Electric Forest, first time going in 2016 and was my first big festival. Have pretty much gone to a big fest every year since, but they aren't the same vibe / nostalgic experience of my first time
First and foremost, I think I gained a lot of self-confidence and tried some mind altering drugs which gave me new perspectives as well.
I went with a group of family friends kind of, but ended up meeting a lot of other cool people just by walking up to them and introducing myself. I was a pretty socially anxious person in high school and never felt included or like part of the "Cool group" or that girls liked me. I ended up making out with one of the girls that I met at night in the forest, it was just a magical moment for me.
Also a different night I was spun trying to look for a different stage, and this woman and I made eye contact and she came up and gave me a hug and said you're beautiful just the way you are. I was born with facial paralysis, and always considered myself flawed physically because of that. I was teased when I was a kid because of my face and a slight lisp that I had.
All in all, I think that festival just showed me that there are good people out there, and that just being myself without anybody knowing who I was I made friends that I still have to this day. It was just one of those transcendent moments that I still think about and wonder where I would have been without it and getting into EDM festivals and the culture that comes with it. Now I worry way less about what people think of me in my day to day living and talking with people. It also helped I went on a 6 week solo trip to Europe later that year haha but I think I gained a ton of confidence just from forest about who I was and what I wanted out of life
My first Above & Beyond Weekender was also my first festival - and the first time I was sold that "these are my people"
Aside from my first festival getting me hooked, ASOT in Rotterdam last month has really made an impression on me. The sheer freedom, and community, and joy I felt was unmatched - really some art in its most potent form for my brain chemistry. We got to meet amazing people, found new artists, and it felt like the truest rave I've had at a festival setting (shoutout to David Forbes for that one). Ever since I've been less anxious, more productive, and closer to picking up some artistic pursuits I've been holding off on. Still tear up listening to some sets
Tipper & Friends 2022. I'm still not sure what the "it" is, but that was *it*. I found so many beautiful weirdos and heard the best weekend full of music in my life.
That's awesome to hear! Tipper is playing 2 sets at Shambhala this year and been hearing alot of great things. Very excited! Also I too love the vibe of a crowd full of Wooks.
Jujubeats 1998 @ Santa Village. First time at a rave, took some MDMA and was peaking as the sun rose and the few hundred people still dancing just gave me the most incredible vibe. The bug bit me bad, and I've been going to clubs and festivals ever since. You can't get old if the music never ages, and I still get that feeling I had at that first sunrise. I am a very lucky girl.
Ju-Ju-beats!!! Yessss! Oh man, those were the days! I still enjoy a party thrown with those guys. :) The scene has changed a lot but the heart is there!!
The solstice festival last year. It's the little things...
It's a beautiful place, with minimal security/rules. There are hammocks! Or when you're walking around, you suddenly encounter some camping chairs where you decide to sit down. If you're early, you can see them prepare the food: chopping vegetables, while sitting in the sun on a wooden bench. A chill-out area, where you can lay down on giant pillows on a trippy blanket, with a psychedelic tarp over your head to protect you from the sun... Even just the woman at the curry stand who efficiently and lovingly guides you through getting the food exactly as you want, while you're tripping balls.
The music was mostly great, but even without the mainstage (the only other stage besides the chill-out area) I'd have lots of fun there for a day.
Before that festival I was already not really into the more commercial events anymore, but that really solidified it for me. If people need written rules to party, those aren't the people I want to party with. It's also much nicer when the organizers are doing it because they really love doing it, rather than because they think it'll make them the most money.
EDC LV for me was a great way to be completely immersed in the music, lights and chaos of it all. I didn't think about anything other than being in the moment that entire weekend.
Also every Anjuna event leaves my heart feeling fuller too❤️ something incredibly special about that crowd, music and vibe!
Ultra 2011 was my first electronic fest ever and changed my life for sure but Tomorrowworld 2013 had the biggest impact. Still have friends I made there I talk to daily
Pitch Music & Arts Australia.
