Where are my rave babes and beat freaks at?! Ever since I went to Hijinx for the New Year’s weekend in Philadelphia, I’ve been missing the overwhelming freedom that comes with strobe lights, trippy visuals, and dancing with strangers. Not just that, but the fashion, the bass, the smell of every kind of smoke, the sticky floors, and city streets filled with people gave me a renewed sense of hope for 2022. Festival season is loading and my trend predictions are formulating.
Raves have always provided me and so many others with the outlet to briefly become a new human, or alien, if you prefer. It was like finding a sanctuary when I started attending raves two years ago and began wearing whatever made me feel loud and proud. To give you an idea, it includes a lot of ridiculous, graphic t-shirts, overworn sneakers, and brightly printed pants that I hope no one else owns. Leading up to Hijinx, I couldn’t wait to break out a new wig and observe all the beautiful beings around me.
The NYE celebration in the city started before my bestie and I even arrived at the Convention Center. Only a few blocks from our hotel, we managed to get lost in the bitter cold night. Thankfully, the PLUR community never fails to identify themselves. We followed the mass herds of ravers adorned with Kandi, fishnets, and hydration packs. Standing in line to enter the event (anxiously awaiting security checks), a jersey clad fellow turned to his newly found acquaintances. In between vape hits he stated, “I’m from California. I only came out here this weekend to get wild.” Embracing his energy and keeping my mask on, I hiked up my leg warmers and marched right for the main stage.
All around me the crowd moved in flux with the beat as one mesmerizing mass of energy. Lights of every color poured around me, highlighting smiles, laughs, make out sessions, and the occasional passionate cry. My heart was full again and my feet were moving as close to a shuffle as I could make them. For two nights, I broke away from worrying about transferring to a new university, my low bank account, and my general living-in-a-rural-hometown blues. The city girl weekend blessed me with hot Instagram content, ‘psychedelic kitty’ embellished Kandi, and a hangover headache, so I couldn’t forget how much fun I had.
Now, for those trends…
- Women DJ’s (Let’s make this a forever thing, please!)
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Ladies, I don’t know about you, but I have grown a bit weary of seeing the same faces at every EDM event. According to a 2021 study by Marie C. Gotting, women make up just 2% of the music production industry in the United States. What’s a girl to do? While I adored Excision, Wooli, and Illenium providing the Hijinxers with ear splitting and brain rattling beat drops, I was heartbroken by Alison Wonderland’s absence. She unfortunately was unable to attend last minute because of a COVID exposure and I certainly respect a wise decision to stay safe. So instead of gushing over Ms. Wonderland’s awesomeness, allow me to enlighten you with some wave-making women that I hope to see more of this year:
First up, New Jersey-native rapper and DJ UNIIQU3. Most recently, this trendsetter just earned a GOLD RECORD recognition for the single ‘Have Mercy’ by icon Chloe Bailey. One just has to shake it when they hear her sample from “Girls Off the Chain” featured on the track. Gold status is just her jumping off point. She has a new music video for her far-out single ‘MICRODOSING’ coming out soon, as well as a feature on the new track “Hold Up” produced by Whipped Cream with Big Freedia and Moore Kismet.
[A clarifying note – Moore Kismet is a non-binary identifying artist and uses [they/them/theirs]
“Hold Up” stands above other songs circulating the EDM world right now with its empowering message. In an Instagram post, Whipped Cream writes that the message for the track is “I am who I am whether you like it, accept it or not, and I was born to do this, be here and shine, I might even inspire others to keep being themselves too.” Sheesh, those aren’t tears in my eyes…just the gleam of a lady happy to see other women killing it.
- 2010’s Revival
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I can’t be the only one who is adoring the resurgence of what magazines and blogs alike are calling ‘indie sleaze’. One Vogue article describes it as “a messy amalgam of ‘90s grunge and 80’s opulence.” In addition, @indiesleaze on Instagram writes in their bio that they’re “documenting the decadence of mid-late aughts and the indie sleaze party scene that died in 2012”. Oh, and that Pinterest board you made back in 2013 sums it up pretty well, too!
My definition would be something along the lines of a deconstructed Y2K look that is made up of shirts you stole from your friends at sleepovers, shoes with dirty laces, always a handbag or backpack of sorts, and mismatching jewelry [my favorite is silver + gold + pearls + rings that are rusted but still chic]. If you’re headed to a rave, try some leg warmers [functional and stylish, adds texture], a strappy bag or fanny pack [stop losing your stuff!], and a makeup look with contrasting eye shadows, excessive glitter, or colored lashes (or all three!).
- Lovin’ Your Homies
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After spending so much time in quarantine, raves are one way to reconnect with your people in an environment all about big hugs, high fives, and being present. If you are in need of the company of some fellow earthlings, try bringing a flow toy to a show and see where the music moves you. Self-love never goes out of style. A highlight of Hijinx was making bracelets with my bestie Ash before the event and chatting about how excited we were to be going out. Dropping into those moments with the people you care about is the essence all raves, festivals, and concerts really try to capture. Every picture posted is a way of keeping that memory around, so take a bunch! There’s no shame in it!
Looking back on my weekend in Philly, I am extremely grateful for the comfort and inspiration Hijinx brought me and my rave-till-the-grave best friend. Rave safe, be yourself, and support your local lady DJs!
HCXO, Aimee