The Spirituality of Electronic Music

All across the globe, young people everywhere are experiencing spirit through dance and the transcendent states induced by multi-dimensional music that has been hailed as "the next evolution of art". In a world where religion causes so much conflict, the chlidren of "Generation Why" are combining ideas, cosmologies and practices to forge a spirituality that is uniquely theirs. They gather in warehouses, forest glades, deserts and anywhere they can find to create sacred spaces where they can find spirit in the experience of electronic dance music.

What was once known as the "rave" scene in the US died out almost completely near the turn of the milennium with US government propaganda depicting the music as merely an excuse for "drug abuse", as well as the enactment of draconian legislation such as the RAVE Act, which allows federal agents to fine or imprison organizers of electronic music gatherings if any participant is caught with an illegal substance, has scared many promoters away from organizing events.

In its place, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, a new culture of spiritual warriors whose lives have been changed by the electronic music experience are renewing their commitment to this art form with the seriousness of a religion. They believe that the current institutions cannot offer them the experience they seek, and desire to create their own sacred spaces where the boundaries of race and culture are broken down, allowing the participants to feel a deep sense of unity with each other and the universe.

Robin Sylvan, Ph.D. describes this phenomenon in his book "Trance Formation: The Spiritual and Religious Dimensions of Global Rave Culture". He interviews dozens upon dozens of people at the heart of the scene, many of which discuss their deep spiritual feelings about the music in the book. He makes the case that a new kind of spirituality is forming around it, one that creates an experience far more transformative than any religious dogma.

In a country where the first amendment of the constitution says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," don't these worshipers deserve the freedom to practice what brings them true happiness?

written by Alex Grey