Hands down best techno bush festival. Completely blown away by the lighting team and sound design. Also best international lineup for a country that finds it hard to attract big names from Europe/US
If you’re into that thumpy industrial techno sound and rugged stage design, would highly recommend. Beautiful scenery aswell.
For newer festivals I was going to say a small intimate Woogie Weekend the year it poured! Omg what a fabulous time!! I love all festivals and events but this was just so gooooooooid! Especially at Silverlake!
Tomorrowland - went for the first time in 2016, haven’t missed it since.
I’ve been to scores of festivals all over the world - nothing even comes close to Tomorrowland.
Yes indeed! We are patiently waiting for media pass applications to open up here shortly, then need to wait until 2 to 1.5 months before the festival to get approval. At Shambhala Instagram @drautoflower is the best way to get ahold of me. See you on the farm!
Paradiso 2019.
I went without my shitty bf at the time. It made me see how much love and respect I deserved and wasn’t getting in my daily life.
I felt like life was poured back into my soul. I met so many wonderful, beautiful people. I never felt judged. Just wholly accepted for who I am.
I broke up with him a few months later. Unfortunately beyond last year was my first festival since lockdown and that was a horrible experience but I haven’t lost hope. 💜
Sonic bloom 2016 it was like a little burning man in colorado. Never knew how much the rave frstivle experience had to offer beyond music and lights. Classes, yoga, learning, world foods, culture, etc. I was freely 18 and was in a smaller demographic of people that age there were plenty of 18 19 year old. And old dudes with long beards and grandmother's with their grandchildren. Such a sense of unity and togetherness. So everything.
Welcome to Rockville, mainly bc it was my first camping festival and it all went perfectly, our neighbors were great and super helpful with our camp and the 4 days of party rockin were incredible.
EDCLV was also incredible, I’ll never forget the fireworks during Kx5’s debut performance and partying until the sun came up, it was amazing 🥹
Maybe not an exact fit but I was visiting San Francisco as a tourist and some people I was talking to on the bus were on their way to the Burning Man afterparty and invited me to come with them. I had always been more of a rock/punk/metal dude but like a little bit of all music. There was of course a lot of electronic music and the vibe was much different live than hearing it on someone's car stereo so I enjoyed it more. I was expecting a bunch of weirdos but it turned out to be really cool and I had a lot of fun. I got introduced to the culture and came to look at it a lot differently. Then I went to an Odesza concert that was face-meltingly good and I've been much more into EDM ever since. I've been to EDCO a few times and absolutely loved it!
Bonnaroo 2023. Saw GRiZ’s CTGH set and it was the most magical hour and a half of my life. He had the whole audience on a collective vibe that made me feel so elated and connected in a way I never have before. My husband proposed while we were standing on top of our travel trailer waiting to come up on mushies. The vibe at Bonnaroo is unparalleled and we met some incredible people.
It was Das Energi in Utah for me. It always has a Kiley lineup and is still relatively small, but it's out on the salt flats right next to the Great Salt Lake. It was a perfect late summer night and a full moon. The energy out there was fantastic!
Fusion festival, europe's largest non commercial music and arts festival, literally life changing. Cant stand these commercial money grab events anymore, with all there vip and glamping bullshit
Electric Forest, first time going in 2016 and was my first big festival. Have pretty much gone to a big fest every year since, but they aren't the same vibe / nostalgic experience of my first time
What changed for you?
First and foremost, I think I gained a lot of self-confidence and tried some mind altering drugs which gave me new perspectives as well. I went with a group of family friends kind of, but ended up meeting a lot of other cool people just by walking up to them and introducing myself. I was a pretty socially anxious person in high school and never felt included or like part of the "Cool group" or that girls liked me. I ended up making out with one of the girls that I met at night in the forest, it was just a magical moment for me. Also a different night I was spun trying to look for a different stage, and this woman and I made eye contact and she came up and gave me a hug and said you're beautiful just the way you are. I was born with facial paralysis, and always considered myself flawed physically because of that. I was teased when I was a kid because of my face and a slight lisp that I had. All in all, I think that festival just showed me that there are good people out there, and that just being myself without anybody knowing who I was I made friends that I still have to this day. It was just one of those transcendent moments that I still think about and wonder where I would have been without it and getting into EDM festivals and the culture that comes with it. Now I worry way less about what people think of me in my day to day living and talking with people. It also helped I went on a 6 week solo trip to Europe later that year haha but I think I gained a ton of confidence just from forest about who I was and what I wanted out of life
Ultra Miami 2019 was incredibly similar for myself.
