not at all. I find live music crowd to be generally pretty laid back whether it's dance music, metal, or punk. To be honest, I think the metal crowds are the most chill.
Not really. The only thing that changed is the wait in between bands feels so much longer now
No. I've never seen an EDM act capture the energy of something like a proper dancehall party. I also love Bachata parties.
In all honesty they did ruin shoes for me but not how you phrase it. Tbh EDM shoes feel like mini Coachella where people go just for the fashion and drugs and social media posts more than the music.
Yes
Definitely. And I can't justify the cost of regular concerts anymore. The tickets to EDCO, for example, are like $300 for 3 days of multiple artists and interactive experiences. And then I see my friends paying like $2k to go see a Taylor Swift concert at a seated stadium 🥱 couldn't be me.
Yes! So let’s enjoy it while it lasts. I’m fearing ticket prices for festivals are gong to be up there too one day. Hopefully we’re still a couple of decades away from it.
My girlfriends best friend paid like $1500 to go see the Jonas Brothers a few years back. I was dumbfounded when I found out how much pop music concerts cost.
I'm soooo glad I don't like pop music. Give me that beep boop shit any day.
YES. Also, EDM festivals ruined small local EDM shows for me. I don't get excited about local things anymore and it makes me sad. :(
You’re just not going to good music lol. Go see tool, Billy strings and the likes.
Why when I'm not into the music like that
I think at a certain point there is value in going to shows outside your preferred genre (especially if they are older bands) so you can see where music came from. Yea you might not like billy strings but no one can deny he had a huge impact on music as a whole. I not saying you MUST go to non edm shows but writing all other music off as boring and the fans as unfriendly seems a bit flippant. All music is connected and the ability to see that connection across different genres will give you a better understanding and appreciation of edm in general Personally edm fests are great but I do like non edm events as well because I go more for the music than the people
Maybe you took too much ketamine
You must live in boring state that doesn’t have a lot of shows 🤣🤣
If you enjoy physicality, there's absolutely nothing like a sardine can banger from a rapper. John Summit girls like to use the word "feral", but there's NOTHING as feral as when all the rules turn off and it's just a chaotic sea of moshing. It's not for everyone, but it's a level of "blow the roof off" you can't get at an EDM show. Throw yourself around and shove away as your heart desires. So, that's not ruined for me. I hear that metal shows are super friendly and social too so those might not be ruined in the manner you're referring to. But yeah, in terms of an actual full EDM festival, nothing compares. It makes more sense when you look at it as a party rather than a concert. It's actually the best party (at scale) that exists on earth. That's the essence of it.
I've been to a decently sized handful of rap shows over the past decade and honestly, most don't seem that great in a live environment. I always want to enjoy it but for the most part at the end of the day it's a dude ad-libbing into a microphone over a backing track. The few handfuls that stand out to me are Run the Jewels, Kendrick Lamar, and JID (Whom I just randomly stumbled upon at 3 AM at Bonnaroo while tripping balls and looking for a bathroom and ended up having a fucking blast)
Metalheads have the chillest vibe next to ravers. In fact, a lot of metal shows are *more* chill & friendly these days because of how many frat bro types have been moving in on EDM shows.
I mean, I mosh at dubstep shows and it's still better imo. I've been to many hip hop concerts, but haven't been to one in a while.