There’s nothing worse than coming home from a concert with that ringing in your ears. Plus, exposure to loud music for long periods of time can cause permanent damage like hearing loss or tinnitus. Don’t underestimate the importance of ear protection! Take care of your ears and you’ll have a much better time at shows now, and into the future.

The biggest misconception about wearing hearing protection at raves is that you won’t be able to hear the music. Don’t worry - you’ll still be able to hear clearly and enjoy the show! High fidelity earplugs are designed for performers and musicians, so you’ll enjoy all the sounds without causing any long-term damage to your ears.

Research shows that throughout the last 20 years, it’s become much more common for young people to experience hearing loss from going to clubs, concerts, and music festivals. Exposing yourself to loud music for long periods of time can directly cause hearing loss, which is easily prevented by the use of high fidelity earplugs.

A 2015 research study at an outdoor music festival in Amsterdam actually proved that people who did not wear earplugs at a music festival were more likely to develop noise-induced hearing loss. If you go to lots of raves and festivals each year, you are much more likely to eventually experience permanent hearing loss or tinnitus. So, do yourself a favor and protect your ears at every show you attend!

homegameauction sells a pair of high fidelity earplugs from Vibes, which protect your ears from damaging decibels and even filter and enhance music by balancing the sound waves through special tubes. These earplugs are less than $30, so why wait?!

It’s a good idea to keep your carrying case in your backpack or fanny pack so you can keep your earplugs safe before and after the show. Some earplugs even come with a connecting cord you can wear around your neck to avoid losing them.

If you’re still raving without hearing protection, now is your time to change your habits and protect yourself from any future damage.

5. Pack a Water Bottle

I know this seems like an obvious one, but do yourself a favor and pack a bottle for your mini backpack, with a carabiner to clip to your pants, or invest in a hydration backpack to stay hydrated at the festival. Whether you're drinking, or staying sober, you’re going to need water -- and lots of it. There’s nothing less motivating to stay hydrated than having to pay for a new water bottle each time, so save your money and bring your own refillable bottle. 

homegameauction has an awesome selection of hydration packs so you don’t have to settle for one that doesn’t match your outfit. Check them out here. Just make sure it’s empty when you get to the security checkpoint. 

I’ve found the hydration packs are great for a group because they hold a lot more water than just one bottle of water. When it’s just me, I usually am OK with one bottle that I refill and hold in my backpack. 

Pro Tip: if you and your squad is driving to the festival, pack some FROZEN bottles in the car for the end of the night with even some snacks if you want. You’ll thank me later.

4. Light Layers and Sunscreen 

110% pack your sunscreen. I would recommend bringing a sealed bottle (the sample sizes at Target or Walmart are great for this exact reason) or getting in touch with the festival about whether or not an open container is allowed inside.

Personally, I’m a big fan of the cooling sunscreen on super hot days. I also think the Sport option is a good idea too because we’ll all be sweating a lot, and this helps from it just washing off. Also according to SkinCancer.org - you should apply sunscreen 30 mins prior to heading outside, and then reapply every 2 hours. I’d suggest maybe even more if you feel it sweating off. You can also kill two birds with one stone by buying glitter sunscreen, like this

Unicorn Snot Sunscreen

If you’re super nervous about being exposed to the sun for long hours, pack some light, loose layers to wear. Light layers, for example, is kimonos, mesh tops, and of course, they're some real SPF options as well.

3. Learn the Map

I feel like this is a stellar recommendation for any event, but like seriously, this is SUPER important for an event that has any extreme weather conditions. Make sure to make note of the water refill areas, shade areas, and cool-down zones. It's also a good idea to make a note of the med tent - they are there to help you out if you start experiencing symptoms of dehydration. 

2. Spray Bottles

Spray bottles and misting fans are a favorite way of mine to stay cool, and make friends! Check the festival's rules about bringing in an empty bottle. You can use a hair tie around the top of it, and then some ribbon to make a little holder so you can keep it on your shoulder! I’m probably rocking this event solo, so I plan on bringing one because it will be easy in to start talking to people and making friends! Just make sure to not spray anyone with a phone or a nice camera!

1. Rest, Rest, Rest

Make sure to take a break from the crowded stage to sit down in some shade, get some food, refill your water and let your body recover. I love checking out all of the food options, finding a meal, then resting in the shade for a bit before I head to my next set! Try to plan ahead where your “open times” will be in between sets so that you are ready ahead of time to head to the food trucks. It’s easy to get lost in the headliners and forget to stop for a break!

R&R time is also a great time to get your photos, cuz I know you’ll be rocking some fun looks and need some squad pics to remember the day! Here are a few accessories I love that add pizzazz to photos! 

What's your pro-tip for saying cool at a festival? Tell us in the comments below!

Cat Cow

Cat Cow is a simple pose that focuses on warming up your spine for a day full of dancing. It is also calming and can help ease some of your pre-festival anxiety. When doing Cat Cow, you’re forced to focus on your breathing and live in the moment.

To start this pose, get on your hands and knees. You can begin with Cow, taking a deep breath in, letting your stomach stretch down toward the ground. Tilt your head back, look up to the sky, and take in all the positive energy around you. Next, you move on to the Cat portion. Breathe out as you arch your back, engaging your core and pulling your stomach back up toward the ceiling. Tuck your chin down to your chest. You can repeat these steps as many times as you’d like, until all that anxiety is gone and you feel ready to conquer the day!

Warrior II

You’re about to spend an entire day, or weekend, walking and dancing. You should prepare your legs! Warrior II will stretch out your legs, hips and groin muscles while making you feel super powerful and pumped up for a day of fun.

Start with your feet a bit wider than your shoulders and turn your right toes toward the front on your mat. Bend your right knee over your ankle and keep your left leg straight. Reach your arms out toward either end of the mat and get energized!

Easy Pose

It’s all in the name; this pose is easy! It’s a great one to do while you’re inside the festival because all you have to do is sit. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the action, try this pose to relax.

All you need to do is sit cross-legged with your feet under the opposite knee. Sit up straight, focus on your breathing, and enjoy a calming stretch for your inner thighs. When you’re ready to hit the next set, you’ll likely have great posture and an even better attitude!

Kneeling Foot Stretch

Did you spend the last 12 hours shuffling? You’re going to need to show your feet some love! The Kneeling Foot Stretch will stretch out your toes and feet so you can show off your moves with minimal pain.

Start by kneeling, with your toes on the ground and your heels high. Slowly lean back until your butt is sitting on your heels and you feel the stretch in your arch and toes. Hold the pose for about thirty seconds, then lean forward to rest. Repeat as needed.

Child’s Pose

This one’s for all the headbangers out there. Child’s pose will stretch out your spine, release tension in your shoulders and help you recover from a day of neck-breaking.

All you have to do is kneel with your feet together, place your palms on the mat as far in front of you as you can reach and let your forehead rest on the mat. This pose will also help you relax and get you ready for a good night’s sleep!

These poses will give you a balanced mind and body to enhance your festival experience even more than you imagined. Don’t forget your Pastel Treasures Marble Yoga Mat that can roll up and be easily stored in your tent or hotel room or tent! Pro tip for campers: lay the mat under your sleeping bag for a little extra cushion and a more restful sleep. Namaste, rave babes!

From the art, to the fashion, to the music, it’s incredibly enlightening to take note of the historical context from which dance music stemmed. To celebrate Black History Month, we're talking about the parts of dance music that stem from Black communities around the world. This week, we're covering house and techno.

From Funk, to House, to Techno

The two most notable genres that came from Black America are definitely House and Techno, though those are not the only genres that came from Black communities around the world. As a shuffler, I’m a big fan of house music, which originated from disco and funk, and again, all tie back to Chicago, Detroit and New York in the 1970’s as part of an underground club culture that ran counter to the mainstream.

At the time, marginalized people from Latino and Black communities to members of the LGBTQ+ community needed a place to go to feel safe and welcomed in a social setting. For members of the LGBTQ+ community, the toll of the AIDS epidemic and the social stigma that came with it meant that there were few places that welcomed them.

Marginalized people started to flood these underground nightclubs that were spinning house and techno, finally finding a place to just BE themselves, let the music take over, and forget about the world for just a few hours—not unlike how we do today.

For marginalized people, or people ostracized by the stigma that came with the AIDS crisis (many of whom were people of color), dance music was more than a fun night out, it was a haven. In a 2016 essay titled "Artistic Resilience: The Black Gay DJ in the AIDS Crisis," author Kevin L. Tarver discusses the ways that being a Black, gay DJ in the '80s was a revolutionary act of love to the community.

The Black artists that pioneered the underground disco, house and techno clubs between the '70s and '90s paved the way for dance music as we know it today.  Young, Black, gay men like Frankie Knuckles and Frederick Dunson were pioneering the movement, experiencing the freedom and the community of these secret, underground warehouse raves that brought so many walks of life together.

Commanding the decks at clubs in New York and Chicago, Knuckles and Dunson would break the molds in dance music by infusing different genres and breathing new life to old hits. They did so with advanced sound production equipment like the Roland 808 drum machine & the Roland TB-303. “The Warehouse,” a members-only Chicago nightclub owned by Robert Williams, credited as the birthplace of house (after which it was named). The venue was predominantly patronized by Black and Latino crowds.

Eventually these underground shows became wildly popular and, according to Mr. Williams in an interview with Splice, “membership grew, which was a good thing. It taught Chicagoans how to network interracially. The more you attended, the more you became part of a family,” Williams said. Dance music was community, and it was inclusive in ways that society was not.

Further East, sandwiched between the two powerhouse cities of Chicago and New York was Detroit doing it’s own thing with the birth of the underground techno scene. As the disco scene died out, the iconic trio known as the Belleville Three began to take the clubs by storm at the beginning of the '80s.

Kevin Saunderson, Derrick May, and Juan Atkins were three best friends who met when they attended Belleville High School and would eventually begin their own club - the Music Institute - where they would help bring about the next wave of techno producers from Detroit. It was an incredible time to be alive and one in which I definitely wish I could’ve lived.

Today

Fast forward to 2022 and now techno and house are simply dominating the festival circuit, with the likes of Gene Farris, Green Velvet, Honey Dijon and MK – to name a few. My personal favorite sub-genre, however, is the beautiful fusion of the two genres, otherwise known as Tech House.

It’s amazing to see how far house and techno have come, and how powerful music has always been in uniting people from all walks of life. I love hearing samples in songs where you can hear powerful sermons from black voices that are so inspiring and nostalgic, like in Disclosure’s ENERGY featuring Detroit born Eric Thomas, and in Malaa, Tchami & Bellecour’s Bylina, featuring Ron Caroll, also a Detroit native.

There is so much history behind how Black communities created many dance music genres, and it’s worth looking into! House and Techno are just two of the many genres that came from Black artists. In Europe, genres like dubstep, trap, grime, jungle, DnB, Bass and more stemmed from Black communities in cities around the UK and Europe.

