Controversial issues surround these overnight music festivals. Social drug and alcohol use are leading problems attributed to these events. One of the most well-known raves, EDC, has spread across the world over the past 20 years. Rumors about the particular rave becoming unwelcome in Las Vegas community began after many drug overdoses occurred. Not only has the stigma affected the Las Vegas valley, many other music festivals have taken notice.
Hardsummer, a music festival in Southern California, attempts to attract a different crowd by having headliners of different genres other than EDM (electric dance music).To avoid the stigma that surrounds EDC, Nevada just passed a new sales tax on festival tickets which might discourage some patrons attendance.
These festivals are gathering grounds for drug sales, underage drinking and mass use of drugs. These festivals are no different than other concerts of different music genres. Rock concerts also have a reputation in attracting drug use which has led to many reported overdoses.
I attended the Electric Daisy Carnival dressed and sober. This may come as a shock to most, but I still had a blast! As a lover of electronic dance music, I attended for the music and the experience. Everyone was so happy and free, probably because of the drugs, but it felt like no one was judging. Unfortunately, the only ideas people relate to raves are: drugs, sex, and loud computerized music. These ideas are not totally far off the majority of people that attend raves. The amount of body parts that should not have been visible but were still exposed, scared me. Drugs deals and there packages littered the floor. It was a weird experience.
One of the problems I noticed with EDC was the security. On the first day, I walked in by myself and had two camel backs, one for me and one for my sister. I told the security guard I did not have anything in the bags (which was true) so she let me go in without checking my bags or my person. I thought this was outrageous! What if I were carrying small packages of drugs in my bag, and she didn’t even bother checking? Even though after the rumored report that security was going to be increased this past summer, I did not notice any TSA-style security.
In the group I attended the event with, there were two 16-year-old girls. Both girls said they paid off security to let them in. These girls both ended up consuming alcohol from a vender later in the evening. What if these girls had driven home intoxicated? I do not agree with the decisions either girl made that night, but I’m also in no place to stop them. I am not the security guards at EDC, and I did not know them. I did make sure everyone in my group had a designated driver to take them home.
Another small problem I had with EDC was the water stations. I spent 30 minutes waiting for water every time I refilled my camelbak. This discouraged attendees from getting water. When your body is on drugs, especially Molly, you become extremely dehydrated. Again, I do not condone drug use, but I want to make sure if someone makes a choice, good or bad, they are still healthy and alive. Even if you are not on drugs, the weather is usually hot and humid, and you still need water.
The Electric Daisy Carnival was spectacular. The sets were amazing and the atmosphere was something I have never seen before. That being said, with a few adjusts to procedures for employees, they could have a safe event. Obviously, they cannot stop every tragedy from happening, but I do believe the policies they have in place do not set the event up for success.
