So what was life before raves all about and was it anywhere near as good as the explosion of the rave scene in the early 90s? I guess the title gives the game away, however, being brought up in the UK there was always something to do.

Pre-internet was socializing, where connections thrived through face-to-face interactions. There were no mobile phones or futuristic gadgets as there are today.

Dive into a time when music genres coexisted, and the countercultural spirit was shaped by independent movements. Life before raves was a mosaic of experiences, providing a fascinating backdrop to the evolution of electronic dance music.

Diverse Music Genres – Life Before Raves

Different music genres, such as rock, hip-hop, jazz, and classical, coexisted and shaped the musical landscape. Rave culture later brought a more unified focus on electronic dance music and experimented with past genres.

Before rave culture went mainstream, various underground music scenes existed, including punk, new wave, and experimental electronic music. These scenes laid the groundwork for the countercultural nature of raves.

The New Wave era, which emerged in the late 1970s and continued into the 1980s, played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape that eventually led to the rave scene.

While New Wave and rave are distinct musical movements, some connections and influences can be traced between the two. The New Wave witnessed the rise of electronic instruments and synthesizers. Bands like Depeche Mode, New Order, and Human League all played a part.

Experimentation

Life before raves wasn’t written, furthermore, the music that came after wasn’t either. A path was followed by experimentation of musical instruments, fashion and culture.

New Wave artists often embraced an independent spirit, experimenting with new sounds and visuals. This attitude resonated with the decentralized and grassroots nature of early rave culture.

Life before raves was a fantastic time to be around. If you were old enough to understand the movement of the music I’m sure those times in the 70s and 80s have stayed with you throughout.

New Wave was a dance-friendly foundation for the energetic and rhythmic nature of rave music, fostering a culture of dancing and collective celebration. The best was yet to come whereas we had no idea about rave at that time.

Familiarities In Music & Fashion

New Wave had a distinctive fashion sense with bold colours, avant-garde styles, and futuristic aesthetics. Not far away from what we are seeing at large EDM festivals around the world today.

This visual identity influenced the fashion and visual aspects of the rave scene. It became known for its bright, eclectic, and sometimes flamboyant attire, as well as visually engaging light shows and projections.

Open-Minded Attitude – Life Before Raves

New Wave music found a home in clubs and alternative music venues, where people gathered to enjoy the music and socialize. This club culture provided a precursor to the communal and nightlife-focused aspects of the rave scene.

Although there was a lot of open-mindedness the truth is there were certain aspects of the life before raves that are better forgotten. I feel we have learned from them and moved forward. The economy was weak and football violence was common.

The rave scene was a means of escapism, to move away from the troubles and enjoy life as much as possible. In some ways, New Wave also created this escapism. People became more open to change as the music moved forward.

The openmindedness of ravers towards each other created PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity & Respect) It still stands as a loyal code today as we move through time, watching in anticipation to see what happens next.

The Five Major Transitions of Rave

Ok, I’ve covered life before raves and the impressive similaries of New Wave and Rave today. There is a much clearer path to learn as listed below. Once digial was born and the experimentation of electronic instruments and synthesizers was common rave was born.

1. Warehouse Raves:
   • Many early rave events took place in abandoned warehouses, industrial spaces, and other unconventional venues. These locations provided a raw and underground atmosphere, fostering the rebellious and countercultural spirit of the rave scene.
     
     
2. Outdoor Festivals:
   • Raves expanded to outdoor settings, with festivals becoming a prominent part of the scene. Events like the Love Parade in Berlin and the Tribal Gathering in the UK attracted massive crowds, promoting a sense of unity and celebration within nature.
     
     
3. Club Culture:
   • Rave culture integrated into mainstream club scenes, influencing traditional nightclubs with its electronic beats, light shows, and immersive experiences. This blending of rave elements with established club culture helped bring electronic dance music to a broader audience.
     
     
4. DIY Parties:
   • The Do-It-Yourself ethos was integral to the rave scene. Small-scale, independent organizers hosted DIY parties in various locations, contributing to the decentralized and grassroots nature of the movement. These smaller gatherings allowed for experimentation and diversity in the rave experience.
     
     
5. Global Expansion:
   • Rave culture spread globally, adapting to and influencing local music scenes. From the United States and Europe to Asia and beyond, the rave scene took on different cultural flavors, incorporating regional sounds and traditions while maintaining the core values of unity, peace, love, and respect.

The Final Word

While New Wave and rave are distinct movements, the electronic innovations, danceable rhythms, DIY spirit, and open-minded approach of the New Wave era contributed to creating an environment where electronic dance music could thrive.

The evolution from New Wave laid essential groundwork for the emergence and acceptance of rave culture in the subsequent decades. The rave scene happened so fast from 1988 and into the 90s and its still thriving today.