I purchased my first camera in 2009, and EDM (if you could call it that back then) was something I gravitated towards. I was Fool’s Gold Record’s first intern. The scene was small and people went purely for the music. Remember Blog House? Fast forward to 2014. Dance music festivals are everywhere, and molly is synonymous with them.
It’s unfortunate that two people died at this show. I don’t support drug use, and have always been sober at shows whether in the audience or while working. I’m able to enjoy myself and appreciate things for what they are. Asking people to stop rolling is a nice thought but it’s ineffective. People are always going to find a way to bring drugs into a festival. But if you’re going to roll, you should know what you’re getting into. There are resources such as Dance Safe and Roll Safe to learn about quality, dosage, etc. I understand that artists/promoters/venues can’t advocate safe drug use because that means they’re condoning illegal drug use. I don’t think this is the solution to the problem, and I don’t think that one exists, but it’s a step in the right direction. I’d like to believe that if people knew a little bit more these things would happen a lot less frequently.
With that said, 12,000+ people had the time of their lives and we shouldn’t forget that. This music is the soundtrack to a generation seeking an escape from the mundane. These festivals are a positive and inviting environment where people can let themselves go, which is awesome, but it shouldn’t cost them their lives.