Muscle soreness at festivals is incredibly common, especially at multi-day camping fests where you have to live without the comfort of your Tempur-Pedic mattress. If you’re the type of person who wakes up on day 3 in excruciating pain, try these tips to prevent body aches.

Before the festival:

In our home lives, many of us work desk jobs and live inactive lifestyles. If you want to avoid physical aches during a festival, try preparing your body leading up to the event.

You’d be surprised at how much physical activity you’ll do at the festival! From walks to and from camp, to adventures around the grounds, to long days and sleepless nights of non-stop dancing - your body probably isn’t used to this level of exertion! If possible, try “training” yourself by taking long, daily walks.

This will also help you determine if you have the right shoes to keep your feet from hurting at the festival. Test out your footwear to make sure you’ll have proper support, so you’ll be pain-free and ready to dance all night long!

Before the fest, you can also prepare your sleeping arrangements to minimize body aches. Figure out if you’re most comfortable in a camping cot with a mattress pad, an air mattress, or even a hammock - everyone is different!

At the festival:

Be mindful of any pre-existing injuries you may have throughout the festival. Take note of where the medic tent is located in case you experience a flair-up.

When you’re setting up camp, be careful lifting heavy things and ask for help if you need it.

It’s crucial to stay hydrated to avoid muscle cramps and potential injuries. Try carrying a water bottle or bringing a hydration pack into the crowd. Remember, your body will need extra water if you’re in hot weather, drinking alcohol, or exerting a lot of energy on the dance floor.

It’s also important to take time to stretch before heading to your favorite sets. You can organize a group yoga sesh with your campmates, or just take some time for yourself and stretch your body. Some festivals will have massage therapists or yoga classes on site, so look into your options. If you have a foam roller or massage gun, your body will thank you!

Rest between sets. If you’re standing and dancing the entire weekend, you will definitely feel some soreness by the end of the festival. Find a comfortable place to sit down and rest your body whenever possible.

After the festival:

Continue to hydrate and stretch after you get home, plus, eat well and get plenty of rest!

If you’re feeling “off” after coming home from a festival, don’t worry. You’re not the only one! Feeling this way is more common than you might think.

When you get home from a festival, you may experience:

• Irritability
• Exhaustion
• Sadness
• Loneliness
• Disconnection from the real world

Why might you feel this way after a festival?

Festivals are carefully curated experiences designed for ravers to have the time of their lives—enjoying beautiful stages and mesmerizing art installations, mind-melting sound production, and the best part of all, being surrounded by like-minded people who share the same passion for raving!

At a festival, you look around and realize that everyone there shares the same goal - to dance, to make friends, and to create memories. The camaraderie you feel in a crowd is unparalleled. Odds are, you won’t find the same feelings of interconnection and belonging in the real world.

Raving creates a space for you to experience, to feel, to thrive, and to love. Festivals are intentionally designed for you to connect with people who share your same vibration. They carve out a place where you belong, where you matter, and where you can feel unmatched happiness.

Cut to the real world: your commute, your office your grumpy wait in line at a coffee shop. Reality sucks in comparison to the magic you experienced at the festival. It’s no wonder why you may be feeling lonely, disconnected, irritable, and sad. Normal people are boring!

But, we all know we can’t rave forever. Reintegrating back into society is a necessary part of the cycle for festival-goers. You’ll have to find a way to trek on (until the next festival!).

So, in order to maintain your mental health following an event, it’s vital to follow these tips to cope with any difficult feelings you may experience upon your re-entry to reality.

• Before you leave for the fest, plan ahead. Put fresh sheets on your bed, make sure your floors are clean and clear of clutter, have clean clothes waiting for you, and stock your fridge with healthy, easy-to-make meals. Future you will be thankful!

• Throughout the festival, stay hydrated, well-fed, and be sure to take your vitamins. Try a hydration boost with Liquid IV drink powders (these things are game changers!), or supplements like vitamin B-12 or RaveAid to take care of yourself at the event.

• Get as much rest as you can throughout the festival weekend. If you pull all-nighters all weekend long and don't get any supplemental rest during the day, your lack of sleep will definitely contribute to feelings of sadness and irritability. If you do go through the fest on minimal sleep, be sure to catch up on your z’s when you get home.

• If possible, take a day off work to ease your landing back into the real world. This isn’t always realistic, but if you can swing it, an extra day of rest and recovery will be helpful.

• Stay in touch with your rave family once you get home to relive the highlights of the weekend. Instead of focusing on how much reality pales in comparison to the festival, celebrate the beautiful moments you shared with your squad. Practice gratitude and appreciation for the experiences you had.

• Try not to make any impulsive decisions or act on any impulsive feelings in the days after you get home. Your body and brain are recovering from a rave marathon. Take it easy! Festivals take so much energy and stamina, so you will probably feel exhaustion and irritability from all the hard work your body did for you. Avoid major changes and decisions until you’ve had a chance to fully recover.

• Work on integrating the things you learned at the fest into your day-to-day life. Journaling can be a great way to channel the post-festival feelings of inspiration. What did you take away from the experience? A new sense of love for your friends? An appreciation for new types of music? An inspirational itch to pursue something new or to create art? Channel your experiences into your home life and use your memories as fuel for your own creative fire. Maybe you can use that inspiration to create music of your own—or try your hand at making art, writing poetry, or cooking.

• Remember that you’re not alone. Many people experience a comedown after returning home from an event. Reach out to your friends and create a support system if you start to feel low.

• Focus on restoring balance. Attending a festival can be a major inspirational high, filled with a buzz of excitement and energy. But, the highs and lows always find a way to balance each other out. Create a sense of balance in your life by laying low and taking care of yourself, both physically and mentally. Focus on the now, knowing that there will be more fests ahead in the future.

• Once you’re recovered, you will probably feel a strong desire to connect with the festival community again. Look into your local scene to see how you can find like-minded festy fam in your area. You may find some local shows, flow meet-ups, or other gatherings where ravers hangout. Boost your social meter by connecting with other festival-goers. If you live in a particularly rural area, you can always turn to social media to connect with other ravers.

This article is not meant to replace professional help. If you or someone you know is struggling, we strongly encourage you to seek help from your primary care provider or a mental health professional. You can also reach out to the Crisis Text Line via text or Facebook message by texting 'HOME' to 741741, or check out this list of resources for other types of support.

It takes a lot of energy to travel to festivals and walk around the festival grounds all day and night and I know that myself and many others often feel drained after a weekend of raving. Here are some tips to stay healthy at the festival to make sure that you are bringing the best energy to them!

Stay Hydrated!

One of the most important rules for ravers, especially those that attend festivals that last all day and night and can take place outside in heat, is to make sure to stay hydrated! Drinking a lot of water can help you feel rejuvenated and is an important habit to keep both at the festival and outside, especially at festivals that take place in high temperatures. Water will help regulate your body temperature and to make sure that you don’t overheat.

For 21+ ravers that like to enjoy a drink or two at festivals, it's even more important to drink more water because alcohol will dehydrate you faster. Bringing a hydration pack is super useful and convenient for making sure that you stay hydrated, and if you don’t have one, bringing in an empty water bottle is also a great idea as well since most festivals have water stations where you can get water for free. If you want to bring hydration to the next level, bringing in powder electrolyte is a great way to make your water taste better!

Choose Healthy Food and Drink Options

Festivals always come stocked with amazing vendors for foods and drinks. Typically, you’ll find fast foods like pizza, fried chicken and fries at many vendors. Making sure that you are eating is a great way to stay energized at festivals, however, choosing healthier options, like salad bowls or wraps, will definitely make you feel a lot better!

Fueling yourself with clean calories will assure that you don’t feeling sluggish, especially if you are eating out the whole weekend at a festival. Go for healthier options like sandwiches and fruit smoothies to make sure you are fueling your body with the best foods. You can even bring and leave some protein bars in your car and bag to eat before and after the festival to make sure that you are eating better and getting the calories in.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

If you are 21 or older, having a few drinks with your friends at raves can be fun and enjoyable! Make sure that you don’t overdo it and to space your drinks out evenly throughout the night. Drinking too much and too fast can lead to negative experiences, and will definitely make you feel exhausted the next day. So make sure that you and your friends are drinking responsibly and never drink and drive! Always have a designated driver or use a ride share service.

Healthy Skin!

It's important to take care of your skin and and body during a festival as well. Lots of festivals take place outside during the day where there is a lot of sunlight so bringing in accepted sunscreen (which usually excludes spray sunscreen) and applying often throughout the day will make sure that you are protecting your skin from the harmful UV rays if exposed all day. Having a sunburn is never fun! Bring a pair of UV sunglasses to protect your eyes during the day too.

COVID Precautions

It is a blessing to be able to attend events after such a long pandemic, but know that it is still important to stay healthy especially with COVID-19 still around! Read up on mask and vaccine/COVID testing mandates for each festival to make sure you go prepared with what you need. Masks are a great way to add accessories to your outfit and you can find a lot of cute styles here!

Staying Healthy Before and After

Making healthy choices leading up to the festival is a great way to make sure that you stay healthy. I’ve noticed with myself and with friends that staying fit before a festival will improve your stamina a lot—so if you can, try to get some workouts in before you leave for a festival! It can be as easy as getting in a 30 minute walk a day or going to the gym.

During the weekend of a festival, eat a healthy breakfast and lunch before heading out so that you are providing your body with enough nutrients and calories to last through the day and night. When you get back from the festival, it’s tempting to attend after parties and rage more after but getting enough sleep before the next day will help you feel energized before more raving!

No matter what part of the festival triggers your anxiety, know that you’re not alone! Experiencing festival anxiety is incredibly common, especially if you’re prone to anxiety in day-to-day life. The good news is, you can cope with these difficult emotions by trying these tips and tricks.

Prep Your Mind and Body

In the weeks leading up to the festival, be sure to eat well, drink plenty of water, and take vitamins. You may experience more anxiety if you’re not taking proper care of yourself.

Practice Coping Techniques

Try a few techniques to calm yourself down and practice the ones you like. If you start to feel anxious, you can use these techniques to center yourself. 

You can try breath work like square breathing, where you inhale for 4 seconds, hold it for 4 seconds, and exhale for 4 seconds. 

You can also try grounding yourself by engaging your senses with the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 method. Name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.

Come Prepared

It can give you peace of mind to have some comfort items with you at the festival. You might like to hide behind a pair of sunglasses or drape a pashmina over your head. You can also come prepared with earplugs or a fidget toy to help calm your senses. Depending on the event, you may be able to bring in essential oils, which can work wonders for self soothing.

If you’re camping, try packing your gear well in advance to avoid any stress about forgetting things. If you rush your packing process, you might experience more anxiety - so do yourself a favor and start pulling out your gear early. Also, check out this list of packing essentials for camping festivals to make sure you're more than prepared.

