Here’s What 6 Headliners Look Like When They’re Not at Festivals

We all journey down different paths in our daily lives. Some of us are park aides; others are medical students, sterile processing managers, or army veterans, 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 boring-ass clothes) behind.

Insomniac celebrates #TransformationTuesday by asking six unique Headliners to discuss their lives in and out of the festival.

Read our full #TransformationTuesday series to meet even more awesome Headliners. And remember: Ravers are everywhere.

Headliner: BreAnna M.
Age: 24
Hometown: Nuevo, CA
Occupation: Parks and rec park aide
How long have you been raving? 6 years
With another EDC officially in the books, what makes this event so special?
EDC Las Vegas is truly the only place I can drown out the harshness of reality and submerge myself in complete happiness. I can be myself; I can dance crazy and let loose; I can befriend almost anyone. I wouldn’t call EDC Las Vegas my home if I truly didn’t mean it, and it is. It’s my home.

Headliner: Stephen B.
Age: 25
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Occupation: Medical student at Johns Hopkins
How long have you been raving? 3 years
With another EDC officially in the books, what makes this event so special?
This was my first year going, and it was, hands down, one of the most transformative experiences I have ever had. As a medical professional, we see some of the ugliest, most unfortunate aspects of humanity on a daily basis. Having the opportunity to shift from this reality to a world filled with cohesive beauty, grace, and joy allows me to not only find inner balance, but to also improve my connection with patients and become a better, more well-rounded physician.

Headliner: Brandi B.
Age: 47
Hometown: Arizona
Occupation: Sterile processing manager
How long have you been raving? 4 years
With another EDC officially in the books, what makes this event so special?
This was my first EDC, and it blew me away! The illumination of the living art, the amazing fireworks shows, the performers, the imaginative details, and most of all, the love and acceptance I felt filled my heart with love. To experience EDC at my age and be accepted and embraced, regardless, reminds me that I’m exactly where I belong. “All Are Welcome Here” is certainly the truth.

Headliner: Vanessa V.
Age: 27
Hometown: Coppell, TX
Occupation: Leasing manager
How long have you been raving? 5 years
With another EDC officially in the books, what makes this event so special?
EDC is such a beautiful, wonderful experience—I can’t believe I hadn’t gone sooner. It gave me the opportunity to just be myself and get away without having to worry about all the stress from back home. It’s special, because it’s such a welcoming environment, and getting to hear your favorite producers on amazing stages is magical. See you next year, EDC!

Headliner: Marketa K.
Age: 27
Hometown: Panama City, FL
Occupation: Army veteran
How long have you been raving? 8 years
With another EDC officially in the books, what makes this event so special?
There are so many things that make EDC Las Vegas special. Being that it’s in the city of Las Vegas speaks for itself. The art installations and theatrics exceed anything I’ve seen at any other festival. The production at EDC Las Vegas is out of this world. The fireworks are mind-blowing, and the fact that the festival isn’t over until 5:30am makes it that much better.

Headliner: Anastachia J.
Age: 23
Hometown: Arizona
Occupation: Stay-at-home mom
How long have you been raving? 8 years
With another EDC officially in the books, what makes this event so special?
EDC Las Vegas is the mother of all raves. It helped me relieve a lot of the depression that I struggle with every single day. Unfortunately, my experience this year wasn’t that great, but only because of the people I attended with. However, EDC Las Vegas is special to me, because it’s full of love, support and togetherness. Nobody judges you.

If you would like the chance to celebrate #TransformationTuesday with Insomniac, please email your best transformation photos to [email protected] by Tuesday, June 5.