How money ruins rave culture

Rave culture has always had a business element. Most events rely on some kind of financial structure, from selling tickets to booking DJs. Money is a crucial part of the process when organising parties, as many grassroots events will attest.

However, over the course of four decades, rave culture has been impacted more and more by corporate interests. Sometimes positive, sometimes not so positive. While it’s an important aspect of today’s industry, here’s how money ruins rave culture…

CORPORATES CAN STRANGLE GRASSROOTS SETUPS

When big money monopolises venues or artist bookings, grassroots events and promoters suffer because their pockets simply aren’t as deep. In a competitive market, multi-million pound businesses will almost always come out on top.

MONOPOLIES QUASH LOCAL INPUT

When a small handful of international companies control most of the industry, it leaves little
room for local voices to contribute to the culture. Smaller provincial crews and collectives are a key channel for diversity.

MONEY MOTIVATED DECISIONS ECLIPSE CULTURE

When a booker, or promoter, or artist is driven exclusively by financially-motivated decision making, they can often compromise the integrity of the culture. Decisions made to serve corporate and financial interest can prioritise profitability over preserving the purity of the art.

IT CAN CREATE A MONOCULTURE

When art and culture become dominated by money and wealth, it can be harder for those with lower financial status to break through and succeed. Music then becomes a playground for the rich, leading to a monoculture.