Have Back-up Plans

Creating a plan with your group will help ease anxiety about getting lost. Choose an easy meeting spot and plan to check in at certain times, in case you do get separated. It’s a good idea to have at least one buddy if you need to leave the group to get water or use the bathroom.

Stay Hydrated & Fed

Sometimes your physical health directly effects your mental health. Make sure that you're staying hydrated throughout the festival, and don't go hungry for too long. You're burning a lot of energy walking around the festival grounds and dancing, so take care of yourself like the badass festival athlete that you are.

Advocate for Yourself

It’s important that you go to the festival with people you can trust. Get comfortable asking for what you need and don’t be afraid to reach out for support when you need it. Maybe you can come up with a code word for if you need to leave a crowd. Or, if physical touch soothes you, ask your friends to hold your hand or hug you. If you need to leave the stage, get water, or simply sit down for a second, vocalize your needs so your friends can help. For this reason, don't be afraid to be selective about who you go to a festival with. Your rave fam should support you and make you feel safe.

In an Emergency

Don't be afraid to get medical care if you need it. Medical care at most festivals is free, and attendees are encouraged to get help when they need it regardless of if they're under the influence. Medical professionals are there to keep you safe and healthy, and can either help you in a mental health crisis or find a way for you to get help from someone better prepared. For EDC Las Vegas, Insomniac has health and safety information posted here.

Remember that it’s completely normal to experience pre-festival jitters. But, if your anxiety is negatively impacting you before a festival, try these tricks and see if they help. Trust that you will enjoy yourself, knowing you’ve done the preparation to set yourself up for success. Many of us get overwhelmed before an event and lose sight of the reasons why we love raving in the first place. The music, community, and good vibes make it all worth it.

This article is not meant to replace professional help. If you or someone you know is struggling, we strongly encourage you to seek help from your primary care provider or a mental health professional. You can also reach out to the Crisis Text Line via text or Facebook message by texting 'HOME' to 741741, or check out this list of resources for other types of support.

To bring awareness and create conversation around National Suicide Prevention Month, homegameauction is donating 10% of all revenue from its Best Sellers Collection to To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA) through September 30th. TWLOHA is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness on mental health by helping anyone in need find life saving help.

TWLOHA was founded with the idea that there is always a better life around the corner as a way of encouraging those suffering from mental health issues to connect to the help they need. The organization, founded by Jamie Tworkowski in 2006, was inspired by Tworkowski's own experience with helping a friend through a hard period of time. The phrase is rooted in the idea that Tworkowski wants everyone to believe that they can overcome their mental health trouble, and the organization hopes to de stigmatize mental health in order to raise awareness.

Mental health is something that everyone deals with, and I know that in my own community of ravers it's something that isn't often discussed enough. Learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of poor mental health can help save a life, and in the rave community it's important to keep the PLUR vibes going even after the music stops.

Talk openly about mental health

The problem that many face with getting help for their mental health issues is that they often feel alone in their struggles or may not even know how to recognize their symptoms at all. Mental health issues—whether they be depression, anxiety or even something like ADHD—almost always have treatment plans that can address both the symptoms and their root causes to help those suffering live a better life.

The only problem is that those suffering need to learn when to recognize when there is an issue in the first place. Talking openly about mental health does more than just de stigmatize it by making others feel welcome to discuss their own hardships. Openly discussing mental health and the various ways that these symptoms manifest in our daily lives can educate people on how to recognize it in themselves. This is one of the greatest tools in spreading awareness, and it can even create a sense of community for yourself and others along the way.

Share mental health resources on social media

Sharing mental health resources on social media is one of the simplest ways to make a positive impact on the mental health of others. It's an effortless way to show that you care, and to provide others with what can be life saving help or access to resources. If someone in your circle is struggling but may not know where to reach out, it's also a great way to let someone know you support them without knowing that you're making an impact.

You can share info-graphics on mental heath awareness, suicide prevention tools and resources, or other information on how and where someone can go when they need help. If you yourself are willing and able, you can even post that your inbox is open to anyone struggling, just make sure to help give them information on where to get professional help or offer to help them alongside their journey if you yourself are not a qualified professional.

Educate yourself

Many people that suffer from mental health issues suffer in silence, and many experience symptoms that they don't even realize might be symptoms. In ADHD, for example, many symptoms can go unnoticed or unattended to just because someone suffering from ADHD may not recognize that what they're experiencing is a symptom. When symptoms go unattended to, someone suffering may begin to feel lonely or isolated from the world which can lead to other mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Take time to learn about different mental health issues and learn how to recognize the symptoms in yourself and others. This will not only help to get more people get the right diagnosis, but it will help de-stigmatize symptoms as they appear in day to day life.

Make your voice heard in the voting booth

If you can, take the time to vote for candidates at the local and national level that advocate for mental health awareness and treatment. Look for candidates that explicitly advocate for expanding treatment programs to those suffering from mental health issues or addiction, or candidates that advocate for treating the root cause of things like homelessness or drug abuse rather than those that seek to criminalize it. Here is some more information about the role that mental health plays in our political landscape.

Bring it into the real world

Though sharing information on social media is helpful, you can make the most impact in de stigmatizing mental health by bringing your advocacy into the real world. Learn to talk openly about mental health issues with your friends, even if talking openly about it means making a joke about your own experiences with mental health issues.

When you're with your rave fam, talk openly about how you're there to talk if someone has a bad time at a festival or is feeling the stress of something back home while they're at the rave. These conversations can help make someone in your rave fam feel more comfortable both at the rave and once it's over.

One of the most important and life-saving things you can do to de-stigmatize mental health issues in the festival world is to carry things like Naloxone spray with you when you party. Some festivals or events have banned the drug outside of paramedic use, but never be afraid to reach out for help if you think someone near you is overdosing. Remember that addiction is a mental health issue, and don't be afraid to learn to recognize and to openly discuss the line between casual partying and addictive behavior among your rave fam—it could save a life.

Find mental health help from TWLOHA here, and learn more about homegameauction' impact here.

With events opening up but mask mandates being put in place off and on around the country, ravers are navigating a new normal while trying to keep themselves and their communities safe. As they say, the show must go on, so here is how several ravers, DJs and promoters feel about raving now that things have opened back up.

“It feels surreal to be going back to events at a larger scale already,” @_zomgsteph said about her first in-person event at the Midway in San Francisco. Though she had kept her rave spirit burning by listening to live streams and posting humorous content on Instagram/TikTok about the cringey festival moments we would all like to forget, it paled in comparison to the real thing. “Just being able to dance outside with other humans around me was memorable. . .Not the same!”

After months of turning the tables in his room to a virtual dance floor, Bay Area DJ Niko Zografos wasted no time returning to the stage. Having just released “Last Storm” on the Northern Irish label, Kinected Recordings, the DJ celebrated with two shows in one weekend with Aly & Fila & Dave Neven: Dreamstate Presents at Public Works SF [Friday] and the Academy LA [Saturday].

“My gigs in SF and LA were amazing,” Zografos said. Whether in NorCal or SoCal, he said the energy was the electric: everyone was excited to be out, spreading the love as they frolicked with freedom from CDC guidelines. “It was one of my favorite weekends in a long time. Incredible vibes!”

Though, the party can’t last forever as the threat of the Delta variant looms over like the sun at 6 am, waiting for you to walk out of that warehouse party to serve you a brutal slappin’ hangover with a side of ibuprofen.

Rising numbers of new infections and hospitalization reported by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, The City of Angels would technically be in the purple tier and shut down again if California was still using the COVID-19 reopening system.

Despite the current relaxed guidelines, the fear of permanently closing nightlife establishments is still a reality. In an August 2020 article by the California Restaurant Association, nearly 30% of restaurants would close permanently. The National Independent Venue Association even started the social media campaign #SAVEOURSTAGES to raise funds where Congress’ federal relief fell short. Not to mention, every big promotion company last year either canceled or moved the dates of music festivals, causing a bunch of pissed-off ravers. ***cough* Ultra *cough***

Various restaurants and nightlife establishments in L.A. County are trying to stay ahead of the curve by requiring proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 tests. Iconic venues in S.F. (like 1015 Folsom) have also joined the growing list of businesses in Calif. making it mandatory for those who wish to enter to be vaccinated or provide a negative test.

“I think it’s essential people be responsible and get vaccinated. It’s not just about them,” Zografos said about those hesitant to get vaccinated. He hopes that people can take the proper precautions to ensure events are here to stay. “This last year has been hard on many of us mentally and emotionally, and it’s important as a community to be there for each other.”

“I know a lot of people who have mentally struggled through this time without human contact and are willing to follow protocols to make events a safe space,” @_zomgsteph said. “All I can say is going to events during this time is a privilege, not a right.”

You can stock up on masks and other personal protective equipment at the homegameauction website here. We also encourage all of our rave babes to get vaccinated, and check out the CDC website or speak with your doctor if you have any questions.

Festival Season Safety Checklist:

• Get Vaccinated
• Wear a Mask
• Wash Your Hands
• Don't Share
• Give Space

Get Vaccinated

One of the best ways to protect yourself and others against the COVID-19 pandemic is to get the vaccine. Vaccines are free and are now easily available in most places throughout the United States. The best part is that, once you're fully vaccinated, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control assures that you're protected enough against the virus that you can go without a mask in most places—including large gatherings like music festivals and concerts. Visit the official CDC vaccine distribution website to find a vaccine distribution center with available doses near you.

Wear a Mask

The good thing about raving is that wearing a mask was always in fashion. Rave masks have been around in the rave scene since—well, forever—and they're not going away anytime soon. Tons of ravers love wearing rave masks because it keeps the dirt and dust out of your face and lungs while you're dancing your way around festivals like EDC and Coachella (especially at Coachella). homegameauction has tons of glam masks to choose from so that you can stay safe without clashing your look.

Rave masks also provide a sense of privacy. In an age where everything is recorded on social media, some ravers might like having a sense of security in knowing their faces won't show up in photos online that they don't know about. We love the PLUR vibes at shows, but sometimes you just don't want your boss checking in on you online, which is what makes a rave mask perfect!

Wash Your Hands

One of the most effective ways to avoid spreading disease is to wash your hands regularly. Although studies have shown that COVID-19 transmission on surfaces is actually lower than initially suspected, experts still recommend that regular hand washing—especially at events—can help keep you healthy. Lots of festivals don't have running water, so bringing an unopened bottle of hand sanitizer into the festival with you each day is a great alternative to hand washing when you're out. homegameauction' fanny packs and bags are a great way to carry small things like hand sanitizer around.

Don't Share

Sorry PLUR babes, sharing is not caring right now. Bring your own hydration pack to avoid having to share water with anyone else. These ones from homegameauction will keep you well-hydrated all night long as you dance around the festival.

