In the 60s, young people flocked toWoodstock. In the 70s, it was all about the disco. In the late 80s and early 90s, the rave emerged. Now, in 2011, the rave is back.
Preparation begins in advance, planning neon outfits and arranging playlists. The night begins, and the beat of techno music pulsates down the stairs and draws teens up to the party. Inside, there is a strobe light pulsating along with the techno beats. Teens flit about the room in their fluorescently clad outfits. Such rave-themed house parties and techno concerts with a rave-like atmosphere have continued to gain popularity among Staples students.
“What a lot of people like most is the adrenaline rush of a rave,” Alex Tonsberg ’12 said.
Tonsberg attributes the rising popularity of raves to the influence of European rave culture. “A lot of people look at European raves on YouTube videos,” he said. “Raves here just don’t compare to European raves, which are a lot crazier.”
Consequently, concerts where students can experience this type of atmosphere are popular among Staples students. Dayglow, Electric Zoo, and Deadmau5 are examples of techno rave concerts that have been widely attended by Staples students.
“It’s just a really great time to see artists you love, and the tickets weren’t too expensive, so it was really worth it,” said Joojse Grevers ’12 who attended Electric Zoo in September of 2010. “Concerts like that are popular because it’s a fun and exciting atmosphere.”
For some students, the drug scene is a substantial part of the rave atmosphere. In the rave culture of the 80s and 90s, drugs like ecstasy and cocaine were typical at such concerts and continue to have a presence at raves today, said a student who wished to remain anonymous.
“You really can’t go to a drugless rave; they’re very prominent in rave culture,” the student said. “Ecstasy and coke are drugs of choice usually, and people use them to stay up all night and make them feel amazing.”
However, not all students find drugs to be an essential part of their rave experience.
“I’ll drink at these kinds of concerts but I never do other drugs,” said a girl who was also granted anonymity. “I would never want to act like some kids do when they’re on drugs like ecstasy.”
An alternative to concert raves are parties where students emulate the rave atmosphere at home by hosting neon-themed parties.
“It’s really cool because you walk in and everyone is lit up,” Jake Melnick ’15 said. “It’s definitely more fun than a regular party.”
Melnick described the typical “house rave” as a dance party with a lot of techno music, and neon clothing as an important part of the equation. American Apparel is a popular destination to buy outfits for such events.
“This summer neon items were our most popular selling items, especially with high school-aged kids,” American Apparel employee Alyssa Maroney said. “A lot of our clients said they were buying outfits for concerts like Dayglow or Electric Zoo. I think a lot of our clientele is into that kind of atmosphere.”
While some students like Melnick emphasize the importance of this attire, some ravegoers see past the appearance.
“Raves are really just an opportunity to dress up in really ridiculous outfits for no reason,” said Ryan Lach ’12.
However, the outfit can make the party, and Nick Burchill ’15 enjoys watching his friends dress up for the occasion.
“I like raves because girls wear short, colorful spandex,” he said.
As students continue to purchase concert tickets and neon clothing, it seems like raves are back, and for now at least, here to stay.
