Lights

It was a slightly cold Friday, and our dress attire was not apt for the night. Thankfully we only had to walk around downtown El Paso for a few minutes before we got to the desired destination. We were waiting in line for a few minutes before we were let inside the venue, strangely, we were patted down like criminals, especially the boys. They searched our bags and pockets, and made us throw away the strangest items, like gum for example. Many of the people inside the venue looked very young, and were dressed in strange attire. Some girls were just in bikinis and fishnet tights, while others were dressed a little more "modest" wearing just booty shorts and crop tops. I didn't really understand what was going on. Some of the boys were shirtless with just pants or shorts, while both males and females were covered in what is called "kandi" - basically little colorful bead bracelets that they exchange with other "rave kids." 

Completely new to this scene, I was amazed at how everyone interacted with each other. Complete strangers going up to other strangers and taking pictures or discussing music interests. My friend Autumn, was explaining to me how its part of the "rave culture" or "PLUR life." Plur stands for "peace, love, unity, respect." All this rave and plur life instantly got my attention. 

While the show began, most of the crowd was just standing and listening to the opening artists. They were a hardcore underground dub-step couple who were taking the stage. It seemed like many of the people in the crown weren't really into the firsts DJ's. Many of them were just sitting around with their group of friends, or walking around the venue meeting new people, granted there was literally only about 25 people tops at the beginning. Once the main DJ's started playing their set, more and more people started to show up. 

At this point, security was doubled. Reason being is because at events like this many people tend to do recreational drugs. This is why they band the chewing gum and certain edible things, because they are drug related. 

Being a rave kid is basically like a subculture: there are certain things people wear to shows, a certain behavior people have, even the drugs people take. Calling yourself a "rave kid" in this generation isn't the best way to get people to be interested in you, not many people like this new musical culture that has become very popular within the past few years. Of course, there are those that swear and live by "eat, sleep, rave, repeat." 

Seeing everyone interact together and help each other out during the entire show was very refreshing, you dont see that at many shows. When one goes to a concert, its usually every man on their own, here, there was a sense of community - girls helping other girls in the restroom for whatever reason, and people spotting each other with drinks.