hello, my dearest of fellow bipedal love machines.

I have only recently gotten into the techno, trance, rave scene. I really love the few parties and rave that I have been to, and I love listening to teh music iwth my close buddies and grooving at home. However, I am quite the newbie and I am still confused about a bunch of things. I don't know the disctictions between most of the different kinds of electronic/techno music I someone could let me know or give me any links that could inform me that would be awesome. or any great DJ's or mixes would be much appreciated too.

I am student at Ithaca college in New York State. I have to right a final paper on a subculture of my choosing, so I figured what better one than the rave/techno subculture. I know that this is mainly a trance website so forgive me if anyone is put off by my naivety on the nuances of differences between genres and please help me learn. I want to ask a couple of questions and I send my love to anyone who would take the time to answer them. as many or as few as you want.

- How did you get into the scene.

- How do you define or view the scene/subculture

- can you describe your experience at a rave? good ones, bad ones, mindblowing ones?

- what are your favorite circumstances in which to listen to you favorite music

- any opinions on the benefits for society at large.

- any qualms with the direction you see the scene going at this moment.

- what impact has you participation in this subculture had on you life? on the lives of people who are close to you?

- Any other information you would like to enlightne me with or themes you think I should consider.



I personally have been very happy with the love and unity I have felt when attending shows or parties in the techno scene. Altho i enjoy teh use of drugs and feel it can enhance the experience, I think the true beauty lies in the music, and the communal energy between the people. I like to be able to enjoy the musical and rave experience in a natural, sober state as well, and jsut let the energy all around me take me where it will. I think this scene can be and is a powerful unifier if not abused. Thank you to all those who take the time to respond to this, and thank you for being part of something that has the potential to bring so much joy and love and respect into the world.

-Shane