What’s Really in the Forest? We’re Going to Find Out.

Written by Ariana Assaf

I feel very fortunate to have made it to as many music festivals as I have. With a little manipulation and lots of luck, I’ve often found myself juggling around real world obligations in order to escape to various magical lands full of my favorite things: music and music lovers. I wouldn’t trade any of the experiences I’ve had for the world, yet one event in particular—an event rumored to be so perfect and precious, an event discussed with such reverence and held in such high regard—makes me wonder if I’ve even tapped the surface of what a festival experience can truly be.

 

Though the festival in question is somewhat shrouded in mystery due to the fact that I have yet to attend, each and every interaction I’ve had with someone who has is colored by the same sense of devotion. Whether through in person conversations or communication via online interest groups, I get the sense that these people know something I don’t. So at the end of June, I’m going to find out what that is. I’m going to Electric Forest.

 

I can only imagine my pre-Forest experience is a lot like those of other newbies. I’ve pored over past lineups, stalked people’s pictures, joined Facebook groups, and read every review I could get my eyes on—with any luck, I’ll have the privilege of writing a review of my own. I go crazy over the chance to talk to returning members of the Forest Family, and always find it amazing that they go crazy over the chance to talk about the Forest period.

 

Within the festival community and dance music scene (even though the festival does not cater solely to the electronic genre), there’s a sense that Electric Forest has cultivated it’s own tight-knit community unlike any other. Obviously that requires booking killer acts and carefully managing the overall flow of the event, but it’s more than that. There’s some je ne sais quoi element that really makes the whole thing seem like a “had to be there” moment, so I’m going to take my own advice and be there. And Fam, if you run into a girl who looks blissfully overwhelmed, just give me a high five and remember you were new once too.

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