From extravagant outfits to mesmerizing visuals, the rave scene attracts thousands of festivalgoers from across the country every year. And even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, enthusiasm is still high, as ravers are taking the culture to their own living rooms. 

Rave enthusiast and senior communication studies major Grace Glenn told The Panther that she watches virtual rave-a-thons from her couch, hosted by rave companies like Insomniac and Brownies and Lemonade. 

“My friends and I love to decorate our houses for the livestream raves,” Glenn said. “People get excited about the preparation of going to a rave and that’s been taken away, so we dress up and decorate from home.”

Many are heartbroken about the loss of in-person festivals since the start of the pandemic, but still showed their appreciation to the community as a whole. Glenn stated that meeting new people and building strong connections is what rave culture is all about, emphasized by its mantra of peace, love, unity, and respect (PLUR). Particularly, she expressed gratitude that rave companies and DJs are giving back to their fans by providing livestream events at no cost. Chapman alumna Andrea Stain echoed Glenn’s remarks.

“Raves are a way to make lifelong friendships, and they’re also escapes for some people or a way to release their negative energy and anger, which leaves them feeling renewed and refreshed,” Stain said. “I am very grateful that we live in an era where we’re not completely cut off from music because we can’t see it live anymore.”

Stain also iterated how online livestreams allow ravers to easily discover new artists. 

“When you watch livestream sets, you’re seeing a bunch of artists on one screen,” she said. “When you’re in person, you miss out on seeing every artist because you have to choose which sets to go to.”

Chapman alumna Brooke Harmon told The Panther that the pandemic has allowed her to make more friends through the rave community on Twitter. She even exchanges care packages with her new online friends.

“What I miss is the visuals: the lights, fireworks, and confetti,” Harmon said. “You can only experience the visuals to a limited extent through your computer screen.”

But what Harmon doesn’t miss is the discomfort that can sometimes ensue at festivals. 

“You can go to the bathroom whenever you want without having to wait in line,” Harmon said of remote raves. “Also staying hydrated is easier, since you don’t have to constantly revisit the busy water refill stations or buy overpriced water bottles.” 

Although various DJs are gathering in one spot to perform these live streams for its rave audiences, Glenn said it’s nothing to be alarmed about. The artists wear masks and the companies frequently disinfect the equipment.

“Insomniac Events created this character called Mr. Disinfecto who comes on screen and wipes down each set before the next DJ comes on,” Glenn said. “They respect that we’re still in a pandemic and have to remain responsible.”

Of course, despite the safety and convenience of a remote rave, Stain and others are still itching for the moment where they can once again attend a festival. 

“I miss sweating, dancing and screaming in a crowd of people,” Stain said. “Nothing compares to standing in a crowd of happy people.”