a love letter to the CT rave scene

y'all... friday night opening for wonky willa was a movie fr. 🥹 no lie i was looking out at the crowd after i finished my set, just vibing and dancing, and thought how many of the people in front of me that i didn't know personally but probably am connected to thru this group. ❤

to each and every person who stopped me and said something kind, i cannot tell you how surreal and meaningful that was to me. i know i'm a sentimental motherfcker, but seriously, this EDM scene changed my life.

people hate on CT, they hate on the scene here, and i get it. i've strived over the last few years to learn absolutely everything i can about the scene--the history, the context i missed getting into raving in my 30s post covid, trying to wrap my head around this crazy thing called raving. so i've learned a bit about the good/the bad/the ugly, and i can see the highs and lows of our little slice of the scene for what it is.. burgeoning, eager, jaded at times but well-intentioned, incredibly talented, often overlooked. (part of why i wanted to create a space for OTHER DJs, bc i have always been passionate about event planning and hosting too!)

my first ever rave was at a warehouse in middletown, feb 2023... some of y'all were probably there. i thought on friday night while i was debuting my first remixes to such a warm, receptive audience, "i wonder if even one person here tonight was one of those kind strangers who made me feel like i finally found my family when they said my weird glitch dancing was a vibe, when they handed me a glowing ring, when they offered me a burrito."

those individuals are the REASON i felt so at home. the "PLURR" they showed, even before i knew wtf they were trying to get me to do with my hand haha, they would never know that the one stranger they were nice to, years later, would be DJing the show they're at, thanks to their kindness.

like, y'all have shown me so much grace, understanding, effort, and joy, then and this friday, and so, so many other times. this scene, CT in particular, has so much heart. don't let the grit or the hate lead you to believe otherwise.

so i just wanted to ramble and say, every single person who has believed in me, showed up to my events at Neon Reverie, said something kind... thank you. i literally do this for you. for those moments.

the CT rave scene is wonky. it's weird, it's wonderful, and i'm so dedicated to doing everything in my power to create safe, welcoming, fun places where we can all enjoy the music and community that's been built here. i may be new here, but friday... y'all made me feel so welcome.

i captured my set on my phone, made with love:

https://soundcloud.com/dluzn/the-webster-galactic-circus

i hope to see y'all tomorrow at our last neon reverie open decks of 2025!!!

xoxo

ellie