Give Space

As much as we want to have a big group hug with the rave fam, it's still best to keep a safe distance at festivals and concerts. Vaccines are rolling out quickly, but we're not quite there yet. Hopefully by the end of the summer we'll have vaccinated enough people to reach a certain level of herd immunity!

Does your next festival have a mask mandate?

Last Updated 8/20/2021

• Skyline	5/28/2021	Florida	No statewide mask mandate as of 5/3/2021.
  Get Funky	5/28/2021	Utah	No statewide mask mandate as of June 2021.
  Sunset Music Festival	5/29/2021	Florida	No statewide mask mandate as of 5/3/2021.
  Foam Wonderland	6/5/2021	Nevada	Masks required in indoor spaces. Vaccines may be required at events.
  Forbidden Kingdom	6/11/2021	Florida	No statewide mask mandate as of 5/3/2021.
  Excision AZ	6/18/2021	Arizona	No statewide mask mandate as of 3/26/2021
  Day Trip	7/3/2021	California	Masks required indoors and at large outdoor gatherings.
  Lollapalooza	7/29/2021	Illinois	Masks required indoors and at large gatherings.
  HARD Summer	7/31/2021	California	Masks required indoors and at large outdoor gatherings.
  Das Energi	8/13/2021	Utah	No statewide mask mandate.
  Summer Camp	8/20/2021	Illinois	Masks required indoors and at large gatherings.
  Bass Canyon	8/20/2021	Washington	Masks required in indoor public spaces and at large outdoor gatherings.
  Beyond Wonderland	8/27/2021	California	Masks required indoors and at large outdoor gatherings.
  Bonnaroo	9/2/2021	Tennessee	No statewide mask mandate as of April 2021.
  Electric Zoo	9/3/2021	New York	Masks not required for fully vaccinated people. Some businesses and events may require proof of vaccination to enter without a mask.
  North Coast	9/3/2021	Illinois	Masks required indoors and at large outdoor gatherings.
  EDC Mexico	9/3/2021	Mexico City, Mexico	Masks recommended in public spaces.
  ARC Music Festival	9/4/2021	Illinois	Masks required indoors and at large outdoor gatherings.
  Dancefestopia	9/9/2021	Kansas	No mask mandates as of April 2021.
  Imagine	9/17/2021	Georgia	Some cities may require masks in public spaces.
  Life Is Beautiful	9/17/2021	Nevada	Masks required indoors. Vaccines required at events.
  Nocturnal Wonderland	9/18/2021	California	Masks required indoors and at large outdoor gatherings.
  Governor's Ball	9/24/2021	New York	Masks not required for fully vaccinated people. Some businesses and events may require proof of vaccination to enter without a mask.
  Lost Lands	9/24/2021	Ohio	Unvaccinated people are encouraged to wear masks.
  Beyond Wonderland Pacific Northwest	10/1/2021	Washington	Masks required in indoor public spaces and at large outdoor gatherings.
  Dirtybird Campout	10/15/2021	California	Masks required indoors and at large outdoor gatherings.
  EDC	10/22/2021	Nevada	Masks required indoors. Some events may require vaccines.
  Suwannee	10/28/2021	Florida	No statewide mask mandate as of 5/3/2021.
  Escape	10/29/2021	California	Masks required indoors and at large outdoor gatherings.
  Freaky Deaky	10/29/2021	Texas	No statewide mask mandate as of 3/8/2021.
  Outside Lands	10/29/2021	California	Masks required indoors and at large outdoor gatherings.
  EZOO Cancun	11/10/2021	Quintana Roo, Mexico	Masks encouraged in public spaces.
  EDC Orlando	11/12/2021	Florida	No statewide mask mandate as of 5/3/2021.
  Dreamstate	11/19/2021	California	Masks required indoors and at large outdoor gatherings.
  Holy Ship! Wrecked	12/3/2021	Quintana Roo, Mexico	Masks encouraged in public spaces.

   

During these challenging times, homegameauction wanted to keep the spirit of PLUR alive by helping those on the front lines. In April, we introduced the “Buy a Mask, Give a Mask” program which meant that every time one of our customers bought a face mask, iHeart would donate a medical-grade mask to those on the front lines. 

Thanks to you, our amazing customers, homegameauction, along with our sister brands, INTO THE AM and EmazingLights, have now been able to donate over 114,500 masks!

This program started with a donation in our local community and has grown to be able to provide nationwide, including partnerships with Relentless Beats in Phoenix Arizona and Ultra Music Festival in Miami.

homegameauction was able to work with Relentless Beats to deliver 20,000 FDA approved, triple-layer disposable surgical masks for Gila River Health Care's essential and frontline workers.

Most recently, homegameauction teamed up Ultra Music Festival to donate 12,000 surgical masks to Miami’s underserved communities. Senior citizens were prioritized within those communities due to their high-risk factor of contracting COVID-19. In June, the masks donations were given door-to-door to residents at two government-subsidized senior living facilities. Masks were also donated at a drive-through food giveaway at City Hall.

Later, in July, 4,000 care packages that included masks were distributed across two events in the Liberty City area. Hadley Park hosted a hurricane preparedness drive-through giveaway that offered masks alongside natural disaster supplies. Additionally, Ultra staffers distributed more care packages at a Brownsville senior center.

We also donated 10,000 more masks to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Finally, we donated 14,500 mask units at a cost of over $70,000 to disabled veterans through DAV California.

Other organizations that received donations ranged from California to New York at the following locations: 

• Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center - San Pedro, CA

• Morrison Healthcare at Lakewood Region - Lakewood, CA

• New Frontiers - Solvang, CA

• REACH Air Medical Services - Garden Grove, CA

We can’t thank you enough for allowing us to support the incredible humans putting their health and safety at risk to ensure a safer world for us all!

homegameauction will be continuing to run this program (stay tuned to find where we will be donating masks to next) so you can continue to help out those in need just simply by purchasing a face mask! 

Check out some of the hottest styles:

@burdsnest in Butterfly Groove Face Mask

@kandi_diva in U Got It Filtered Face Mask

@kalidei in Star Search Face Mask

We feel so lucky to be able to practice PLUR with all of you, even outside of festival season!

Stay safe and healthy, fam!

1. SET UP YOUR SPACE

As you arrive at a drive-in rave, each car is given a parking spot around 20x20 feet to use as a dance floor and hangout area that you are encouraged to decorate. Lawn chairs, cup pong tables, blow up kiddie pools, corn hole, and even a full size couch, are just a couple cool things I’ve seen people use to occupy their parking spaces.  Another cute thing you could do with your space is to give it a theme! Whether you decorate your spot with tikis and leis for a Luau theme, or bring a couple blow up aliens and lasers for a space theme, be creative with your spot to make it feel even more like your favorite festival! Each parking spot is also given a small rail to separate each spot, but it can also be used towards your decoration by putting lights or streamers around it, as well as something to headbang over!

2. SNACK UP AND HYDRATE

One thing that is cool about drive-in raves as opposed to normal festivals is that you can bring your own food and drinks! I recommend bringing a cooler as you have plenty of room to store all your food and drinks, as well as snacks that’ll give you energy throughout the night if you get hungry! I’ve heard from lots of people they’ve loved being able to bring their own beverages, so stock up on drinks you want, dance the night away, and be sure to not drink and drive!

3. FLOW

Drive-in raves are also a great time to practice your flow arts because you have lots of room to try out new moves. Whether you glove for your friends in your passenger seat, or hoop or whip in your space, you can still give light shows from across your space while you flow to your favorite songs!

Flow your heart out with homegameauction selection of Light Toys

4. PLAN YOUR OUTFITS

Although we haven't been able to glam up for festival season this year, a drive-in rave is a perfect time to shop for a new outfit and coordinate some fire looks with your squad again!

Need outfit inspiration? Check out this Drive-in Rave Collection (Photo credit: @shazamamanda , @streamqueen_xo, @nbkittiekat, @_bye_felecia_)

5. WEAR YOUR MASKS

Social distancing is heavily enforced at drive-in events, but be sure to wear a mask when you’re outside your car and stay safe! Now is a time to show off all your cool new masks and match them to your festival outfits! 

Shop Face masks  

As much as I miss going to normal shows and festivals, I’m so appreciative of what the EDM community has done to find a way to still provide us with a way to watch our favorite artists. Drive-in raves may not necessarily be ideal, but I had an amazing experience at both shows I went to and recommend going to one if you get the opportunity. Finding the tiny, beautiful moments in life right now is a way to stay positive during all the chaos that is going on, so if that means singing along to a song from your car or your couch, do it! I hope some of this info will help you all prepare for your next drive-in rave! Stay safe and spread PLUR!

LISTEN TO MUSIC

Since music is one of the things we love the most, now is a great time to explore all of the music you already know and love, but as well as find new artists and sounds. I have found that both Spotify and Soundcloud are super helpful for finding new music as you can make a radio station from a song you already enjoy and they will bring up similar music that you will hopefully like. You can also follow homegameauction on Spotify if you wanna look through some playlists for new music! I have recently also been making lots of playlists as I find it super relaxing to go through all the songs I have and putting them into categories for my moods or different activities. Music is also proven to help release dopamine as well as reduce heart rate and anxiety, so for those of you who are feeling down or stressed right now, put those headphones in and get listening.

MEDITATE

I have found meditation and mindfulness very helpful tools to staying positive during COVID. For a lot of people meditating is difficult, but once you start getting into it, it gets a lot easier. Clearing your mind is not as easy as it seems, so one way I practice meditating is by just focusing on the inhale and exhale of my breath. When I first began practicing meditation, I was pretty uncomfortable because it’s hard for me to sit still and be quiet, so I started wearing my pashmina and sitting on my bed to make myself feel more comfortable, so definitely find a way to make yourself feel at peace whether that means you surround yourself with pillows and blankets, put headphones in, or sit outdoors.

LEARN AND BE CREATIVE!

At the beginning of my time social distancing, I was feeling super down, mostly because I felt my time was being wasted and I was bored. I quickly realized that with all of the extra time that quarantining gave me, I could be productive by educating myself and trying new hobbies and I quickly began to feel better.

Some things I found interest in that you guys might like are painting, dancing, reading, writing, and making music. There are endless topics to read and expand your knowledge on during this time so find something that you are passionate about and learn!

Painting is also something I have been doing that has made my mood better. Creating something is a nice feeling so I recommend trying out some art, even if it's just scribbling with some crayons, art can be a good way to get out all of the built up emotions you have. You can also create things while you listen to your favorite music - whether you paint to Svdden Death or draw to Deorro or bring out your old kandi beads, find something that makes you feel good. Looking for a new rave hobby? Take this quiz to find the perfect rave hobby for you!

