Rave culture, originating in the 1980s, was a revolutionary movement that brought techno and house music from Detroit and Chicago to the UK. Acid house music emerged as a high-octane and hypnotic genre that sparked moral panic among parents, police, and policymakers. Rave culture has experienced a resurgence in the 2020s, with unlicensed raves becoming popular during the pandemic. For marginalized and queer communities, raves are more than just parties; they are a form of spiritual communion and liberation. Techno music, with its origins in Detroit’s post-industrial collapse, reflects African Americans’ dreams of a better future. Raves have historically been a safe space for queer expression and self-discovery.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revival of Rave Culture | Transition from commercialized partying to spiritual communion | More emphasis on spiritual and transcendent experiences | Desire for liberation and connection in marginalized and queer communities |
| Origins of the term “rave” | Evolution of the term to describe music gatherings | Greater understanding of the term’s origins and history | Cultural influences and Jamaican Patois usage |
| Techno’s Origins | Techno music born out of dream for postindustrial future | Continued influence of techno music and its origins | Desire for a better future and technological progress |
| Raves as a Queer Space | Raves as safe spaces for self-expression and exploration | Raves continuing to be important cultural spaces for the LGBTQ+ community | Desire for freedom and acceptance in mainstream society |