Happy birthday to my Cancer babes. These days are ur time to shine and u know that the middle of summer is the best time of year to have a birthday. Cancer season is the best time of year to make new besties and find connection with a new rave fam. If ur into shuffling or flow arts, this is a great time to reach out and connect with ur local community to find connection over a shared hobby. Cancer is the classic water sign, and has a connection to the moon which makes these placements just like the ocean: deep and moody but entrancing to be around.

Here are my top picks for u, Cancer placements. If u don't have this water sign in ur big 3, though, don't worry. I'll be posting a new guide each month so keep an eye out for next month when I go over you rave babes with Leo in ur sun, moon, and rising.

Cancer Sun

Out of all of the rave astrology guides I've written, Cancer sun is probably the easiest to describe. U are the rave mom of ur group. Ur loving and thoughtful, and u want everyone to have a good time. U probably take the extra time while getting ready to think of the little things to add to ur hydro pack, like sealed chap stick and SPF for all ur little rave babies who always forget these things.

But don't let ppl get confused, u still love to have a good time. U love music that u can connect to on a deeper level and u feel connected to something bigger when ur vibing out on the dance floor. Here are my top picks for u, Cancer suns:

Liya Kitten x iHR Kandi Land Bow Outfit

Secret Pathways Floral Outfit

Silver Moon's Sparkling Outfit

Cancer Moon

As a Cancer moon u can probably be found crying at the trance show or just feeling all of the feels when u go to a festival with ur friends. Cancer moons are very intuitive and emotional, but that doesn't mean moody. U might not show ur emotions on ur sleeve but u definitely feel them deeply.

U can be very shy and have been known to hide away, but when u do connect with someone u feel a very powerful connection to them. Here are my top picks for u, Cancer moon.

Acid Storm Outfit

Heaven's Forever Floral Marabou Outfit

Happy Days Marabou Outfit

Cancer Rising

Ur the backbone of ur rave fam, Cancer rising. U have a natural ability to connect with people on a deeper level, but u use that talent to form genuine connections and not to be a manipulator. This is what makes u magnetic, but it can sometimes leave u feeling like ur the therapist of ur group.

Take care of urself, babe. Don't be afraid to close ur eyes and lose it all on the dance floor. Here are my top picks for u, Cancer moon:

Viper Vision Harem Pants

Rolita Couture x iHR Mystery Planet Hood

Not sure where your sun, moon and rising are in your chart? Check out this website that can give you everything you need to know.

At a festival you're probably the most likely person in your rave fam to splurge on VIP tickets. You understand that the extra money is worth all of the upgrades that can make the experience that much better—and at festivals like EDC you're going to treat yourself to the best hotel you can get. We're all about you channeling your inner Tauean goddess, so here are some pieces tailored just for you based on your sun, moon and rising signs, Taurus!

If you don't have this Earth sign in your big 3, though, don't worry. I'll be posting a new guide each month so keep an eye out for next month when I go over you rave babes with Gemini in your sun, moon, and rising.

Taurus Sun

I don't need to remind you that it's your birthday month, Taurus, because you've probably already planned a month-long celebration filled with all of the finest things in life. When I picture the mind of a Taurus sun, I think about an ancient Greek royal lounging about in a marble room filled with fine linens, being fanned with a palm frond while eating fresh grapes. You're not afraid to pull out all of the stops, and that makes your sense of style particularly unique. That's the energy I channeled for these recommendations, babe, so enjoy:

Forest Fairytale Sequin Fairy Dress Outfit 

Heaven's Forever Floral Marabou Outfit

Lace Flowerfields Dress Outfit

Taurus Moon

You're a true romantic, Taurus Moon, because you pride yourself in being able to appreciate beauty for what it is. You might be attracted to the most beautiful things—such as nature or fine art, and you're not afraid to be honest about what you do and don't like. For this reason you can often be seen as stubborn, but that's just because you know what is worth spending your time on. You're very patient and down to earth, and you may be seen as the rave mom in your group due to your emotional intelligence and nurturing personality. Here are some picks for you, Taurus moon:

Lace Flowerfields Marabou Outfit 

Midnight Sparkle Sequin Outfit

Frolicking Fantasy Floral Sequin Outfit

Taurus Rising

The Taurean love of luxury comes out strong in your personality, Taurus rising. You have a fierce personality full of confidence and go for what you want at a pace that makes sense to you. You may leave the group at a festival, but that's because they either can't keep up with you or are moving too quickly for your liking. You're charming to talk to, and can remember every detail of a conversation which makes people feel special when they speak to you. Here are some picks for you, Taurus rising:

Genie Dust Outfit

Rolita Couture x iHR Floral Frenzy Babydoll Outfit

Eternal Sleep Outfit 

Not sure where your sun, moon and rising are in your chart? Check out this website that can give you everything you need to know.

Rainbow Reflective Daisy Outfit

Choosing an Area

There are tons of places and areas to stay in Las Vegas that are either in the thick of it all on The Strip or a little more off the beaten path in places like Summerlin or in an AirBnb around Vegas. Choosing which area is going to really change the whole vibe of ur trip, so make sure u choose the right area. Here is our advice on where to stay in Vegas during EDC:

On the Strip

The Las Vegas Strip is going to give you the classic EDC experience because it's centrally located and there is a lot going on. There are tons of hotels on the strip that range from luxury to budget, which we'll get into later, and there is always a lot going on.