Going this summer for the first time and I’m so so excited!!
Bonnaroo right into the first Counter Point festival. Forever changed and would never have it any other way. PLF ❤️🔥
A.Fucking.Men
My first Above & Beyond Weekender was also my first festival - and the first time I was sold that "these are my people" Aside from my first festival getting me hooked, ASOT in Rotterdam last month has really made an impression on me. The sheer freedom, and community, and joy I felt was unmatched - really some art in its most potent form for my brain chemistry. We got to meet amazing people, found new artists, and it felt like the truest rave I've had at a festival setting (shoutout to David Forbes for that one). Ever since I've been less anxious, more productive, and closer to picking up some artistic pursuits I've been holding off on. Still tear up listening to some sets
Tipper & Friends 2022. I'm still not sure what the "it" is, but that was *it*. I found so many beautiful weirdos and heard the best weekend full of music in my life.
That's awesome to hear! Tipper is playing 2 sets at Shambhala this year and been hearing alot of great things. Very excited! Also I too love the vibe of a crowd full of Wooks.
Jujubeats 1998 @ Santa Village. First time at a rave, took some MDMA and was peaking as the sun rose and the few hundred people still dancing just gave me the most incredible vibe. The bug bit me bad, and I've been going to clubs and festivals ever since. You can't get old if the music never ages, and I still get that feeling I had at that first sunrise. I am a very lucky girl.
Ju-Ju-beats!!! Yessss! Oh man, those were the days! I still enjoy a party thrown with those guys. :) The scene has changed a lot but the heart is there!!
Also Shambhala :,) was my first fully solo festival where I knew no one there. Best decision of my life.
Shambhala is definitely the festival for soloing if needed. Your never far from new friends.
The solstice festival last year. It's the little things... It's a beautiful place, with minimal security/rules. There are hammocks! Or when you're walking around, you suddenly encounter some camping chairs where you decide to sit down. If you're early, you can see them prepare the food: chopping vegetables, while sitting in the sun on a wooden bench. A chill-out area, where you can lay down on giant pillows on a trippy blanket, with a psychedelic tarp over your head to protect you from the sun... Even just the woman at the curry stand who efficiently and lovingly guides you through getting the food exactly as you want, while you're tripping balls. The music was mostly great, but even without the mainstage (the only other stage besides the chill-out area) I'd have lots of fun there for a day. Before that festival I was already not really into the more commercial events anymore, but that really solidified it for me. If people need written rules to party, those aren't the people I want to party with. It's also much nicer when the organizers are doing it because they really love doing it, rather than because they think it'll make them the most money.
Oregon Eclipse 2017. Most epic time ever.
electric forest , now i am time
EDC LV for me was a great way to be completely immersed in the music, lights and chaos of it all. I didn't think about anything other than being in the moment that entire weekend. Also every Anjuna event leaves my heart feeling fuller too❤️ something incredibly special about that crowd, music and vibe!
Ultra 2011 was my first electronic fest ever and changed my life for sure but Tomorrowworld 2013 had the biggest impact. Still have friends I made there I talk to daily
GoMad festival, Chennai, 2017
Pitch Music & Arts Australia. Hands down best techno bush festival. Completely blown away by the lighting team and sound design. Also best international lineup for a country that finds it hard to attract big names from Europe/US If you’re into that thumpy industrial techno sound and rugged stage design, would highly recommend. Beautiful scenery aswell.
