As a writer for RaversChoice, it is my duty to bring to you the latest in everything you need to know about the EDM community. Well, I am taking a break from the news and posts about artists and festivals to maybe open some people’s eyes about this growing community that we all love. Something that I have began to notice very much lately is the constant misconception of what we are all about in this community; and I am here to maybe set those skewed views straight.

I have been involved with the EDM community long before I became a writer for RaversChoice. I’ve been to music festivals as well as countless events at different venues around Atlanta, Georgia. One of the most aggravating comments that I get from people that do not attend these events are along the lines of, “oh you go to raves, you guys must like doing a lot of drugs don’t you?” Many people believe this misconception. While I am not here to try and tell you that drugs are not present at these places because that would be a lie. Drugs are definitely present in the music scene. Whether the event is rock, hip-hop or even EDM, people do use recreational drugs while attending said shows. I believe there is a better reason to enjoy these events than drug use.

There is just something about electronic music that when you are at a live show, the music itself can give you a high that no other drug can. I’ve experienced this musical high first hand on several occasions. There are honestly no words to describe how the music can make you feel, along with the amazing environment surrounded by good vibes and good people. All of these good things mixed together can release some incredible levels of endorphins that a drug could never do.

Just this past month, the RaversChoice crew was at Counterpoint Music Festival here in Georgia. The music there was so incredible along with amazing productions with beautiful people. During those sets, all of the good vibes and good music mixed together just made the most wonderful experience. Personally, it made me feel so alive and I had a constant smile on my face throughout the weekend. No drug could match that feeling you get at a festival when good vibes and music is flowing.

My point in all this is that there are some people who feel that they need to have drugs at these places to make their experience that much better. While my opinion seems to differ from theirs, I would like to at least shed some light on the situation. Deaths, overdoses, and drug related injuries have already plagued the first few festivals of the season. So here is my proposal to all of you festival goers and ravers.

We all know that there are going to be people using drugs at these shows and festivals. Why not be the good people that we know we are and help these people out? We need to all try to look out for one another. Be the help that a person may need, even if you don’t know them. You could save someone’s life by giving them some water or helping them find shade from the hot sun. It is so easy to get someone water, helping them find a nice cool place to sit down. At past music festivals, I can’t tell you how many times I let people drink water from my personal camelback. If you see someone who doesn’t look okay, don’t just walk past them and think that they will be fine, help them out.

This community is becoming more mainstream each year. Many people are forgetting the true meaning of living by PLUR. We really need to keep the PLUR lifestyle alive, because it is what lives within each and every one of us and makes us all family. We need to get back the peace, love, unity and respect that unites us all. Most of the people that you see wearing those, “Molly Is My Homegirl” shirts are obviously not at these places for the love of music, but rather for the drugs that come with it. These types of people are truly what is making our community frowned upon by society. Although, none of the true lovers of music like these people, that does not mean that we don’t need to give them respect. We should still be the caring and respectful people that we know we are towards them.

Maybe one of these days everyone will realize that this type of environment and music can make a sober person feel alive without the thought of needing drugs. I’m not advocating that we attempt to be accepted by society, because that may never happen. What I would like to see is everyone come together and help one another; and show society that we really are good people. This community is not all about drugs like they lead people to believe. This wonderful family of people united by the love of music should be just that and nothing else. We don’t use the term “PLUR” just for show. We live it and breathe it every day.

Remember, be that person’s hero and get them the help they need. You never know when someone’s life might need saving and you could be the only person to help do so. Looking out for one another is probably one of the most crucial parts of this ever-growing community. Once we accomplish this and come together, this community will continue to thrive like it should into the future and beyond.