By Wendy Martinez |Staff Writer|

Drug use and dangerous raves have always been negative stereotypes about the music genre, electric dance music (EDM).

“Don’t follow the hype, follow your heart,” is what many people say about this music genre that don’t believe in the negative judgments.

“I definitely agree with this. It upsets me when I hear people talking about going to these festivals and not going for the music but just because it’s what the ‘crowd’ is up to nowadays and go for other purposes rather than what these festivals are meant for. Uniting those who have a passion for this genre and celebrating it as one,” said CSUSB student Nelita Betanco.

The birth of EDM started in the 1970’s in the United States and United Kingdom, but did not gain much attention until the 1990’s.

Now, it is popular everywhere, and is hitting top charts on music websites like Beatport and iTunes.

It is even getting radio play, and talented artists’ work are being exposed to the public. 

Some artists have gone mainstream since the rise of this genre, such as David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Tiesto, and Martin Garrix, who are some of the most popular DJs.

EDM does not simply play the mainstream house sub-genre, but goes more in depth with trance, hardstyle, drum and bass, dubstep, techno, electro, and many more.

Music festivals for EDM have evolved with bigger and better technologies, and are often held throughout the U.S., especially in Southern California.

Insomniac, founded by CEO, Pasquale Rotella, is one of the main companies that has contributed to the rise of these festivals.  

Some festivals they hold throughout the year include: White Wonderland, Beyond Wonderland, Electric Daisy Carnival, Nocturnal Wonderland, and Escape from Wonderland.

Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) is the biggest festival, and is held every year in Las Vegas, Nevada, with almost 400,000 fans, more than 200 acts, carnival rides, food, drinks, and fireworks constantly going off.

“I’ve been to a couple small raves throughout the years but always wanted my first official festival to be big, so I went to EDC and it was far beyond anything I expected. I couldn’t believe the atmosphere I was in, never in my life have I felt pure love and support from absolute strangers and what made it even better was that everyone wanted the same thing; to be happy,” said student, Chris Garcia.

“The feeling I get when I walk inside EDC is uplifting. All the financial, family, school, work problems are left outside of the speedway and all I can think of is having the time of my life. We’re young, we’re in college, one day this will all be over. So why not go out and make memories at EDC that you’ll look back and be like, yeah I had a good time, that one time at EDC,” said student, Monica Suazo.

Personally, I have been to this amazing music festival, and it fills my heart with joy that I am there to enjoy and share music together.

I went for the fist time this summer, where I experienced one of the best days of my life. The vibe was so friendly and the music was incredible.

I was never able to share my passion for this music genre with friends back in San Bernardino until I stepped foot on the grounds of EDC in Las Vegas.

People describe this culture and the festivals as “home,” a place where ravers can just let loose and be themselves with no judgment.