Australian Hit-Maker Hayden James Is Bringing His Trademark Grooves to Decadence AZ
December 4, 2025
December 4, 2025
How Has Rave Culture Changed?
My love for raving and the EDM scene has brought me to several different cities and states. Each destination has had its own unique crowds and vibes, leaving a lasting imprint on my perception of the scene. The backdrop of these events span from the desert to oceans and forests, creating lasting friends and lifelong memories. This editorial will break down each region and discuss notable highlights and encourage you to put yourself out there and explore new places to RAGE!
Southern California
I am originally from Ventura County, a suburban county between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. This location put me in close proximity to the LA and Orange County rave scenes, with occasional club shows in Santa Barbara as well. The first EDM event that I attended was a FUNTCASE show at The Belasco in Los Angeles for my 22nd Birthday. This was an exhilarating experience and a great first impression of what the rave scene has to offer. Los Angeles features cool venues like Academy, The Avalon, and Exchange, as well as numerous underground venues for lowkey vibes.
I also attended numerous shows in Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach, at Time Nightclub and The Circle OC respectively. Laidback Luke tore the roof off of Time with massive streamers and party House vibes. The crowds at Circle were friendly and personable, collectively raging to the dubstep and riddim that the club is known for. I also traveled to Bloom Nightclub in San Diego to see Alleycvt for my birthday in September 2024. I made several friends in the extroverted crowd and loved the club’s wild visuals. The SD rave scene is underrated and worthy of discovery.
Hawaii
I have only been to Hawaii once to write an ARTICLE and had an amazing time! The crowds in Honolulu rage harder than any other. This is likely due to the distance and rare appearance of artists. These crowds savor every moment of events and are exceptionally welcoming. The city’s tropical aesthetic adds a floral spin to the traditional bass music fashion choices. Adding a distinct House-style twist to the pashminas, jerseys, and bucket hats that are common at events. The friendly locals became instant friends. I even attended Phoenix Lights 2024 with a couple that I met there. Oahu is home to venues such as Hawaiian Brian’s Social Club and the Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii water park. Providing visitors and residents a variety of choices for all their raving needs.
New Mexico
In 2024, I attended an RB event at Revel Entertainment Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This is, without a doubt, one of the BEST venues I have ever been to. Revel features a massive bar area with several TVs and local food options. This area is accessible to those with (or without) tickets to the main event, creating an amazing area for locals to hang out and watch sports. Ticket holders can also move freely about the venue. This gives ravers a rare opportunity to eat a sit-down meal between sets.
The NM crowds match the vibe of the state’s famous export: Chiles. Friendly and welcoming, but with a distinct spice and edge. This passion shows in their dance moves. Albuquerque ravers will rage with you, but also stick up for you in the rare event of a confrontation. I went to Revel with a friend for his first rave. The crowd is very welcoming to “rave babies” and gave my friend countless hugs, trinkets, and good vibes.
North Carolina/Florida
This last entry is a double-header due and covers North Carolina and Florida. In May of 2024, I attended Breakaway Carolina while traveling to NC for the first time. The crowd featured an incredible mix of PLUR and Southern Hospitality. Southern-themed trinkets and countless fans helped attendees beat the thick humidity that the region is known for. Rain and lightning gave the festival an unforgettable backdrop, along with acts like Levity, Level Up, and Koven.
Later that month, I traveled to Jacksonville, Florida for an epic slate of Memorial Day Weekend shows. I started things off with a pop up show at Ocean Street Tacos in Downtown Jacksonville. The event featured both indoor and outdoor stages, with direct access to the delicious taco bar.
The next day, I attended a House show at The Wreck in Jacksonville Beach that featured OKAYVAL, as well as other local artists. This crowd could tell that I was from out of town RIGHT AWAY. Countless people asked me who I was and where I was visiting from. I also received no less than forty compliments on my Red Bull earrings throughout the day. My “wook” outfit featuring a pashmina and multicolor bucket hat stood out from the beach attire of the rest of the attendees. The night concluded with a penthouse afterparty at the famous Casa Marina Hotel.
From the diverse, high-energy venues of Southern California to the welcoming, rarity-fueled crowds of Hawaii, and the spicy, protective vibes of New Mexico to the dual charm of Carolina’s Southern PLUR and Florida’s beach-town House scenes, this journey has proven one thing: the EDM community is truly borderless. Each city, state, and unique venue has added a new layer—a different backdrop, a distinct style of dance, and a handful of instant friends—to the overarching narrative of the rave scene. If there’s one takeaway, it’s that the best drop is often the one you find in a completely new place. So, pack your pashmina, grab your tickets, and put yourself out there to explore the endless, vibrant corners of the EDM universe. The adventure is waiting; now go RAGE!
