#ezoo2013

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September 1st 2013 marked the cancelation of this year’s final day of Electric Zoo on Randall’s Island and a realization to the electronic dance music world. Instead of waking up to tweets, Instagrams, and live Facebook posts of the excitement heading into the final day, the EDM world mourned two of its own and the cancelation of one of the biggest festival days in NYC.

This past weekend at Electric Zoo Five, a harsh recognition as to what the scene has migrated towards was scratched to the surface for the entire world to see. Through these deaths, the EDM world was torn and put on hold.

Although the final day was canceled, many of the festival-goers migrated their high energy groups to Central Park “meet ups” and of course the never ending list of after parties in Manhattan to follow.

            For some, the music comes as a release, for others, it’s a way to unite with people — whatever the matter, the music brings some sort of a special feeling to its true fans. The harsh reality is that the EDM scene has been given such a negative mojo because of those who are in it for the wrong reasons. Designer drugs such as ‘molly’ have been all the rave for ragers of all ages. The necessity and correlation to this drug and the EDM has been on a steady incline. This epidemic is not new by any means and you know what they say, history does indeed repeat itself.

            This black cloud of drugs & misconceptions lays heavily on the present and future of the EDM world. To those who aren’t around “the scene,” it appears to be something much different. To those who love the music, it’s not about the drugs by any means and these false accusations lead to the worst of judgments to some of the most genuine people to walk this earth. The EDM world breeds a fan base unlike any other. They’re typically extremely loyal, compassionate and respectful people.

The dance music community has been built upon ideas of peace, love, unity, and respect since the beginning of its roots.  The euphoria this music brings to masses of people generally creates the most ideal situations for making bonds and changing lives, for the better. The experiences that are felt through this music are ones that shouldn’t have to be enhanced by drugs or alcohol. The feelings should naturally run through your heart and soul and really touch deep.

            Although the deaths were unfortunate to say the least, they have not been uncommon in the past and did not come as a big shock to many. Maybe this is exactly what the dance music world needed in New York, a wake up call — a “so long” to those who aren’t around the music for the right reasons and a real eye opener to what the scene’s reputation is slowly sliding to be.  

            Kudos to the Electric Zoo staff, Made Events, and the city of New York who handled the situation with perfect care and did exactly what needed to be done. Some said ‘well, would you cancel driving because of a two car accident?’ — That statement was quite out of place. The scene is all about love and respect. How many times can these tragedies go without being noticed or frowned upon? Actions need to be taken to create a safer more enjoyable environment for the masses.

            The “blame” has been thrown all over with statements being expressed that the Electric Zoo staff wasn’t thorough enough in their security searches. Let’s get a grip of a reality here and take a step back to view the bigger picture. Regardless of anything else, when taking a drug of any kind, you’re putting yourself at risk knowing full well what some of the negatives effects may be. The responsibility lies on no one but yourself and to post the blame on anyone else is ignorant.

            Festivals are supposed to be safe havens and special get-aways for all who attend.  If you’re around the music for the right reasons, you’d do virtually anything for those that are in your shoes and provide you with an indescribable friendship, the rave family. That is one of the only ways that these deaths came as a shock. The ‘family’ that’s created with those around you should provide you with security and a stable mind to the point where these incidents should never occur.

            Similar to anything, time will heal all wounds. The EDM community will continue to prosper and change. It’s unpredictable to see where it will go but if the “fads” are similar to those of the late 1990’s, the scene will gain back the respect it deserves and will evolve back to the people who’s hearts are with the beats and euphoric experiences.