Just watched a movie called XOXO, which managed to encompass both my worst fears AND biggest hopes as a DJ.
The basic premise is a newer DJ, on the verge of his Big Break, trying to make it to a huge rave concert with his manager-buddy. Things go wrong of course, including the obligatory chemical trip when the manager is slipped a hallucinogen by a fellow party-goer, but you get a decent look at the dance festival scene – at least, as the director envisions them.
The first half was a largely a showcase of the ‘bad vibes’ side of EDM festivals – cranky staff, disorienting partiers, equipment and hookups that don’t work, and DJs who’ve gone mad with fame and power (sortof).
The worst for me though, was seeing the kinds of people who supposedly attended these events – namely, drunk/stoned and irresponsible teenagers. Sorry lads ‘n lasses, but you are NOT the crowd I’m interested in playing for.
But I may have to, right? That’s the problem with an industry that affords few chances for real success – you have to take the gigs you don’t like, and hope they lead to the ones that do. At least, that’s what ‘they’ say.
Happily, the movie eventually levels out and presents more of the people I (and the protagonist) actually want to play for – people coming together for the common joy of moving to uplifting sound. NOW we’re talking! (Or dancing)
But it did raise some questions for me, like, how do I know that producing EDM is the direction I want to go?
Here’s the thing: I love dance music, at least the kinds I choose to listen to (check out my ‘Inspiration’ tab on YouTube). I also love what it does – the relief I feel when I’m stressed, put on a track, and start moving.
Looks about right.
But there are two hard truths I have to accept:
One: I’m relatively new to the EDM scene. Heck, I haven’t even been to a music festival before. And that means my perception of that world is likely a ‘lil skewed.
Two: It seems like, when you find your dream job, you’re supposed to be catatonic with happiness – y’know, unlimited energy, feel good all the time, that sort of thing.
But that’s just not me. Yes, absolutely, I have moments where it’s all coming together and it’s like crack set on fire. Most of the time though, it’s more of a slow burn. And according to how it’s presented in media, that’s a bad sign.
Don’t worry, I’m not quitting on ya. I’ve always thought/felt differently from most people I know. That means fewer relatable role models, but also the chance to create something truly mine.
That said, I still have to get my butt to a music festival, at least, as soon as it’s possible to do so again. Anyone know some good ones around the Halifax area?
Credits:
‘Blonde Towel Portrait’ by Alexandr Ivanov from Pixabay
‘Purple Fireworks Effect’ by Wendy Wei from Pexels
‘Woman in Blue Shirt Wearing Silver Framed Aviator Sunglasses’ by Anderson Martins from Pexels