What Is A Rave Family?

I was FaceTiming with my sister the other day when I dropped the phrase "rave fam." My sister looked curiously at me and asked "are those the people you go to shows with?"

Yes and no. My rave family is comprised of people I go to shows with, but they're so much more than just people I go to shows with. 

Rave and EDM vernacular is highly family-oriented and community-centric. Whether we talk about genres (Bassheads, Trance Family), festivals (Shipfam, Mooncrew), artist fans (Illenials, Mellogang) or individual rave squads, EDM dialect centers around family.

This intimacy is one of the things that I love the most about rave culture and EDM. We are a community and a family, united by a shared passion for electronic music. 

So, what is rave family?

They are the people you go to shows with, yes. But they are also the people that you can call at 4:30 in the morning on a Monday and say "I need you." And their response will be "where are you, I'm on my way." Rave family has your back no matter what. They make sure that everyone in the family is okay at all times. 

Whether we’re sharing the last sip of a $10 bottle of water (thanks nightclubs), compromising between conflicting headliners (EDC we’re looking at you) or being the best wingman/woman for your fam and their rave bae, rave family will always be there for each other.

My rave family has always been a huge part of what makes festivals so special. Whether we were making rails rattle at Skrillex, crying during a Porter Robinson set, exchanging light shows during Moonrise, or dancing in the rain at a Tchami show, the people that you surround yourself with are a huge part of the festival experience.

For those outside of the rave scene, the closeness of a rave family might be perplexing. Aren’t they just friends that you party with?

Rave fam is that and so much more. They will see you at your best and worst. They are people that you can be yourself with, completely and unapologetically.

They’ll headbang with you at Excision even if they’re trance fans. They really are family. Festivals are an incredibly bonding experience (nowhere else will you give your Instagram, Facebook or phone number away so readily) and sharing the experience with others who love electronic music just as much as you, that is what makes rave family so tight. 

Ready to rave? Match outfits with your fam with pieces from our Couples Collection HERE (not just for couples) or check out other iEDM Theme Collections HERE so that you and your squad can match.