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 examine bone density for a living; others are chiropractic assistants, entrepreneurs or emergency room techs, 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: Angelica C.

Age: 25
Hometown: San Bernardino, CA
Occupation: Head chiropractic assistant
How long have you been raving? 7 years
Why is rave culture important in today’s society?
Our culture is so important because of all the hate and separation that is being caused in our world. When you step into a music festival, all of the hate, stress and problems of everyday life are left outside. Through our culture, we are able to show society a different perspective and ideology—one that welcomes everyone, regardless of where they’re from, what color they are, what language they speak, etc. We love everyone!

Headliner: Maxine D.

Age: 27
Hometown: Rockville, MD
Occupation: Bone density tech
How long have you been raving? 10 years
Why is rave culture important in today’s society?
This culture gives me a sense of community and belongingness. It’s a momentary escape from my daily routine—a safe space where people can go to express themselves without being judged. It’s a culture built on love and, most importantly, the music!

Headliner: Shane N.

Age: 28
Hometown: New York, NY
Occupation: Entrepreneur/marketer/consultant
How long have you been raving? 7 years
Why is rave culture important in today’s society?
It’s incredibly easy to view the world through a cynical lens. We’re bombarded with tragic reminders of war, hate, oppression, and poverty. For me, rave culture proves there is so much more to mankind than misery and suffering. With our culture, there’s no boundaries, racism, prejudice, sexism, rules or hatred—just peace, love, unity and respect. Rave culture has eroded, and continues to erode, the boundaries and chains that hold our society back from its potential. It is but one powerful force liberating people, which is critical to creating a better tomorrow.

Headliner: Tiffany L.

Age: 26
Hometown: Victorville, CA
Occupation: Emergency room tech
How long have you been raving? 8 years
Why is rave culture important in today’s society?
Rave culture brings so much love and peace to the world! It’s the only place I feel accepted for the person I truly am. No pretending or hiding—just real people being themselves! I’m grateful for every moment and every memory I have.

Headliner: Ashley S.

Age: 22
Hometown: Los Fresnos, TX
Occupation: Career services associate/full-time student
How long have you been raving? 3.5 years
Why is rave culture important in today’s society?
There is a sense of belonging in our culture that allows a diverse group of people to come together and express themselves in various ways. The culture may have changed in its sense of style, but something that has never changed is the love and positive vibes that surround the entire community. Being part of this scene makes you part of a family that welcomes everyone.

Headliner: Stephanie O.

Age: 28
Hometown: Manaus, Brazil
Occupation: Formalwear manager at Men’s Wearhouse
How long have you been raving? 10 years
Why is rave culture important in today’s society?
There are so many reasons, but most importantly, it shows that many cultures can come together peacefully and unite through the music. Our culture is so open-minded and welcoming—everyone can feel the love and respect we all have for each other. We live through our manifesto, PLUR, which can be incorporated into our daily lives. The music is what started our culture, and it’s the glue that holds us all together. The beats will forever be our lifeline.

If you would like the chance to celebrate #TransformationTuesday with Insomniac, please email your best transformation photos to [email protected] by Tuesday, Oct. 3.