@queen_sarlotka

EXERCISE

Exercise helps create dopamine and other endorphins that help make you happy, so if you have been stuck in your bed feeling during COVID, try to get up and start moving. I know not all types of exercise work for everyone, but there are so many different kinds, so hopefully you can find one that works for you! Running, swimming, hiking, walking, biking, lifting weights, stretching and yoga, are just a few examples you can try.

I also have been watching countless youtube videos on how to shuffle and dance and it has been really fun and really satisfying to watch myself get better and better! Dancing also helps release endorphins that make you happier, and I know you guys all miss hitting the dance floor.

We also never know when festival season is going to come back around, so let’s get in shape in hope that it comes around soon. If you're looking for some ways to integrate the dance floor into your workout, try these ideas for EDM fitness workouts.

Although these times are hard on all of us, all we can do is make the best out of the situation we are in. We all miss raving lots, but hopefully we will be able to return to live music soon, and in the meantime attend a Drive-in rave if you have the opportunity! Creating a routine or doing activities that make you smile are what we need to do to remain positive at this time. Just remember things will get better, be kind, and spread love, especially in a time of so much hate. Stay healthy and happy out there and remember to wear a mask!

My good friend Sydney Benner is a fitness instructor, but with a twist. Sydney is one of the few instructors that I’ve come across who has a true passion for EDM music, and is a festival attendee herself. (Her last even pre-quarantine was Burning Man). Sydney’s workout class isn’t about shuffling (cuz I’m nowhere near coordinated enough for that) but have some simple dance moves mixed in with standard workout moves to keep you grooving. 

Most of Sydney’s classes take place on Zoom, but I got the chance to work with her on 5 moves to get your body moving in quarantine! Focused on, of course, your rave booty!

Here are 5 Moves to Get the Perfect Rave Booty: 

1. Pelvic Tilt - single leg kick out - Repeat 10x on each leg

Lay on your back and lift your booty off the floor and your pelvis high leaving your shoulder blades and triceps on your mat. Next lift one leg straight up while raising your glutes higher, then bring it into tabletop gently lowering the glutes (hovering off the mat) all while keeping your booty lifted and tight!

With your foot flexed, repeat 10x then switch to the other leg!

2. Table Pose - Booty Lifts - Repeat 10x on each leg

Position 1:

Next, flip over to tabletop and lift one leg high and your arms slightly ahead of your shoulders. Keep your leg straight, it’s less about lifting your leg high, and more about extending your leg with control while in alignment with your hip.

Position 2:

Next, move your leg forward toward your elbow, leaning your whole body toward your arms for position two. Flow back to position one to complete the move, and repeat 10x! After that, switch to the other leg!

3. Squats Into Pulses - 10 squats, 10 pluses, 4x

Oh, who doesn’t love a classic squat to get that booty working! Sometimes I get lazy with my squats, so use Sydney’s form below to make sure you get the most of your squats! Squat low, then stretch high extending your arms each time. 

Do 10 squats like this, then pulse for 10 low squats. Repeat this 4x!

Position 1:

Position 2: 

4. Side-lying kickbacks - Repeat 10x on each leg

Position 1- 

Make sure your mat is nice and cushioned under your hip bone for this one! Use your bottom arm to brace your body weight (forearm pressed into the mat with your elbow under shoulder), and the top arm should equally press into the floor. 

Bend your bottom leg back and extend your top leg on an angle behind you. 

Position 2:

Then, bring the leg into a crunch letting your thigh touch your elbow, then extend it back out again. Repeat these positions 10x, then switch to the other leg!

5. Single-Leg lunge to squat - Repeat 10x on each leg

These, KILL ME. Pick which leg to go forward first, then maintaining balance squat down making your back leg parallel with the floor. 

Repeat 10x on each leg. If you’re looking for even more of a challenge, after doing 10 on one side, do 10 pulses at the bottom! This is a great move that also makes you hold your core!

Steal Sydney’s Look: Boujee Baby Marabou Trim Top, Backstage Babe Mesh Biker Shorts, Malibu BB High Cut Bottoms, It’s the Right Time Dad Sneakers

I hope you enjoyed these moves! Remember, it’s not about working out and getting in shape, it’s about moving your body and feeling good! If you want more, check out Sydney’s Instagram for class times to join the dance party!

Share your pics trying these moves in your homegameauction workout gear (or rave gear turned workout) on Instagram!

Be sure to tag @iheartraves, @SydneyBenner, and @FestFashions for a chance to be featured! 

Origin

If you think that ravers invented the first party masks, think again. The very first party masks can actually be traced all the way back to France in the 1500s when rich people began wearing face masks to go along with their lavish costumes worn as they partied in the days leading up to Lent. In case you’re not familiar with Catholic traditions, Lent is the period of forty days before Easter when people give up certain things they love, like chocolate, alcohol, video games - you name it! Because Lent is a time for sacrifice and reflection, people party big leading up to it. In fact, Mardi Gras parades today are a continuation of the French parties of old. Back in Europe, masquerade, or masked, balls became all the rage as people went all out to enjoy themselves before giving everything up. That meant crazy costumes, lots of creativity, and of course, all-night dance parties. 

In the 1600s, the trend swept Italy, and the Italians took it up a notch. Artists began creating paper mache masks that were literal artistic masterpieces, and the wealthy wore them to their own masked parties. These masks were covered in everything from paint, to ribbons, to feathers and glass beads - imagine if they had had glitter! The ornate masks gave people the opportunity to really cut loose because no one knew the identity of the person underneath, for better or for worse.

Ever since those early days, masks have been a staple of the party scene, and the rave community has embraced them whole-heartedly. Whether you’re rocking a mask to keep the dust out of your mouth, nose and lungs, you’re using them to compliment your signature style, or you want to keep your identity concealed so you can really let loose, you definitely won’t be the only person wearing a mask at your next rave or festival.

Benefits

More likely than not, the people you’ll see wearing them are doing so for other reasons entirely. Benefits of wearing rave masks include:

• Avoiding dust: If you’ve ever attended an outdoor EDM music festival without wearing a mask, you’ve undoubtedly experienced the joys of inhaling a whole bunch of dirt and dust being kicked up by tens of thousands of your new best friends. Some festivals are especially known for their dustiness even in good years, including Coachella and Burning Man, which take place in dry environments that can send trillions of tiny particles into the air. In fact, a windstorm closed out Coachella in 2013, with dust blowing in from the surrounding California desert covering the festival grounds. Burning Man, which takes place in the Black Rock Desert, has especially serious dust issues because the texture of the dust there, called playa dust, is extremely fine - like, smaller than the particles of baby powder. That means that any breeze (or let’s be honest, serious dancing) starts to kick up those tiny particles, which quickly make their way into your airways and turn to mud as they mix with the moisture in your lungs. This can even lead to a condition called eosinophils (also called playa lung, no joke!), a condition in which the immune system begins to use disease-fighting white blood cells to attack the dust, which it recognizes as a foreign body. Over time, this can cause the airways to become clogged, preventing the body from taking in oxygen. Pretty serious stuff! Wearing something like a face mask bandana or a dust mask are ways to keep at least some of the festival funk out of your nose and mouth.

• Adding to Your Look: Obviously, rave culture is all about the music and dancing first, but a very close second is the fashion! At your next festival or rave, you’ll likely see everything from people wearing a t-shirt and jeans to someone wearing pasties and a tutu, and everything in between. Rave culture encourages people to be themselves and express themselves through their clothing and dance, and along the way, lots of people have added fun accessories like face gems, kandi, paint splatter, neon hair extensions, harnesses, thigh highs, and more to their looks. Why should rave masks be any different? Choosing a rave mask to go with your next festival outfit can be part of the fun and add to your look, or you can really let your creativity run wild and design your own look so you’re sure to stand out among the crowds. These masks differ from Halloween costumes. Some of the bestsellers are light up masks, LED masks, glow in the dark masks, purge masks, and half face masks. Many of these are even rechargeable to use for your next cosplay! Either way, adding a rave mask to your look can help take your festival-day vibe to the next level. 

• Letting Loose: There’s no place more accepting, loving, and free-spirited than the rave community, but that doesn’t mean that everyone is totally comfortable being themselves all the time, especially when surrounded by thousands of other people that are likely Instagramming every single second. The whole point of going to a rave or festival is to cut loose and vibe with your friends in a way that feels good for you, and a rave mask can help provide you with a bit of anonymity in case you don’t feel like having your super hot rave outfit splashed all over the internet. There’s something to be said for feeling like you can blend in with the crowd and do your own thing without worrying about being recognized, so if that’s a concern for you, a rave mask might be able to help!

 @amberrdaviss

Styles

At any rave or festival, you’re likely to see a bunch of different styles of rave masks, so don’t be afraid to opt for something unique. Creativity and self-expression are the name of the game at raves, after all! These styles are just a few of our favorites.

• Seamless mask bandanas: If you’re interested in comfort, style, and breathability, you’ll probably opt to choose a seamless mask bandana for your rave look. These multifunctional masks can easily slide to cover your neck, mouth, and nose, and you can also wear them as headbands, wristbands, hair ties, and whatever else you need. Seamless mask bandanas will protect you from dust and damaging UV rays while still releasing body heat, so you don’t have to worry about getting overheated from your mask.

• Face Mask: The classic face mask has been a festival go-to for years and most closely resembles a mask worn by medical professionals (glammed up for raving, of course). The masks loop behind your ears, so you don’t have to worry about them sliding down while you dance.

• Punk/gas mask: There’s no doubt about it - if you really want to make a statement, the punk/gas mask is the way to go. These things are just straight-up cool looking, and you can make it suit your style by adding beads, sequins, glitter, and anything else your mind can imagine. You’ll still be able to breathe with a gas mask on, of course, but there’s no denying that these things are less breathable (and therefore hotter) than the seamless mask bandanas or ear masks, so you might want to skip one during those boiling midsummer festivals and stick with goggles instead.

This year we’re taking a break from our traditional April Fools articles and wanted to share some April “Smarts” with you instead.

Here are some ideas for how you can be “smart” and give back to the rave community: 

Support Your Favorite Artists

With the lack of festivals and events, DJs are being severely impacted. You can help support them during these rough times by buying some of their merch, or even just by watching/sharing their live streams! Check out Twitch or Youtube to find some bumpin' beats. 

Send a PLUR Package

Although you can’t see your festie besties in person, you can let them know that you’re thinking of them with the power of some good ol’ fashioned snail mail. Send a package with a few of their favorite festival items along with a heart-felt note and we guarantee you’ll make their quarantine a lot brighter. Check back soon for tips on creating the perfect PLUR package. 

Giving back to the community doesn't just have to stop with the rave community! One of the best parts about ravers is their ability to spread PLUR wherever they go. Here are a few tips on how you can give back to those in need (ravers, or not!):

Donate Blood

Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, many blood drives were forced to shut down, resulting in a shortage of 2,700 blood drives from just the Red Cross alone. Imagine what that looks like across the country in terms of shortages from all blood drive centers. Now, more than ever, you can truly save a life by donating blood.

