EDM in Movies: Do New Interpretations Affect Our Culture?

What does this mean for the scene?

The quality of writing in XOXO was lacking much more than We Are Your Friends, but it did bring about similar stereotypes that are often represented within the EDM community. The young, aspiring DJ, the friend manager (who’s not always that great), the bitter older person who hates the changes in EDM culture, the person who takes way too many drugs, etc. XOXO has a more sugar coated and cliche way in representing the (worst) elements of our culture, while WAYF attempted to show the production process, as well as the grit and consequences that can come from our actions.

The transition of EDM to movies could mean a few things for the scene. It brings rave culture into the public sphere, whether or not it is accurately represented. Representing EDM on a screen causes our culture to be presented for all to see. People that don’t know EDM or what we hope to represent will watch these movies and think that these stereotypes are what we’re all about.

There are many festivals that embrace the transformational lifestyle and work to show that we can bring pure openness and love to the outside world (like Shambhala or Atmosphere Gathering). But, the movies made about EDM thus far mostly represent the party aspect and corporate, big-room style festivals. If a movie was made that truly captured the essence of festival life, without being overly cliche and playing only on the stereotypes, then maybe EDM in movies could be a positive way to bring our culture mainstream.