My Life As: A Sober Raver

“People will say I rave too much,” says 22-year-old Benny Herrera. “I’ll say I don’t rave enough.” It’s a sentiment many die-hards will agree with. After watching the EDC 2010 movie, Benny journeyed to from Oceanside, California, to EDC Las Vegas 2011 solo, and he has been attending shows nonstop since.

While he loves the culture and the music just as much (if not more) than any other raver, he’s chosen to experience the events in a very particular way. Benny is a sober raver, having never drank, smoked or done drugs at any show he’s attended. Abstaining hasn’t been the easiest choice, but it’s what’s works for Benny.

Have you always raved sober?
Yes, I’ve never done anything that would harm me or harm anyone else, which includes drinking and drugs. Drinking dehydrates you, and it’s just not safe. I want to continue listening to dance music the way I first listened to it as a kid—sober.

What is your motivation for staying sober?
It’s part religion and part family morals. Since I was young, my parents took me to church and taught me that drugs are bad, and I’ve read studies and learned through courses in school that they suck. They are not fun; they will destroy you. People might say it’s for the experience, but it’s not for the experience when you know what could happen.

What religion do you practice?
I’m Seventh-Day Adventist.

Do you ever feel like raving conflicts with your religion?
I’ve thought about it, and it does. Before I rave, I go to church first. I don’t feel right doing something that I know I’m not supposed to be doing but love because it’s fun. Before a rave, my friends might say, “We’re leaving at 10am.” I tell them, “No, I have to go to church first.”

Before you go to EDC on Sunday, you go to church that morning?
I actually go to church on Saturday and begin prayers Friday night. Saturday—whether it’s EDC morning or any other day—I wake up early, go to church, pray, and ask for forgiveness. Other people always ask, “Doesn’t it suck always having to ask for forgiveness?” but it’s not like that. Every day, I tell God what I’m going to do and ask Him to protect me and (if it’s before a show) my fellow ravers. And He does; He helps me out.

How do people react when they learn you’re a Seventh-Day Adventist who raves?
A lot of people think I’m a hypocrite, and they may be right, but they’re no one to judge me. I love raving, and it’s not between me and them; it’s between me and God. I try to help out as many people as I can at shows, and I never talk to them about religion. It’s about loving one another. Let’s all go as one and make sure we’re all having a great time and make sure that we’re all safe. And if you think about it, PLUR is a religion, and my religion is no different from it. We all have our differences, but at the end of the day, we’re all united; we all respect each other. You might be Buddhist, you might be Catholic, but I respect your point of view; please respect my point of view. It’s the same with raving: You like trap, I like house; you like hardstyle, I like trance. We all respect each other’s point of views.

Have you ever had difficulty staying sober?
I was actually thinking about this question the other day. It’s really hard but really easy. It’s really hard because I think, Oh, how I’d like to drink a little cranberry vodka. Also, you can’t get away from smoking… you’re going to smell it. Smoking and drugs have never caught my attention, however, because I don’t want to be the guy who had a bad batch and become another statistic. I go for the music. I don’t go for the drinks, and I don’t go for the drugs. The music is the only thing I need.

I also hate the fact that people don’t remember. I’ll say, “Oh, remember that song?” and my friends won’t remember, even though they were right there. People also won’t remember taking pictures and certain sets, and I wonder: What’s the point? Being sober is just the way I like to do it. I think if everybody could rave sober, it would be one of the most amazing, peaceful things.

Have you met any other sober ravers?
I actually have. I’ve met the PLUR Angels, who are all sober and make sure everyone stays hydrated. I’ve also met sober individuals who will see me dancing like crazy, and I’ll tell them I’m sober. They’ll give me a hug and say, “It’s awesome to meet someone else who is also sober.” I just love meeting people who love the same things that I do. Whether you’re sober or not, you love my music and you love coming to raves, just like me.

Benny’s tips for enjoying festivals sober:

1. Staying hydrated is the most important thing.

2. Look around and see the energy flowing from one person to another. Close your eyes, and put your hands in the air. Once the beat drops, open your eyes and jump as high as you can, and just scream. Feel the rush of energy and life the music gives you. Feel alive.

3. Sit down and relax when you’re tired, and observe the wonders it brings. You may be exhausted, but once you see how amazing the rave looks, you will realize you’re in a whole new world. Soon enough, you’ll be back on your feet, going crazy and having fun.

4. Like Krewella said: “‘Cause if it’s fast or slow, all I really know is, I’m gonna enjoy the ride.” Remember: raving sober might mean the show goes by slow or super fast, but together we will enjoy the ride and keep other safe.

Find out which rave Benny’s hitting up next on his Facebook and Instagram.