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Electric Dance Music & Drugs. Affects, experiences, perspectives, and the future. EDM, Drugs, & Us. With the recent deaths of two young adults NYC’s Electric Zoo Festival, we are faced with the question of what the future entails for EDM music and the use of drugs.
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Electric Dance Music & Drugs Affects, experiences, perspectives, and the future.
EDM, Drugs, & Us • With the recent deaths of two young adults NYC’s Electric Zoo Festival, we are faced with the question of what the future entails for EDM music and the use of drugs. • The drug people seem to use the most while attending these events: Molly – the designer drug. • What started off as an underground genre of music, only played in clubs, has now grown to one of the most popular music within the young community. • So, what’s the reason behind people and their interest with this drug? What makes this drug so enticing that people seem to love it a little too much and endanger themselves? How will this affect the mentality of young adults in the future?
EDM, Drugs & US Cont’ • Why it sparks my interest: • I absolutely LOVE EDM music • People I’ve known have taken drugs to listen to this kind of music, and I would like to know the reason for it • I’ve seen people overdose and almost die – what is so interesting about being at the edge of death when taking this drug?
Heath Risks • Molly or MDMA may provide a more than enjoyable time at an electronic music concert but its health risks are much more to be concerned about. • Psychological affects include confusion, depression, anxiety, inability to sleep, and paranoia. The physical aftermath of taking MDMA can include muscle tension, clenching of the teeth, blurred vision, faintness, sweating, chills and nausea. • Liver damage, depression, loss in serotonin, dehydration, hypothermia, and kidney failure have all been reported in the use of MDMA. • MDMA can be cut with different kinds of OTHER drugs – this includes ephedrine, caffeine, cocaine, and PCP-like chemicals. • It’s usually ingested orally however, people have been known to snort it as well.
“You and I could paint the sky together…” • Flashing lights, lyrics that speak of love and passion, and the crowd reaching for the DJ like he was some kind of God, is what EDM is all about. • Life is a party, live your life freely, no regrets – lose yourself. • Drugs have always been a part of the dance culture. Not only does EDM music evoke a desire to lose yourself, disco, rock and pop music all had some sort of inspirations from drug use. • People are allowed to dress in colorful, outlandish clothing – glow sticks, light shows, crazy hair and sometimes painted bodies all encompass the rave culture. • Even without taking drugs, you can find yourself tapping your foot to an entrancing electronic song solely because of its beat and melody. • “MDMA is a stimulant that produces euphoria, increased energy and confidence, agreeableness, a sense of emotional connection and closeness with others, and an increased appreciation for sound, color, light and touch.”
The Future of EDM and Drugs • So where do we go from here?What’s the future of people, music, and drugs? • With the cancellation of the Electric Zoo Festival, people had took to Twitter and Facebook to release their emotions. Mostly anxious posts, they seemed to be angry at the fact that these deceased people we’re ruining their weekend of fun. • Instead of mourning, they were selfish – it’s apparent that the younger generations will only get worse as the years come. With the quick rise of electronic dance music, and how younger generations have easier access to obtaining drugs, it’s not easy to say that the combination will die down.
Personal Reflection • For someone who is an avid listener to electronic dance music, I’ve definitely found the answer for my questions. I think every thing ranging from the positives to the negatives have all been pointed out. • Both physical and mental affects have its ups and downs but I’ve come to the conclusion that the future of EDM and drugs is going to progress. • Yes, people will continue to take drugs and listen to music, but that allows them to realize what they’re taking and how to handle themselves, how to be responsible about it, and maybe realizing that it’s not the right thing for them. • I’m absolutely in love with the music and wouldn’t give up something that gives me butterflies in my stomach. Just because people take drugs to listen to EDM doesn’t mean I have to. • I cannot wait for my next trip to an EDM festival!
Bibliography • Hyde, Jesse. "Ecstasy Rising." Rolling Stone 1160/1161 (2012): 58. Academic Search Complete. Web. 2 Dec. 2013. • Mason, Kerri. "Electric Dispute." Billboard 125.35 (2013): 4-6. Academic Search Complete. Web. 2 Dec. 2013. • Halpern, J. H., A. R. Sherwood, and J. I. Hudson. "MDMA." Information from Drugs.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2013. • Starker, Adam, D. Davison, A. C. Parrott, K. V. Kavanaugh, and T. L. Anderson. "Drugs and Dance Music Culture, Part 1: The Importance of Ecstasy." YourEDM RSS. N.p., 14 Aug. 2012. Web. 02 Dec. 2013. • Liache, Jay. "Electric Zoo, Altamont, And The Future Of EDM: “We Have Failed” (Op-Ed)."WhiteRaverRafting. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2013. • "It's Not EDM's Fault: An Honest Look at Dance Music's Relationship With Drugs."Complex.com. N.p., 3 Sept. 2013. Web. 02 Dec. 2013.
