God is a DJ

This lazy Sunday afternoon I caught an interesting ABC documentary on the rave scene. Apparently it's 3 years old. That may explain why I knew virtually every single track they played! Still, why haven't I heard about it until today? The documentary included a surprisingly sophisticated social analysis of the modern dance scene, along with interviews with DJs, ravers and intellectuals. The basic thesis seemed to be that dance culture gives people a space to express themself unselfconsciously.

There were perhaps only limited references to the role that recreational drugs, especially ecstasy play in the scene. But, to its credit, the documentary did note that dance culture was losing its roots and becoming too comercialised. The DJ, no longer merely a facilitator of the transient state, has become a superstar. Most of the DJs interviewed said this was undermining the essence of dance culture. I tend to agree. Certainly, in my experience, I've found that every year raves get bigger, more expensive, and less fun. The camaraderie that you once formed with total strangers, people who you'd often only ever meet again at your next rave, has diminished somewhat. I think the scene has a lot of potential for developing political consciousness amongst the young adult population. Obviously, its present trends are quite inimical to that. Perhaps something to discuss in greater detail later.

It's a shame the documentary wasn't given more prime time coverage, as noted by ABC Television's arts producer. It's not very often that the ABC discusses something squarely relating to Australia's young adult population.