5 Real Facts About Raves

So there are these tips about club drugs and raves from the FBI that have been making the rounds on the internet lately. From reading them, you would think that everyone who attends raves are criminals and drug addicts. The FBI fear mongering is in full effect as the agency gives parents what they think are useful tips about what happens at raves.

There are some choice highlights in there. Their description of the actual rave, "dangerously over crowded parties where your child can be exposed to rampant drug use and a high-crime environment" is a dime. They attempt to describe what all promoters are like, accusing them of capitalizing on the effects of club drugs. Next up, they describe an elusive cooling room they heard about from a guy who heard from a guy who heard from a guy outside a rave one time a while back. (As someone who has been to hundreds of shows in several different countries, that cooling room still remains something undiscovered.) Looking at this, one can question if these guys have ever been outside their office and stepped into a "rave." The answer is probably not, since suits don't really fit into the rave ascetic unless it is worn ironically. You have to admit: seeing an FBI suit with a glow stick crown and light up gloves would be too much to handle.

Instead of taking the FBI's tips on what a rave is and how to handle them, we are here to educate you parents (and kids too) on the truths (with a side of sarcasm) of the rave:

1. People Are Having Fun

The people at these shows are there to have a great time. Shocking right? So if you or your child goes, you will have a great time, surrounded by people having fun, quality music and a fun atmosphere.

2. The Music is Loud

This is no joke. Rock concerts are loud too, but dance music is heavy on the bass and thus hurts even more. The expression, "If it is too loud, you're too old," may sound cool, but it will leave you with some awful ringing ears the next day and possibly tinnitus sooner then you think. Make sure you protect your ears when you go to show because it will be worth it down the line. You don't want to be the 60-year-old grandpa who can't hear a word of what his / her grandkids are saying to him.

3. People Wear What They Want and Don't Care What You Think

Weird costumes are a part of dance culture. The stereotypical rave outfits feature furry boots, "kandi" and small, almost bathing suit like tops and bottoms. The look originated on the west coast, but has spread across the United States. That does not mean everyone is wearing this type of clothing. At festivals during the summer, less is more usually, but for indoor events, skin starts to get covered. Expect a lot of bright colors and some creative outfits.

4. People Do Drugs - But That Happens Everywhere

Sorry to burst your bubble people, but drug use happens at every show regardless of the genre. Remember the 60s? Those people don't either! They were all so high; many still have come down yet. While Ecstasy was critical to the spread of dance music and club culture in its beginnings, now the genre has developed into a multi-billion dollar industry that is no longer dependent upon drug use. It is still pretty prevalent, but it is not something that is pushed into your face at every turn.

5. There Are Many Different Types Of Shows

There are the big festivals, there are small club shows and there are the traditional concert halls that hold 750 to 5000 people. Dance music shows are held at all types of venues and cities across the country, from New York City to Boise, Idaho. There are many different genres of dance music from your mainstream, commercial, synthy sounds that you find on the radio by Avicii and Calvin Harris to more high energy electro and aggressive sounds like The Glitch Mob, The Bloody Beetroots or even Skrillex. Then there is, of course, the underground, where there is a flourishing differing amount of styles and sounds from deep house to techno to minimal. If you or your child doesn't like the one show they went to for some reason -- the venue wasn't great or the style of music wasn't to their liking -- there will be plenty more shows coming up soon. In larger markets like New York City, Los Angeles or Chicago there will be more options, but even in the secondary and tertiary markets you will find a growing variety of dance events to choose from.

At the end of the day, be smart, stay safe and use your common sense. If it feels wrong, it probably is. There will be temptations at the show, whether it is alcohol, drugs or hooking up with a stranger. However, just know yourself, have a good group of friends around you looking out for you and know your limits. This isn't rocket science; you don't need the FBI to tell you how to have fun.

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FBI