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Untalented Djs and the Rise of Rave Culture

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Untalented Djs and the Rise of Rave Culture
Electronic dance music, more commonly known as EDM, has recently become a powerful industry in mainstream-entertainment. EDM features DJs playing prerecorded mixes, and famous DJs like Tiesto and Skrillex are paid millions of dollars each year for performances. Despite this popularity, many musicians refuse to affiliate their careers with DJs, arguing DJing requires no musical talent. Ed Montano, a musical history professor at Macquarie University, believes DJs are unfairly exploiting the music industry for money and self-proclaimed fame via technologically produced music. However, University of London professor Bill Crow claims EDM is an innovative and creative example of music evolution that should be embraced in the music industry. Despite Crow’s optimism, Deadmau5’s astonishing success as a DJ proves his argument most credible. He claims DJing is not meant to showcase musicality, and admits EDM performances merely consist of pressing ‘play.’ He argues that sharp studio skills result in success. Each of these arguments fails to develop reasons why DJs are so popular – it has nothing to do with musicality or studio production. The success of mainstream EDM DJs is mostly due to the recent rise in rave culture among teenagers and young adults, along with the captivating atmosphere of these dance events. Imagine a haven with no judgment, racism, violence, or sexism – just happiness and equality. This foundational aspect inspired the motto of the rave scene, “PLUR,” which stands for Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect (Lenda). The common theme among ravers avoids violence and “spread[s] the love” to help others find their inner peace (Lenda). Raves began in London as part of a late 1950s youth movement. The culture developed hippie elements in the 60s with the popularity of the Beatles (Derbyshire). Raves continue evolving with the decades, and are currently viewed as mainstream entertainment in the United States. One of the most famous raves in the US today is the


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