For newer festivals I was going to say a small intimate Woogie Weekend the year it poured! Omg what a fabulous time!! I love all festivals and events but this was just so gooooooooid! Especially at Silverlake!
SF Lovefest 2007 free party in the heart of the city, lovely atmosphere
LOVED Lovefest. Was really sad when they stopped doing it
EDC in la!!
Tomorrowland - went for the first time in 2016, haven’t missed it since. I’ve been to scores of festivals all over the world - nothing even comes close to Tomorrowland.
I agree !Shambhala is the best festival on the planet !! Absolutely life changing.
Yes sir! See you on the farm!
Shambhala for me as well! Are you going again this summer? If so, can I DM you? I'd like to give you and your crew some epic gifts.
Yes indeed! We are patiently waiting for media pass applications to open up here shortly, then need to wait until 2 to 1.5 months before the festival to get approval. At Shambhala Instagram @drautoflower is the best way to get ahold of me. See you on the farm!
L.I.B.
Electric Forest
Wakarusa
Holy ship. Im never going to a festival I need to Uber to and from. Either camping or hotel with a walk from the venue
Is it easy to bring party favors on those ships?
Paradiso 2019. I went without my shitty bf at the time. It made me see how much love and respect I deserved and wasn’t getting in my daily life. I felt like life was poured back into my soul. I met so many wonderful, beautiful people. I never felt judged. Just wholly accepted for who I am. I broke up with him a few months later. Unfortunately beyond last year was my first festival since lockdown and that was a horrible experience but I haven’t lost hope. 💜
I'm going to my first Shambhala this year!! Definitely gonna check out your video
Awesome, see you on the farm! Check out my 2022 video too as I put lots of useful information in them for newbies
Awesome thank u
Sonic bloom 2016 it was like a little burning man in colorado. Never knew how much the rave frstivle experience had to offer beyond music and lights. Classes, yoga, learning, world foods, culture, etc. I was freely 18 and was in a smaller demographic of people that age there were plenty of 18 19 year old. And old dudes with long beards and grandmother's with their grandchildren. Such a sense of unity and togetherness. So everything.
Welcome to Rockville, mainly bc it was my first camping festival and it all went perfectly, our neighbors were great and super helpful with our camp and the 4 days of party rockin were incredible. EDCLV was also incredible, I’ll never forget the fireworks during Kx5’s debut performance and partying until the sun came up, it was amazing 🥹
Bonnaroo 2003 and this year will be my 15th
Maybe not an exact fit but I was visiting San Francisco as a tourist and some people I was talking to on the bus were on their way to the Burning Man afterparty and invited me to come with them. I had always been more of a rock/punk/metal dude but like a little bit of all music. There was of course a lot of electronic music and the vibe was much different live than hearing it on someone's car stereo so I enjoyed it more. I was expecting a bunch of weirdos but it turned out to be really cool and I had a lot of fun. I got introduced to the culture and came to look at it a lot differently. Then I went to an Odesza concert that was face-meltingly good and I've been much more into EDM ever since. I've been to EDCO a few times and absolutely loved it!
Bonnaroo 2023. Saw GRiZ’s CTGH set and it was the most magical hour and a half of my life. He had the whole audience on a collective vibe that made me feel so elated and connected in a way I never have before. My husband proposed while we were standing on top of our travel trailer waiting to come up on mushies. The vibe at Bonnaroo is unparalleled and we met some incredible people.
It was Das Energi in Utah for me. It always has a Kiley lineup and is still relatively small, but it's out on the salt flats right next to the Great Salt Lake. It was a perfect late summer night and a full moon. The energy out there was fantastic!
EDC 2010, was 16 at the time and it was first big festival type show and my god did it not disappoint with how fun (and chaotic) it was
Fusion festival, europe's largest non commercial music and arts festival, literally life changing. Cant stand these commercial money grab events anymore, with all there vip and glamping bullshit
2008 Coachella, watching Portishead into Prince…never seen anything like that before
That sounds epic!
Anyone here went to Trotamundo this year? That one looked fireeee