… as it reinforces peace, love, unity and respect
Originally a group of young people mesmerised by Electronic Dance Music, commonly called EDM, EDM Guyana has now established its own movement.
At the time, Seweon McGarrell and Stephen Bailey – who are the founders of the group – along with friends were intrigue by the first “rave” party in Guyana hosted by Gravity Lounge and Bar.
The atmosphere which encompassed the components of EDM – peace, love, unity and respect – was so profound that it sparked their desire to organise an informal group to support EDM.
As a result, the group was formed and promoted on social media which gave EDM lovers a chance to express their support and enthusiasm for the music.
“This allowed more and more persons to come forward. They started asking about raves and they were all eager to know when the next rave would be”, said McGarrell.
Their interest in the EDM definitely influenced the two young men and their friends in shaping the culture of EDM in Guyana.
From a mere social media group in the beginning, EDM Guyana is now registered and recognised as a profit-making entity since December 2015.
“In order to throw these parties, we had to get sponsors and funds so we got registered”, McGarrell.
McGarrell and Bailey have thus far hosted three such events. The first two were held at Club El Latino and the third at Club 704 – the latter being eagerly received by the EDM supporters.
According to McGarrell, “this just left everyone wanting more and more as they got deeper into the lifestyle”. These parties were solely funded by the founders and their friends.
In addition, EDM Guyana has produced two Disk Jockeys – DJ Panda who is actually Stephen Bailey and DJ Zaud (Jamaul Inniss) – who would normally play at the events they host.
EDM Guyana has also inspired other local deejays to extend their talents in the EDM world. A product of such is DJ Zave who has extended his skills on the regional level, as Suriname revellers raved to his music just last month.
However, McGarrell is concerned about the stigma surrounding rave parties relating that most people confuse them with fans of hard metal and rock. “They believe that we are demonic. EDM is completely different from other parties. What differentiates us is that we actually get to know each other at these parties. It is a very warm and open group and it has literally become a lifestyle and culture to EDM lovers”.
McGarrell explained that people have to first like the music before they can get an appreciation of it. EDM Guyana is not in collaboration with any similar organisation, thus making it an entirely separate entity. The young entrepreneurs are working diligently towards hosting other “rave” events in the near future.
