Here’s What 10 Headliners Look Like When They’re Not at Festivals

We all journey down different paths in our daily lives. Some of us are students, others are firefighters, educators, pro athletes and security guards, to name a few. When we venture to a festival, however, we remove our costumes and transform into truer versions of ourselves, meeting in a world that allows us to leave all our worries (and our boring-ass clothes) behind.

Insomniac celebrates #TransformationTuesday by asking 10 unique Headliners to discuss their lives in and out of uniform.

Headliner: Paul | Profession: Wheeled recovery mechanic in the US Army

Profession: Wheeled recovery mechanic in the US Army
Why do you love dance music culture?
When I was eight, my sisters began teaching me about rave culture and raised me as a kandi kid. I had no friends and was made fun of for being different. I love the culture because when I went to my first rave in 2007, I finally felt accepted for who I was. It was the greatest feeling I’ve ever felt.
How does the culture influence your daily life?
Rave culture is my life. It has been my way of life for 16 years. I live by the life values of PLUR.

Headliner: Nick | Profession: Wildland firefighter

Why do you love dance music culture?
This culture is everything I love in the world—the connection of like-minded people and unbridled freedom of expression. It is who I am, down to the inner core of my being. It is my key to ultimate, sustainable happiness.
How does the culture influence your daily life?
I live a 24/7 EDM lifestyle, and everything I do revolves around the many avenues of expression related to this culture. I throw my own events, and a majority of my focus goes to evolving the way people interact with each other and the environment in the EDM scene.
PS: Does Nick look familiar? You’ll probably remember his face from Under The Electric Sky. Haven’t seen it? Grab a copy or check it out on Netflix.

Headliner: Mirage | Profession: Purchasing & insurance coordinator

Why do you love dance music culture?
I love this culture because it makes me feel like I’m free—free from the daily rituals, judgments and responsibilities. I feel like I can finally be myself and be with people that share my same passions.
How does the culture influence your daily life?
The culture has shown me that the grass is greener on the other side. It has given me a sense of peace that I use to deal with life’s daily hassles and strife.

Headliner: Gabriel | Profession: Security guard

Why do you love dance music culture?
I fell in love with the culture after my first rave at Nocturnal Wonderland 2013. I felt like I found a place where I belonged and clicked with everyone. It’s nice being with people who genuinely look out for each other.
How does the culture influence your daily life?
It influenced me to be a better person and to show PLUR to the world, whether it be helping someone push his car or giving your last two dollars to the person asking for money on the sidewalk. Even when people are rude, I smile at them because I know I’m a happier person.

Headliner: Jake | Profession: Entrepreneur at NOJOKEJ

Why do you love dance music culture?
It makes me feel like I belong somewhere. Other than the dancing, the music and the image, you have the people and the love. We, the people, get to express ourselves for exactly who we are in a non-judging free-love movement. That’s rare to find in today’s world.
How does the culture influence your daily life?
It’s influenced everything. Besides listening to EDM throughout the day, it’s made me more adventurous, generous, active, strange, caring, humble and self-assured. I couldn’t imagine my life without it. It’s almost a religious experience.

Headliner: Charlotte | Profession: Cosmetologist/designer

Why do you love dance music culture?
I love that no matter how much life or people get me down, I can stomp it all away to the bass and find peace in the melody.
How does the culture influence your daily life?
Rave culture has shown me that there can really be peace, love, unity and respect between vastly different people if you let it happen. EDM unites us all!

Headliner: Stanton | Profession: Pro Jet Ski ocean freerider

Why do you love dance music culture?
I love this culture because it’s a family of people you’ve never met. Every event feels like a huge family reunion of fanatics just like you. Respect above all else.
How does the culture influence your daily life?
The culture has shown me that there are still good people in the world. Many times, I see nothing but negative things; but when I’m at raves, I’m reminded of the positivity in people. That’s something very special to me.

Headliner: Jean-Claude | Profession: Children’s playground design consultant

Why do you love dance music culture?
I was exposed to this culture about two years ago while I was going through a horrible divorce. From the very first rave, I experienced so much love, togetherness, and the freedom to be who you truly are. It truly is a magical environment.
How does the culture influence your daily life?
First and foremost, it inspired me to get in shape. I was 45 pounds overweight and was able to lose that weight after a year of raving. Second, it inspires me to be a better person and accept others for who they are. It’s taught me to enjoy every minute of life.

Headliner: Crystal | Profession: Restaurant manager on the Las Vegas Strip

Why do you love dance music culture?
Sometimes, I think a lot about things that stress me out. When I listen to EDM, I feel alone—but in a good way. I’m drawn into a different world where I can relax and just be me.
How does the culture influence your daily life?
This culture has influenced me to be more open than I used to be. I think it comes from being able to meet and befriend new people because of the shared love we have for the music.

Headliner: Daniele | Profession: Full-time mom

Why do you love dance music culture?
This scene is like no other. In it, there is a place for everyone. Nobody will judge you based on what you look like or what you wear. You can be who you truly are without fear of being rejected. That’s what I love about this community.
How does the culture influence your daily life?
Peace, love, unity, respect and responsibility are important concepts in my family’s daily lives, and I try to instill them in my two young children. Peace when you’re angry; love when you hate; unity as a family and as a community; respect for those who may be different; and responsibility not only for yourself, but also for what you put out into the world. I hope that one day, my children will have a community as large, diverse and open as our EDM community.

If you would like the chance to celebrate Transformation Tuesday with Insomniac, please email your best transformation photos to [email protected].

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