Dance Music Matriarch Erica Corona and the NorCal Raves Family

I had the pleasure of meeting Erica and her crew at this month’s Dreamstate San Francisco and was absolutely floored by her positivity.

At Insomniac, we are always on the lookout for Headliners who break the mold. There are hundreds of people to point to, but after receiving a tip from Bay Area DJ John Beaver, we knew Erica was special.

When she walked into the Dreamstate lounge for our interview, she was surrounded by a mob of friends. Everyone got a hug, and everyone was trading kandi. She was decked out from head to toe, complete with an Insomniac-style owl headdress. For such a small girl, you’d be surprised by how well she can fill a room.

Erica first moved to San Francisco (from Southern California) for school, and that’s where she learned about the rave community and the PLUR movement.

“This is where I call home,” she said. And she shows it.

In 2012, Erica and her rave family started NorCal Raves to act as a hub for Bay Area ravers, DJs and fans.

“From the time that NorCal Raves started, we’ve met so many ravers from events like EDC Orlando to anything in both SoCal and NorCal,” she said. “It’s about unity and togetherness.”

She told me NorCal Raves tries to hit up as many events as they can, just to keep the scene alive and get as many people involved as possible. Whether it’s an Insomniac event or some pop-up show, it’s just about keeping PLUR alive.

“We go around and show support for big-time and local DJs and just represent Northern California,” she explained.

Through Nor Cal raves, Erica has created a large following of friends that attend as many events as they can to spread their love and goodwill.

“If everyone lived the PLUR lifestyle everyday, then the world would be a happier place. I try to have a positive impact on everyone I meet everyday. Meeting new people, making new friends—that’s what I love to do,” she said.

Curtis Rendleman—otherwise known as the “Rave King” for his extravagant crown and impressive kandi—told me he brought one of his friends to Dreamstate just to meet the NorCal Raves family. “There aren’t too many local groups that stick together for a long time,” he said. NorCal Raves brings the community a lot of happiness. Whether it’s trading kandi or just handing out water bottles, we try to make sure everyone has a good time. That’s why I brought my friend to Dreamstate: because you can go to other shows, but they take care of each other here.”

That mentality permeates throughout NorCal Raves, and because of her efforts in the group, Erica has fostered a true rave family.

Maria Miranda, who has known Erica for two years, said, “Even though they aren’t my blood family, I consider them my family. They are the most caring people you’ve ever met. Erica is like mama bear. She’s always there to take care of you. Because of her passion, this family has grown into something else. Raving is so much more than it was in the ‘90s; it’s not just sex and drugs—it’s really about the people, the music, and the vibes. Erica is so passionate about the music. I consider her a sister. She’s crazy… but I love her. I drive two hours just to visit my rave family.”

That camaraderie is what it’s all about for Erica.

“I don’t have family in the Bay Area,” she said. “I came here by myself with nothing and made this town my own. My rave family is my blood family. They have taken me in, and I’ve met so many people just by going to shows and meeting DJs.”

In her effort to bring ravers together, Erica has tried to go above and beyond. She has let people that come to town crash at her place and made it her mission to make sure everyone feels at home when they hit San Francisco.

“People come to the Bay Area for events, and I open my home to them—even if I don’t know them… Because I understand the struggle, and I want to open my heart to everyone,” she said.

Even during our interview, people just popped up to say hi and give her a hug. None of it ever felt like it fazed her; she just hugged everyone and continued to talk, like it was no big deal. She’s humble even when it comes to just how many people consider her family.

“A lot of people know me, but it’s nothing about that,” she explained. “In our family, everyone is equal. It’s all about equality. Everyone comes here to find music, love and self-expression.”

Jose Parales—whom you may recognize from Under the Electric Sky, when fellow ravers boosted him and his wheelchair above the crowd—said, “We just bumped into each other at an event and have kept in touch. Her personality is amazing. I came to SF not knowing anyone. She welcomed me with open arms and took me on a tour of the city. She’s truly a shepherd for the scene.”

It’s through events like Dreamstate San Francisco that Erica met her boyfriend, Carlos Montalvo.

“Because of the scene, I met my rave soulmate at Nocturnal Wonderland,” she said. “It took me five years to find someone that fit me spiritually and musically, and it was amazing to find that person at a place like Nocturnal.”

Carlos elaborated, “She convinced me to go to Nocturnal, and just something about her changed my life. She’s really energetic and uplifting. Once we met, we just clicked, and it’s been amazing ever since.”

Her hospitality has even bled into their relationship.

“Even if it’s just a small event, she always wants people to come together,” Carlos said. “Even if she doesn’t know them, or just met them, she goes out of her way to help them… When she came into my life, it really changed my look on what life could be like. I’m originally from Long Beach, but only a week ago I moved here to be with her, and it’s amazing.”

In the end, Erica’s selflessness can only speak for itself. During her time in the scene, she has tried to create a community that is about togetherness and a love for music. For Erica, showing her love is as simple as giving a piece of kandi. It’s a physical bit of her passing from one person to another.

“People often say I give a little piece of my heart to them, but I just love to impact people and show them that life can be different,” she said. “Negativity is not in my vocabulary; I always try to live life with happiness, because you only live life once, but it’s beautiful. Life is beautiful.”

Anthony, one of Erica’s friends at Dreamstate, capped off our interview—just before heading off to boost Jose above the crowd once again—saying, “Erica’s incredible… She’s a mentor to me. She’s awesome, and she’s the reason my life is the way it is now. Much respect to her. I love that girl to death.”