"EDM sucks. It's just a bunch of random beeps and noises. Why does anyone listen to it?" "Oh yeah, I know so much about EDM! Aren't Zeds Dead and Zedd the same?" "Why would you even go to raves? I'd rather go to Coachella." "Aren't raves just about drugs and random DJs I've never heard of?"

Nobody will ever fully understand rave culture or why rave goers are so drawn to going to each event every single time unless one fully emerges themselves into the lifestyle. As an avid Electric Dance Music (EDM) enthusiast and rave goer, here is the honest, full truth about raves.

Raves are so much more than just events and the music is so much more than just beeps and noises played by DJs. Contrary to popular opinion, like other genres of music, EDM has a deeper meaning. The vast amount of subgenres that all fall under EDM can speak to you in different moods. There are songs and DJs who make you just want to head bang when you’re feeling aggressive, sets that have slower songs that put you in a trance and get you into simp mode, and even some DJs incorporate popular hip hop and rap songs that make you want to twerk a little.

When I went to my very first rave in September 2016, I went with a group of friends but left with a family. You spend a whole weekend with the same people, listening to great music. There is a certain bond that is created at raves; a bond of love, affection, and fun. At raves, you look out for each other and make sure each other is enjoying the music and the atmosphere. When you go to a rave, you find your rave family. You are surrounded by people who are down to just vibe to the music and enjoy each other’s company.

The biggest and most important belief of rave/EDM culture is “PLUR.” PLUR is an acronym that stands for peace, love, unity, and respect. At raves, people have beaded bracelets that they make (called Kandi) and it’s incredibly popular to trade bracelets with friends and fellow raver goers while performing certain hand motions that represent each factor of PLUR with the other person.

This acronym is, what I like to believe, the basis of all raves and attendees. We promise to maintain and create peace with people of all backgrounds. We spread love to everyone because everyone is deserving of love. We are unified under the beautiful art of EDM. Lastly, we respect the culture, the music, and everyone around us.

I think what I enjoy most about raves is that this culture of family and PLUR continues on into my every day life. My rave family has created a safe and loving support system for me. I’ve created so many wonderful and fun memories with the some of the best people in the world. The lifestyle of peace, love, unity, and respect is something that I carry today in my daily life.

I try to spread all four characteristics to everyone I come across because raves have opened my eyes to the beauty of humanity. There will always be someone who cares about you. There will always be someone who wishes the best for you. In a world full of hate and violence, there is still love.

Raves and EDM are constantly misconceived. It’s not just about the outfits or the DJs, but it’s about the beautiful art of music and the beautiful people who go to these events. It’s about spreading love and kindness to everyone. It’s about connecting with others through art and respect. That is the truth about raves.