Check out your local blood banks to see what options they have for you to donate.

Meals on Wheels

Ever dreamt of being a master Chef? Here’s your chance to get some serious practice. Meals on Wheels is a program dedicated to helping seniors get meals. You can cook from the comfort of your own kitchen and drop them off to your local Meals on Wheels Center. It’s a great way to give back!

Foster an Animal

If your living situation allows, why not spend some time with a furry friend right now? Consider hitting up your local humane society to see if there are any animals that would be a good foster option for you and your household.

Donate to Your Favorite Charity using Amazon Wishlist 

Still want to help a local charity out but not leave the house? Chances are, your favorite charity probably has a wishlist on Amazon that you can donate to. Even if it's just a $5 or $10 contribution, every little bit counts! You can usually find their Amazon Wishlist on their social media pages, or try sending them a DM to see what they need most. 

If you can’t afford to give back right now or donate a service, that’s okay! There are plenty of ways you can still keep the PLUR spirit alive, like by simply calling to check in on friends or loved ones and let them know that you’re here for them during this time. 

We hope you are staying safe and healthy and we can’t wait to see you when festival season starts!

Social distancing making you go stir crazy? Have no fear - there are plenty of things you can do to take your mind off of things that are productive. Plus, your future self will thank you once festival season is back in action! From making kandi to learning a new festival skill, check out this list of things to do during social distancing that can all be done from the comfort of your own home.

1. Make Kandi

You can never have too much kandi on hand! Now is a great time to check out a new tutorial to try something challenging like making a 3D cuff. Plus, you can order beads on Amazon so you don’t have to leave your house. Making kandi can also be a soothing activity to take your mind off of other things!

2. Learn a New Festival Skill

Ever wanted to shuffle, hoop, pixel whip, orbit, etc, but never had the time to learn? Now is a perfect time! With the power of the internet at your fingertips, you can easily YouTube some tutorials from the comfort of your living room. You’ll be SO happy you did this once festival season comes back in action!

3. Watch a Live Steam with your friends via Google Hangouts

While it’s tragic that some festivals have been canceled, why not relive an old festival live steam with your friends? Plan a time to connect on Google Hangouts (or just a good ol’ group chat), crack open a beer and relive all the feels through a live steam. Consider checking out EDC or Ultra’s archives.

Image courtesy of EDC Livestream (Youtube)

4. Plan the Ultimate Festival Adventure

Chances are, right now you’re probably saving money - so, why not come up with a budget to have the ULTIMATE festival adventure when festivals are back in action? Pick a future destination with you and your squad and put together a budget for an epic trip. Ever wanted to ball out on VIP? Now’s your chance to put together a budget to share with your squad about how it’s actually a legit option. Because things are so up in the air, I’d recommend planning for a trip that’s at least two months away, as well as getting travel insurance for everything you book.

5. Clean/Reorganize Your Festival Wardrobe

If you're anything like me, chances are that there's an explosion of festival clothes strewn randomly around your closet or under your bed. Now's a great time to reorganize or donate! Plus, you'll have more room for all your 2020 outfits. 

6. Spread Some PLUR

PLUR doesn't have to stop because festivals aren't happening right now. There are tons of people that need help at a time like this! Ask your friends or family if they know somebody that needs some grocery shopping done. Or, simply spread some cheer via the internet - reconnect with old friends via messenger, compliment a stranger, etc! You have the power of positivity right at your fingertips. 

No matter how you choose to spend your time social distancing, remember to stay positive and look out for each other! Now is our time to be leaders in our community and show the rest of the world what PLUR truly means.

Stay safe & healthy, fam! 

4-Step Rave Booty

If you’re working towards that killer rave booty then LISTEN UP! Repetition of squats is the foundation for achieving the ultimate peachy bum, and all it takes is four simple steps: SQUAT, HYDRATE, KANDI, REPEAT:

Step 1: Choose a squat routine that works best for you (health experts recommend doing 1-3 sets of 10-20 squats per workout session, but increase/decrease the amount per interval to accommodate to your fitness level and booty goals). To start your interval training, complete one set of squats. 

Step 2: Hydrate! Just like we stay hydrated on rave day, your body will appreciate some water during a workout. 

Step 3: If you are a major kandi snob, then this one's for you. While you give your booty a break, make a kandi to trade. It helps to prep your kandi beads and string before beginning the workout so that step 3 remains to be a short but productive resting period. 

Step 4: Repeat!

@queen_sarlotka

And that’s it! Not only do you conclude your training sesh with a killer booty routine, but you also get to flex some new kandi pieces. This four-step drill can be modified for any form of exercise, so take your favorite fitness routine or create your own combination of planks, squats, and crunches, and BOOM, you’ve got yourself a custom circuit training!

Everyday I’m Shuffle’n

@maveywavey

If you’re like me, then the dance floor is your gym (because working out at fitness centers just gives me resting gym face). Shuffling is THE dance of the EDM world, and not only does shuffling look fly AF, but it makes for a lively fitness routine. Shuffling strengthens both the mind and body and can be tough to master, however, there are many resources out there to help:

Youtube - 

• Step-by-step basic shuffling for beginners  
• Step-by-step basic shuffling and cutting shapes for intermediate/advanced
• Shuffle Choreography Tutorials

Instagram shufflers and members of the homegameauction family - 

• @fitnfesty
• @jolieanastasia
• @cici
• @jump_n_pump

Click here to shop shoes so you can find your go-to kicks and shuffle like a boss. 

**Don’t get discouraged, nobody ever said shuffling was easy! It is a workout, a mind game, and an art all in one. There are tons of YouTube tutorials and routines for you to follow along with, and linked above are my favorite ones. Also, check out some of the rave community's own shufflers on Instagram for motivation and inspiration throughout your shuffling endeavors. 

It’s Hoop ‘o Clock

@daisy_dewdrops

A big contributor to the rave culture is the immense passion surrounding flow arts. Flow arts encompasses a variety of movement-based disciplines, such as use of the orbit, pixelwhip, levitation wand, gloves, poi, and of course, the hula hoop.

Hooping is an art form that welcomes beginners and provides opportunity for mastery. Hooping is an amazing work out because not only does it require physical effort from all parts of the body, but the technique it requires is a great challenge on the mind. If you think hooping could be your next hobby and form of fitness, try incorporating 30-60 minutes of hooping into your daily routine. Check out some of our favorite Youtube tutorials and EDM hoopers for inspo:

Youtube -

• Beginner Hoop Tricks
• What to Know Before You Begin Hooping
• How to Hoop When the Beat Drops

Instagram hoopers and members of the homegameauction family -

• @hoopkitty
• @vodkakat
• @jewelz_blu
• @annamt.circles

Here are a few words of advice to all you hoopers out their from our girl @daisy_dewdrops:

“You'll never stop dropping your hoop, trust me... but that’s OK! It's OK to lose your grip and send your circle flying into the crowd or smack yourself in the face so hard you break your brand new sunglasses. It happens. One thing I always remind myself is that you miss 100% of the tricks you don't throw. Not totally mastering a move today is more progress than you would make never trying at all. So, find YOUR flow! And always remember, it's not about the size of your circle but the love that's made in it.”

Activewear is the New Black

homegameauction Activewear Collection

Whether you’re flexin’ hardcore cardio or a relaxing walk to lunch, why not do it in style? homegameauction just released their latest in activewear and it is has strength written all over it!

The combinations of athletic leggings, tops, and shoes are endless, ranging from slick black to bright pops of color. You can rock these looks no matter where you exercise, from your favorite workout class to weights in the comfort of your own home.

**Raver pro tip: to prepare for your next fest, commit to working out to a playlist featuring your must-see artists so that you can not only get pumped up for your upcoming event, but get familiar with the songs, providing for an unforgettable show. 

Click here to shop homegameauction athletic ‘fits. 

To the entire EDM community, homegameauction wishes you a happy new year and the best of luck with all of your 2020 resolutions! You all have the power, determination, and support to reach your goals, and we can’t wait to see you achieve them.

Make sure to use #ihrstyled and tag @iheartraves throughout your journey of fitness, flow arts, and fashion!

I was listening to a stream from an EDC Las Vegas set when I heard a killer mix from an artist I had never heard before - an artist named REZZ. I instantly fell in love with the dark, unique beats flowing through my eardrums.

“Wow, this REZZ guy is really good!” I told my friends.  

“REZZ is a girl,” one of my friends responded.

“Wow, really?” I said. “That’s so crazy.”

From that moment on, my outlook of women in the EDM industry changed completely.

I remember how shocked I was to discover that a woman was making heavier, darker music in a predominantly male-dominated industry.

The sinking realization soon followed - if I, as a woman, was surprised by another woman’s success, how prevalent was sexism in the EDM community as a whole?  

REZZ has since become one of my all-time favorite artists, and as my love for EDM grew I began to discover other successful women in the industry who are fighting everyday for the recognition they deserve.

I had the privilege of sitting down with four women who all are working to fight stereotypes and sexism in the EDM community through their individual talents.

Of those women, I discovered the wicked sound of music producer and DJ, Wenzday.

Photo Credits: Emma Paige; Photo Provided by Wenzday

Producing music since 2014, Wenzday has been using her no-sleep work ethic and raw talent to fight for her success in the industry. In addition to being a producer and DJ, she is also a classically-trained vocalist, and co-founder of the record label and clothing brand, 40oz Cult with her brother, Dack Janiels.

Wenzday has since gone on to be the youngest person to DJ at the iconic Playboy Mansion, and her co-founded brand, 40oz Cult, has had takeovers in five cities across the United States. She has also released numerous acclaimed singles, -including her newest EP, Heartbreak House, with Insomniac Records imprint, In/Rotation- and played at the renowned mainstage at Beyond Wonderland this past March.    

“I played an art car last year [at Beyond Wonderland], so moving up to the main stage was a dream come true. This year was especially special to me because there were so many up-and-coming women on the lineup as well,” says Wenzday.

Beyond Wonderland is a two-day electronic music festival held in San Bernardino, CA. With over 60 acts performing, it is estimated that over 70,000 fans attended the event this past year.

Despite her success, Wenzday is still forced to prove herself as a woman in the industry.

Wenzday (Photo Credits: Emma Paige; Photo Provided by Wenzday)

“I’ve experienced sexism from both men and women,” Wenzday says. “When I first started releasing music and playing under my Wenzday moniker, I would get messages like ‘you didn’t make this’ or ‘your set was pre-recorded.’”

Wenzday says her response to sexism and hate is to keep her head down and focus on her craft, and that choosing her stage name was a direct statement on becoming a successful woman in a predominantly male industry.

“I wanted a name that was synonymous with a strong female,” says Wenzday. “Wednesday Addams has always been my favorite character because of her boss attitude and outlook.”

