Rave culture

Rave culture is a term used to describe a subculture that exists within the context of music-driven gatherings called raves. Raves are large parties or concert-like events that typically feature electronic dance music (EDM), flashing lights, dancing, and elaborate outfits. As the popularity of raving grew following the rave’s early emergence in the late 1980s, so too did the pervasiveness of rave culture.

In short, rave culture refers to the manner in which rave-goers traditionally conduct themselves while attending a rave. The parameters of rave culture are largely defined by an ideology known as Peace, Love, Unity, Respect (PLUR). In essence, PLUR exemplifies the principles ravers are expected to adhere to at all times. These principles are meant to ensure that all people who attend a rave have a fun and safe experience. While certainly not a requirement for all ravers, recreational drug use and sexual promiscuity also play a significant role in rave culture.

Background

The history of raves and rave culture dates back to the emergence of the term rave as it is known today. In relation to its modern context, the word rave was first used in England in the 1950s to describe the carefree bohemian parties that were popular among young people at the time. Likewise, those who regularly indulged in such wild revelry became known as ravers. By the mid-1960s, however, both terms fell out of common usage and remained in obscurity for more than two decades.

The eventual re-emergence of the terms rave and ravers was tied directly to the evolution of the British economy in the 1980s. The right-wing political and economic policies of then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher significantly decreased the government’s role in overseeing social services and the economic market. This led to seismic shifts in the free market that benefited some and hurt others. Many of those who found themselves economically burdened by the whims of the free market increasingly turned to partying and music as a way of coping with the difficult realities of life. One result of this trend was the rise in popularity of acid house, a specific subgenre of electronic house music defined by its distinct squelching sounds and deep basslines. In the late 1980s, fans of acid house began gathering at impromptu parties often held in out-of-the-way places like abandoned buildings or open fields. Attendees at these parties danced to music and often used drugs like MDMA. In short order, acid house parties became wildly popular and started drawing massive crowds of young people. The period eventually became known as the Second Summer of Love.

By the time the acid house movement reached America in the early 1990s, the concept of the rave was fully reborn. Along with the rave itself came the rise of rave culture. Although outsiders often perceived raves as chaotic, out-of-control parties, most raves were actually organized events that operated according to a distinct set of guidelines that all ravers were expected to follow. These guidelines eventually became the foundation of an entire subculture within the rave community.

Overview

To fully appreciate the nature of rave culture, it is first necessary to understand exactly what a rave is. At their core, raves are akin to more traditional music festivals and other similar events. People come together at raves to listen to music, dance, and generally have a good time. The loud, pulsating music played at raves is typically generated by disc jockeys (DJs) or live EDM artists. Raves usually also feature bright flashing lights or otherwise elaborate lighting setups that complement the booming EDM and encourage ravers to engage in uninhibited dancing. Most ravers wear flashing or revealing outfits that may include accessories such as colorfully dyed hair, over-the-top wigs, or fishnet stockings. Some ravers may also sport more outlandish accessories, such as pacifiers or surgical masks. Certain raves may have specific themes that dictate apparel choices as well. Finally, raves may also involve some amount of drug use or even sexual activity. Not all ravers engage in such behaviors, however.

There are also different types of raves. Mainstream raves are large-scale raves held at legitimate venues that typically feature well-known performers, professional security, and expensive vendors. Music festival raves are even larger-scale raves that are usually held outdoors and may be less carefully organized than mainstream raves. Underground raves are smaller, more low-key raves often held at illegitimate venues and usually feature lesser-known performers. Outlaw raves are small events that are often held illegally on abandoned properties and without any sort of security. Outlaw raves can be dangerous and are more likely to involve illicit drug use than other types of raves.

Beyond the dancing, attire, and partying, rave culture is defined by the PLUR ideology. Originally developed by New York DJ Frankie Bones, PLUR represents the core principles upon which all of rave culture is built, including peace, love, unity, and respect. Moreover, adherence to PLUR helps ensure that raves are safe environments where people can feel comfortable expressing themselves and enjoying one another’s company.

Another important aspect of rave culture is kandi. Kandi are brightly colored beaded bracelets that ravers exchange with one another as part of the rave experience. Many ravers make their own kandi to share with others. The exchange of kandi is tied closely to PLUR, mainly in that sharing the bracelets is seen as a gesture of friendship and PLUR ideals. In many cases, ravers even clasp hands and repeat the PLUR mantra of “peace, love, unity, respect” during the act of exchanging kandi.

Rave culture also frequently involves drug use and other adult activities. The most commonly used drugs at raves, sometimes called “club drugs,” include Ecstasy or Molly (MDMA), Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), ketamine, cocaine, and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (Xyrem). These and similar drugs produce a psychedelic and stimulating effect that increases energy, sexual arousal, and endurance while decreasing social inhibitions and insecurities. It is important to note, however, that not all ravers use drugs and that drug use is by no means required or necessarily even expected when attending a rave.

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