Certain genres of music define generations. Rock and roll reinvented the 50s, disco defined the 80s, and boy bands ruled the 90s (RIP ’N Sync). Due to its immense popularity and remixes that encompass a wide range of genres, Electronic Dance Music (EDM) is becoming a cultural phenomenon for Millennials.
Over the past few weekends I’ve attended EDM concerts where artists like Moksi, Yellowclaw, and Carnage have performed in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. After coming back from these concerts I started to notice recurring themes among the audiences – certain types of people who were present at both concerts. Here are some of the most common types of people you’ll find at EDM concerts.
1. Snapchat Royalty
This person watches the concert through a phone screen – they probably came to the concert with a portable charger because their phone is recording all night. They backed up their phone data onto a hard drive or iCloud before coming so there would be enough storage space to record four + hours of footage. When the DJ asks the audience to put their lights up, they don’t have to reach into their pocket to get their phone because it’s already out. You already know they’re going to leave the concert with a few less Snapchat friends because it takes a truly dedicated person to watch a 300 second story. But hey, the upside is the next day they have tons of videos to look at from a really fun night.
2. Intense
This person has memorized every word to every song and knows exactly when the beat drops. They’re very dedicated fans who most likely have a Spotify playlist of songs from the artist to jam out to in the car. In addition to aggressively head banging their way through most of the concert, they are VIP ticket holders to the mosh pit and the first ones to throw themselves into it.
3. Social Climbers aka Elbowers
These people travel in squads and may or may not wear coordinating outfits. If elbow sharpeners were a thing, they would definitely buy them in bulk in order to be prepared for concerts. They usually arrive to the venue a few minutes before the opening act is going to begin and proceed to elbow their way to the front rows. While their determination and dedication must be admired, the physical pain they inflict is definitely a downside.
4. The Boundary Pushers
This type of concert-goer is unique because there are many different types. Regardless of what they do to keep security on their toes, they push boundaries just enough to warrant a careful eye. Some arrive at the concert intoxicated with alcohol, a substance or some combination of the two. Others dip their toes into the waters of nudity and test social limits of how little clothing you can get away with wearing to a public venue. Some climb on each other’s shoulders, three people high, and pray they’re able to safely get down after security flashes light in their eyes.
While these types of people are definitely in attendance at most EDM concerts, the vast majority of concertgoers are just people who are very excited to see their favorite artists perform. The people listed above are among the minority and make people watching between acts more fun for the rest of us. On that note, Hardwell is coming to Pittsburgh this weekend – remember to bring your portable charger and elbow sharpeners!