However, Wenzday’s empowering mindset doesn’t come without sexist remarks and skepticism.  

“I think that my biggest obstacle has been convincing people that I do everything (make music and play shows) on my own,” Wenzday states. “There is still a stigma among fans and fellow producers that when a female in the industry is successful, it is because someone else is doing it for her.”

The fight for female recognition in the industry is not exclusively fought by women alone, as Wenzday says her battle is accompanied by the support of male allies.

“I have had an insane amount of support throughout my career from men in the scene -like my brother- who push me to just focus on myself and not worry about the opinions of other people,” Wenzday adds.

Letting her craft speak for itself, Wenzday continues to push herself everyday to make her mark on the industry.

“I just plan on letting my music and performances speak for themselves,” she says. “I love what I do and cannot imagine doing anything else.”

Wenzday (Photo Credits: Emma Paige; Photo Provided by Wenzday)

Wenzday adds that while sexism may be prevalent within the industry, she believes that the key to reaching true success –both as individuals and women as a whole—is hard work, dedication and female-to-female support.

“Don’t give anyone a reason to doubt you. If you believe in yourself and your project, then that is all that matters,” Wenzday shares. “Women need to support other women! It can be as small as liking and commenting [on] a fellow girl’s Instagram post, or taking the time to listen to...a new female artist you just discovered. I feel like camaraderie is so important nowadays, especially in the EDM space.”

Wenzday also shares that it is her hope to inspire other women to continue to be creative and produce the work they’re passionate about.

“My inbox is always open to anyone who wants to send me new music or has any questions. You can find me @WenzdayMusic on all socials,” Wenzday adds. “Make sure to check out my new EP

“Heartbreak House” out now on In/Rotation Records!”

Female music producers are not the only women fighting for their success in the industry.

Lexi, who goes by the brand name FestFashions, is the owner, photographer and blogger of her festival-fashion brand. For the past five years, FestFashions has been capturing, blogging and posting trending styles in festival fashion.

FestFashions (Photo Credits: Girlsgonerave; Photo Provided by FestFashions)

While FestFashions says that she is, “proud that 75 percent of my followers are female,” judgment and sexism are still apparent within the industry, particularly with people’s fashion choices.   

“That’s a reality I’m trying to fight,” says FestFashions. “I’m trying to build a world where we celebrate men, women and everyone else without sexualizing them. They can be wearing the smallest pasties or a full coat, it shouldn’t matter. It should be about the person, [and] their self-expression, not the sexualization of their body.”

Like Wenzday, FestFashions is letting her craft speak for itself as she grows in her success and cultivates a welcoming community for all.

“I’m trying to show people how beautiful they can be…,” FestFashions states. “I also do very little editing to my photos. I want anyone I photograph to feel comfortable and see how amazing they look without touch ups – my photos are very real, and very relatable.”

FestFashions also shares that while it might be tough for women in the industry, it’s important to never stop believing in your abilities.

“You’re just as good as anyone else, so put yourself out there and success will come to you,” she says.

Boss babes such as industry hair stylist, Tasha Tripp, and Lunautics brand owner, Claudia Pena, also share that the key to finding success and terminating sexism is to keep fighting, and to stand together.

“Follow your dreams and don't let anyone take them away from you,” says Tripp, who has been a hair artist for the past five years. “Fight for what you believe in, stand up for what's right, and push through the barriers that you've not only set for yourself, [but] perhaps that others have set for you. You are in control of your success and [while] others may try to stop you, be strong and prevail. We have to stand together!”

Photo of Tasha Tripp; Look: homegameauction and Lunautics

Tripp also adds that while the road to success may be filled with barriers, it’s important to keep persevering.

“Sometimes when everything seems like it's falling apart, it's only because it's the building blocks to what's coming,” she adds.

Starting off as a festival photographer, Pena has been a creative force since she first stepped into the festival world, and has faced sexism by those threatened by her capabilities.

“I once had a male tell me in an interview that they were afraid I would be too powerful and they would be left out of important decisions if I was hired,” says Pena. “Nothing has fueled me more than that, because even though I didn’t get the job they unknowingly told me I had the power and I haven’t forgotten ever since.”

Pena has since gone on to start the Instagram page, Raveselfies, and become the founder, CEO and ground control of Lunautics - a cruelty free, vegan festival cosmetics brand.   

Lunautics Cosmic Crystals Whisper Face Jewels

Photo provided by homegameauction

“Don’t be afraid of your own success, and don’t limit yourself. If you smashed one goal, then make an even bigger one. Don’t dumb yourself down or limit your accomplishments to make someone else comfortable,” she shares. “Same goes for your friends - don’t be afraid of their success either. Celebrate it, because if it’s not your win this time around, it might just be the next time.”

Claudia Pena

Pena credits her success to the help and encouragement of other women in the festival industry, stating how important she believes it is for women to help other women reach their goals.

“It is so important for women and girls to lift each other up. Helping another person achieve their goals will always positively impact you, and you never know, that power can come back tenfold when you least expect it and benefit you immensely, like it has for me,” adds Pena.

Women such as Wenzday, Festfashions, Tripp and Pena are all a part of a movement focused around shaping the EDM industry into what its meant to be- a community of love, equality and acceptance for all.

Other female music producers such as REZZ, Alison Wonderland and WHIPPED CREAM are also a part of the same movement, fighting sexism with their craft and their success.

REZZ:

Alison Wonderland:

WHIPPED CREAM:

There are so many amazing women in the EDM industry, proving time and time again that your gender does not define your success. The women of EDM are creating, inspiring, diversifying and shaping the industry in so many unique ways, and they deserve recognition for their hard-earned success.

As fans, it’s important for us to appreciate and support the killer work all of these women are creating, and stop ourselves and others from making comments around their gender. Afterall, sexism is not PLUR.

Do you have a female role model in your life? Post her name as an honorable mention in the comments below!

But in all seriousness, I think a lot of us take our hearing for granted. I know I sure did for a long time. I think a lot of us assume that just because we don’t have any hearing issues now, we don’t need to worry about the unglamorous sides of raving, such as protecting our ears. Well, my fellow music lovers, I’m here to tell you that this couldn’t be further from the truth.

If I’m being honest here, I didn’t always take ear protection at festivals seriously. In fact, it wasn’t something that crossed my mind until I met my boyfriend, Jake. (If you haven’t already, you can check out this article for a back story on his condition).

While Jake’s condition wasn’t caused by improper ear care at music events - in fact, he actually wore earplugs even before his condition - tinnitus and hearing loss are very real, very common symptoms that result from ear damage caused by loud music.

Long exposure to sounds over 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss. Most festivals range between 95-110 decibels. Not-so-fun fact: that ringing you hear after a festival or concert is the sound of damage being caused to the tiny hairs in your ears. Long story short, hearing protection at shows is super important. 

Now, I know you’re probably thinking, “but I won’t be able to hear the music as well if I have earplugs in! I don’t want to kill my experience :(.”

Don’t worry! This is actually a huge misconception, and I’m here to debunk it :) Hooray!

Speaking from personal experience, I can tell you that earplugs do not prevent you from hearing the music. I wear them to every music event I attend, and I can still hear every wub, dub and drop perfectly, and yes, still loudly!

While it depends on the type, a lot of ear plugs simply filter out the excessively loud sounds while still allowing you to enjoy the sound at a safe level. In a lot of cases, the music doesn’t sound muffled or distorted.

Here’s a review of several different earplugs I’ve had experience with:

EarPeace:

EarPeace creates professional grade, high-fidelity hearing protection in three different styles: EarPeace HD for musicians and fans of live music (this is the one I have), EarPeace M for motorcycle riders and motorsports enthusiasts, and EarPeace S for anyone working in loud environments.

Cost: EarPeace HD plugs are 20.00 EUR

The Good: What’s great about EarPeace is they cause little to no distortion of the original sound with all frequencies. The experience is very similar to how it would sound if you weren’t wearing plugs at all, just without the damage (this is what is meant by high fidelity). The EarPeace HD plugs come with three filter sets - medium, high, and max protection - so you can adjust to your environment. I wore these plugs when I went to Shambhala, and I have to say out of all the plugs I’ve tried EarPeace was probably the most comfortable. They also come with a really convenient carrying case that can be clipped onto your keys or fanny pack.

The Cons: I will say that when the decibel level of the music reached over 100, I did find that these plugs caused more vibrations in my ear than usual.  

Overall, I really love these plugs and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking to invest in a solid pair of hearing protection that’s relatively inexpensive. They are also reusable, just be sure to wash them after each use. You can learn more and buy them here. 

Party Well:

Just like EarPeace, Party Well earplugs are also professional grade, high fidelity plugs. Party Well only offers a single style of plugs - the Hi-Fi Earplugs for Charity. Like the name suggests, Party Well is awesome because 100% of their event profits fund wells in developing countries, and every product sale will fund clean water. (Hooray)!  I also tried these out while at Shambhala, and as far as quality goes I would rank them in the same calibre as EarPeace. Party Well’s filters lower the Hi’s, Mid’s, and Low’s by 21 decibels, so the music comes in clearly and safely. However, due to their longer design I found that these plugs weren’t quite as comfortable as EarPeace, although they were still fairly comfortable and discrete. Their long design did play to some benefit, though. I was able to push them further into my ear, which helped reduce a lot of the extra vibrations I felt while wearing EarPeace. Party Well plugs also come with a handy carrying case that be clipped onto keys or a fanny pack. Still at a reasonable price, Party Well plugs come in at a regular price of 29.95 EUR. These plugs also earned my stamp of approval and a high recommendation. In my opinion, choosing between either Party Well or EarPeace really just comes down to preference. These are also reusable, just wash them after each use. Learn more & buy them here. 

Foam Earplugs:

These are the earplugs you often see being handed out at shows, or at the hardware store. What’s great about these is a lot of festivals have these plugs readily available, and they are often either given away for free at events or sold for just a few bucks. Foam plugs offer a lot of protection because the foam expands within your ear canal, leaving very little room for sound to enter. While you can still hear the music, these aren’t high fidelity plugs so the sound quality does get distorted to some extent. (Remember, these are designed to cut out the maximum amount of sound, not just extreme pitches). The foam design does offer greater benefit in regards to safety, as they cut out more decibels than hi-fi plugs. When wearing foam plugs, it’s really important to make sure you put them in and take them out correctly. To put them in:

1. With clean hands, pinch, squish and roll then plug into as narrow of a tube as possible
2. Reach over your head with your other hand, and gently pull your ear outwards and upwards to help open the ear canal
3. Insert the rolled plug into your ear with a slight turning motion. The entire plug should fit inside your ear, with only a small amount sticking out. Hold your ear in place for about 30 seconds so the foam has a chance to expand without working its way out.
4. If the plug is not inserted properly/too much is sticking out of your ear, take it out and try again.

