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COMMENTARY

By Brianna Ross @itsbriross

A field of grass is hidden beneath shoes and bouncing bodies as thousands of festivalgoers dance under the desert sun.

Bass is omnipresent, and giant LED light displays set the backdrop on the stage as you watch musicians play all your favorite songs.

In that very moment you feel a wave of euphoria overcome your body and you can’t help but feel like you’ve been transported into a whole other world.

The highly anticipated, first weekend of Coachella is here and it kicks off a lot of people’s favorite time of the year – festival season.

The ambiance of a music festival sparks a light inside those in attendance. The electric energy pulsating through the crowd is an addicting rush that unites every single attendee in perfect harmony.

Music festivals have been a steadily growing industry in North America, especially popular among the millennial generation.

Major music festivals like Coachella, Electric Daisy Carnival and Lollapalooza typically sell out within hours and are major contenders in the festival world.

Advancements in mobile technology and the rise of social media have played a substantial role in filling out live music events.

Following artists and the music scene has never been easier – thanks to social media platforms and music streaming sites.

Listening to music and expanding one’s palate has become an instantaneous exercise with just a few swipes and thumb taps on a smart phone standing in the way.

While music is the main component of festivals, the live performances aren’t the only thing driving people to these festivals. A large part of attendance is due to the enticing festival culture.

Festivals provide a rare opportunity for people to escape society and immerse themselves in another world. A world where a person can explore the simplest pleasures in life without judgment or consequence.

Much of this experience can be attributed to the environment created by art installations, creative lighting and large sculptures and structures.

These immersive environments created by music festivals are focused around art and interactivity. They give someone something visually stimulating to look at and be a part of. As they are surrounded by so flashing lights and special effects, people are able to forget about their surroundings, who they are, where they are – it transforms their experience.

The environments created function as a haven from the troubles of real life, fundamental to the festival experience.

Another essential factor in the rising popularity of music festivals is the sense of community that such large gatherings generate.

Being one of thousands of hearts, all pulsing to the beloved beat, creates a powerful sense of oneness within a seemingly endless sea of people.

Music festivals offer a nearly separate reality from our own for  attendees.

The appeal of festivals is about more than just the music. Successful festivals offer carefully crafted experiences that appeal directly to the basic human need for connection and community.

If you are attending either weekend of Coachella or any other music festival this Summer, be sure to allow yourself to be fully overtaken by the euphoria. It is an experience you will never forget.

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