EDM and Ecstasy : the lived experiences of electronic music festival attendees

Abstract

This study aimed to provide a comprehensive exploration of the lived experiences of individuals who attended a multi-day electronic dance music festival. The present study was primarily interested in the perceived beneficial changes within the individual, following their festival experience. As well, we investigated if first time festival attendees perceived changes differed to those of returning individuals. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were used to collect data from 12 individuals who attended the 2015 Electronic Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas. Six participants were first-time attendees while the remaining 6 were individuals returning to the festival. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Within the data emerged the following central themes: 1) escape 2) communitas, and 3) self-reported changes; there were 11 subthemes These findings add to the existing body of music festival literature, further contextualizing how music festivals are both experienced, and reflected upon by individuals. Three central themes from festival attendees were narrated: the ability to escape from everyday routines and surroundings, opportunities for social interaction and acceptance, and exploration of values alternative outlooks on life. Further, this study highlights the potential lasting changes individuals’ experience from attending electronic dance music festivals.