While it isn’t incredibly common, you do run the risk of a foam plug breaking off while still in your ear. Although, this is more common if it is inserted improperly. If this happens to you, don’t panic! Do not try to pull it out yourself (your finger may push it deeper into your ear canal). Instead, head towards the nearest medical tent. They will remove the plug with a pair of tweezers.

Foam plugs are great for a cheap, easy, safe music experience. If you’re looking for extra protection, or a cheaper route, go with a pair of foamies. These plugs are only for single use, then they must be thrown away. You can buy a pair at the local hardware store or on Amazon. Pro tip: buy in bulk and bring extra pairs for your squad! #RaveMom

Custom Molded Earplugs

This is the godzilla of hearing protection. Personally, I haven’t had experience with a pair of custom molded plugs. However, they were one of the major reasons why my boyfriend, Jake, was able to return to the music scene again, so I would definitely recommend these to anyone with sensitive ears or someone looking for the max amount of ear protection. Just as you would expect, these plugs are created by taking custom molds of your ears, resulting in a shape and design that is tailored perfectly to you. With custom molds, you can get different degrees of sound filtration depending on your individual needs. In Jake’s case, he went with the maximum amount of sound reduction (full coverage, no filter), meaning his ears are protected AF. This also means that the sound quality is distorted and very quiet, but as I mentioned you can adjust the plugs to fit your specific needs. Since these are crafted to fit your individual ear, this is the most comfortable plug option. You will need a visit a hearing care professional in order to grab a pair of these bad boys. Unlike other plugs, custom molds typically fill the entire ear as opposed to just the inner-ear canal. These plugs can get pricey, typically coming in between $100-$150 dollars. If you’re looking to invest in a really amazing pair of plugs, talk to your hearing professional about if custom molds are right for you. Custom molded plugs are reusable, just be sure to wash them after every use. While they may seem a bit extreme, custom molded plugs allowed Jake to enjoy music events again (even if at a quiet volume), so I would highly recommended speaking to your doctor if you haven’t found luck with other plugs.

There are tons of different earplug brands out there, all ranging in price and quality. Before making your purchase, I suggest doing some research to discover which brand and style is right for you. Remember, any plug is better than no plug. So, make sure you grab a pair before hitting your next event. Take care of your ears now so you can enjoy the music for many years to come.

It’s no secret that there is a lingering misconception that festivals are only a means to party, and aren’t about the music, experience or culture. As a raver myself, I know this is far from the truth for majority of festival goers, myself included.

Are there people that use/abuse substances at EDM shows? Of course. If we’re being real, I think we can all agree that drug and/or alcohol abuse is present at most events, regardless of genre. So, why are ravers left with such a heavy stigmatization?

I find that when I combat this stereotype with the obvious, “you know that’s not what EDM shows are all about, right?” I’m often left with eyebrow raises and silent screams of, “yeah, right."

It seems like the people with the strongest opinion about ravers tend to be those who have never actually been to an electronic event. (But it isn’t exactly news that humans often judge what they don’t know).

I wanted to dive deeper into the topic of sober raving and look past the lens of my own personal experience. So, I decided to dig up some truth and have open and honest conversations with active festival goers.

In order to protect their identity, the names of all listed sources has been changed unless otherwise indicated.  

Alan Nelson is both a festival attendee and volunteer, offering a helping hand with harm reduction crews. While it is mandatory to be sober as a volunteer, Nelson says he sticks with the non-enhancement route even while off the clock, aside from the occasional drink or two.

“My personal feeling is that I don’t really understand the need for any enhancements because I am one of those people who actually experiences a euphoric feeling from some music. It sends chills up my spine in some cases, and it makes me so happy to be in a crowd of people that enjoy the music as much as I do,” says Nelson. “I want to remember everything I see and do. Life is an experience to be lived, memories are what we keep! [However], I will never look down or ridicule anyone for their choices to enhance their experience.”

Nelson isn’t the only community member who uses the crowd’s energy to feel euphoria.

Arthur Fellock, an active member of the electronic scene, has been attending music festivals for the past six years. While the strobing lights haven’t always found him sober, Fellock says sobriety is now his preferred way to rave.

“I think sober raving should be encouraged way more than it currently is. As someone who has experienced both sides, I think the biggest fear people have is that they’re worried they won’t have as much fun sober. Personally, I found the opposite to be true,” says Fellock. “Choosing to rave sober allows me to remember and fully appreciate the sets I’m paying to see, and it lets me experience everything for what it is. That being said, if someone wants to rave under the influence I think it’s important not to judge them for it, to each their own, right? Creating a judgment-free place is what the EDM community is all about. Of course, if you are using substances it’s important to always be safe, and if you do find yourself in an unsafe situation make sure you utilize a harm reduction team. That’s the most important thing.”

For ravers like Nelson and Fellock, adrenaline and heavy bass are the only stimulants they need rushing through their veins. However, not all festival goers feel the same way.

Event attendees such as Steven Simon say that while “[attending festivals] is all about the music and the people,” the use of drugs and alcohol do contribute to their overall experience.

“These things should be tools to enhance the experience and not be the reason for it in the first place. Sober raving as a statement can be a great tool to foster more responsible rave goers, and if party favours are going to be used then be smart and be safe...A safe time can always be a good time,” says Simon.

While illicit substances -and in rare cases, alcohol- are banned at events, the most important thing for attendees to remember is to rave safely. If you do choose to use drugs or alcohol, making use of harm reduction teams, safe spaces, testing kits and water stations is critical. A safe rave = a fun rave.

The implementation of harm reduction teams, such as Ankors and Indigo in Western Canada, work to provide information, safe spaces, testing services and harm reduction practices in order to provide safe festival experiences, free of judgment. Ground Control and Conscious Crew are also amazing safety teams on the West Coast in the United States. Be sure to google if the event you’re attending has a safety crew on site.

Harm reduction teams also alleviate stress from on-site medical teams, and reduce the amount of people sent to medical tents and hospitals. You won’t get in trouble or kicked out of the event if you or a friend needs help, or even just a safe space to chill if things get out of hand. Often times, harm reduction teams even have things on site such as water, bananas, Tylenol or Pepto Bismol.

Photo provided by Indigo

“I wanted to bring a reliable, safe, professional organization to Alberta that focus[es] on these demographics because there was no current support [being] offered,” says Shelby Young (real name) the director and founder of Indigo.

Young says that being a member of the EDM community herself, she has witnessed first hand the level of risk and danger that can occur at events without proper information, education and safety measures put in place.

“We strive to deliver access to scientifically-based harm reduction strategies and services to promote health education in a safe, supportive and unbiased environment. We encourage community members to make conscious, well-informed decisions for their health and well-being...We do not encourage any consumption of drugs or condemn, but acknowledge harmful behaviors that are within the nightlife, large events and festival communities,” adds Young. “A lot of harmful situations can be avoided if you are provided with the right information about the substance, like set and setting.”

However, it is important to remember that despite efforts made by harm reduction teams, the dangers of Fentanyl and Carfentanil remain a very serious reality. Even slight traces of Fentanyl and Carfentanil can be deadly when consumed and do not show up on most toxic screen testing. As these drugs are often passed off as other substances, the safest way to protect yourself from drug-related risk is to refrain from substance use.

I think it’s clear that the truth behind rave culture runs much deeper than labels and stereotypes. Regardless of raving preference -sober or not-, the overarching consensus appears to be simple: don’t judge others for their choices, the music comes first and to always be safe. If someone outside the community really wants to know what makes up the magic behind electronic festivals, experience it for yourself. However, you choose to rave, make sure you do it with an open mind, without judgment and most importantly, do it safely.  

For pretty much my entire life, I’ve been told that drugs are bad for you and to not take them. Hell, I even took D.A.R.E when I was in middle school to learn what different drugs did and why NOT to use them. I’m not condoning drug usage, I’m promoting drug EDUCATION. Drug usage cannot be 100% prevented since it not only takes place at raves, but also at homes and parks. By shutting down DanceSafe at Electric Forest, the only thing the festival was doing was preventing attendees from knowing what is in their drugs and possibly making an unsafe, uneducated decisions and future decisions due to that lack of knowledge. It’s extremely important to, at the very least, know what you’re taking by doing a simple test. For all a person knows, that ‘ecstasy’ that they’re about to take is mixed with other chemicals that could possibly kill you if you take the wrong dosage or mixture. Drug education not only educates us about drugs, but drug safety as well. We become more aware of what we consume and put ourselves at risk for if we decide to take a drug with unknown elements. We can’t shy away from this topic and cannot address it simply with force as we can all see, that never works. So if we won’t allow DanceSafe to be a part of the solution, who is to blame? 

Could it be law enforcement? Fuck the police, or at least that’s what everyone says. However, police officers working events are only there to watch out for our safety, but by mainly putting them there to catch people holding onto drugs doesn’t help much. Sure, they can catch people who are trying to sneak drugs in, but that only encourages many hide their drugs better or to consume almost ALL of their drugs before they reach security, which is obviously extremely dangerous! I’ve heard from many that as long as you don’t have enough to make it seem like you’re selling, the police will just confiscate your drugs and let you in, but don’t take my word for that; that’s not always the case. The police truly care about our safety and are there to help prevent deaths to the best of their abilities. Some love raves just as much as we do! So if not the police, whom should we blame?

Ourselves. I wouldn’t necessarily call it blame, but responsibility. It’s our responsibility to research exactly what we’re getting ourselves into and what the possibilities could entail. After every big music festival (raves specifically) there is at least 1 person reported dead and the media loves to blow this up because it creates such a solid link between raves and drug usage. They don’t take into account that both the Electric Daisy Carnival and Paradiso had insane temperatures of over 100 degrees possibly causing hundreds to become dehydrated, but we can’t put all the blame on the weather so the responsibility once again falls into our hands. We already knew what the weather was going to be like, so it was up to those who attended either festival to best prepare themselves for that intensity. For those who decided to become intoxicated through alcohol or drug consumption and had to be taken to first aid, they probably forgot to take into account that the heat would dehydrate them a lot faster. I’m not saying that we should blame ourselves for these misfortunes, but rather our lack of education, preparedness, and help from those around us. I’ve heard too many stories from this year’s EDC on how there was a person that was either having a seizure or fainting right next to them and no one stopped to help them. As a fellow raver, I wouldn’t want my friend to be put in that unfortunate situation and I try my best to help those around me. Just because the person right next to you isn’t your immediate friend doesn’t mean that you’re exempted from helping them; put yourself in their shoes!

Keep this in mind: While we can’t put all of the blame on yourselves, we have to take responsibility for ourselves! Freak accidents happen and there’s nothing we can do to stop them. The only thing we can do is educate ourselves, make sure that we are fully aware of what we put into our systems and the possible harm that may happen, take into account all of the possible factors (weather, location, etc), help a fellow raver out, and to learn from other’s mistakes!