Why underground raves have never been more vital

In today’s increasingly commercialised and commodified rave culture, it can be easy to feel a little hopeless. Seeing the culture’s values eroded in the name of profit is saddening.

But there are still many outfits organising underground events, whether in official spaces or more “off-grid”. These parties hold true to the core ideals of rave culture and they have never been more vital.

Here’s why…

THEY’RE FOR PEOPLE, NOT PROFIT
When you value the people at the event and take time to cultivate a genuinely engaged and passionate community, you win. Perhaps the profit margins might be small - maybe even in the minus - but putting people first is what makes for a better world. They might not pay the bills, but they’ll enrich you in ways that money can’t.

THE ENERGY IS DIFFERENT
Underground events facilitate positive energy. Fewer phones and less judgement, more dancing and connection. This energy is not only essential to a great event, but it also reverberates out through the ravers themselves into wider society. Good vibes travel far, and the world needs this more than ever.

THEY’RE A STEP CLOSER TO FREEDOM
In a world that’s becoming increasingly constrained by invisible rules, surveillance, self-policing and self-censorship, underground events offer freedom. This liberation is essential for humanity today, challenging the status quo and offering space for a powerful form of rebellion.

THEY OFFER TRUE CONNECTION
In direct opposition to the algorithm and its influence over disconnection and isolation, underground raves bring everyone together in the spirit of the culture’s roots. There’s unequivocal power in people coming together and uniting.

THEY ARE A REMINDER OF WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT
The best underground events stay true to the simplicity of what made rave culture so potent in the first place. With the world becoming more and more dominated by capitalist ideals, they remind us of the importance of coming together, dancing, enjoying life in the moment and letting our troubles disappear into the ether.