If you only plan on going to EDC for one or two days and want to enjoy other things around Vegas on the other days I definitely recommend staying on the strip. There are tons of casinos, night clubs, day clubs, shopping, restaurants and even shows to check out. You definitely won't be bored!

Happy Hour Cami Outfit

Downtown/Old Las Vegas

One of the many secrets to EDC is to stay Downtown or in Old Las Vegas during the festival to take advantage of the shorter shuttle lines, faster ride to the festival and more affordable hotel rates. Old Las Vegas is a cute area that embraces the artsy side of the city and plays into the old neon you would have seen around Vegas in the 1900s.

There is a good mix of budget and luxury in this area, which again we'll get into later, and there is also a lot going on during any given weekend so again, you won't be bored if you take a night off of EDC or want to check things out during the day.

Butterfly Realm Outfit

Off-Strip (AirBnb)

For bigger parties there are tons of options either right off the strip, in condos on the strip closer to Resorts World and the newer hotels on the North Strip area, or even in neighborhoods like Henderson or Summerlin (though these areas might be a bit far from the festival). If you do go the Airbnb route make sure that you know the area that the rental is in, or that you're ok with making the trek to the festival.

For a truly unique experience I recommend renting a mansion (there are a bunch near the Vegas airport right off of the strip) or luxury condo, especially if you're going with a big group. Airbnb has a whole category for Vegas mansions, so this could be the time to make ur Playboy dreams come true.

Camp EDC

EDC introduced camping options a couple of years ago which, I'll admit, seemed like the last thing I would want to do in such a hot place. However, I've heard nothing but good things about the camping situation at Camp EDC. The festival was moved to May to accommodate the new camping option the year it was introduced which significantly changed the heat problem.

The camping situation at EDC will get you a pretty luxe glamping experience in pre set up shift pods with either fully assembled beds or a more affordable option where u bring ur own gear. You can also bring ur own RV, which would be a great way to camp at EDC to avoid the traffic and long lines while bringing along the comfort of a hotel. You can learn more about Camp EDC here.

Viper Vision Halter Cutout Bodysuit Outfit

Top Hotels - On the Strip Luxury

If Las Vegas is known for one thing, it's luxury. There are quite a few luxury options for hotels on the strip and these are my best recommendations. These options also offer in-hotel entertainment such as a night or day club that will likely have some pretty killer events throughout the week leading up to EDC and over the weekend:

Resorts World Las Vegas

Resorts World is the newest resort on the strip that actually offers three hotel options at different tiers. The most affordable of the three is the Hilton, with the Conrad in the mid-tier and then Crockfords for its most luxurious option. Onsite the resort offers a night club and a day club called Zouk, tons of dining options, a great pool area, a casino and even a swanky top-floor bar for great views of the Strip (I recommend going at night).

Wynn/Encore Las Vegas

The Wynn compound offers some of the most luxurious experiences that the Strip has to offer. There are two hotels—Wynn and Encore—which are connected so the experiences are roughly the same. Encore Beach Club is one of the most famous day clubs in Las Vegas, which turns into a night club at night. There is also XS, another club in the hotel, and tons of luxury dining and shopping options. If you're going all out for EDC, this is the place to stay.

Venetian/Caesar's Palace/Bellagio

I'm grouping these two options together because they're more or less next to one another, but are by no means the same. Caesar's and Bellagio offer some truly luxe experiences and are located in the dead center of the Strip. Caesar's offers Omnia, a world-famous mega club that always goes off during EDC week, and Bellagio offers a stunning pool area to relax in while u decompress from the night before. Caesar's is also more recently the host to the Nobu Hotel—a truly stunning luxury experience with simplistic Japanese interior design.

The Venetian and The Palazzo offer more affordable as well as more luxury options as well, and have tons of entertainment and dining experiences that include Tao. Each room in the Venetian is a suite, so you'll get a living room area in addition to your bed.

The Cosmopolitan/Aria/NoMad/Waldorf

The area around the T-Mobile Arena is basically just a giant compound of luxury hotels with a few affordable options sprinkled here and there. I love this part of Vegas because it feels very futuristic—it's sort of like having a piece of Miami in Las Vegas. You really can't go wrong with any of the options listed above but each offer slightly different experiences. Both Aria and The Cosmopolitan offer a resort experience with night clubs like Jewel and Marquee, tons of dining options (including Carbone and Din Tai Fung for those of you on that side of TikTok), and will be major EDC hubs for meeting other ravers.

The NoMad and Waldorf are a bit more secluded and offer more luxury, but are fantastic options especially if you're familiar with either of those hotel chains.

MGM

Like Resorts World, MGM offers tiers for its hotel rooms that range from the more affordable side to the ultra-luxury. The MGM Grand is a great option for larger groups because they offer lots of suite options, and the MGM resort offers tons of entertainment, dining and shopping options including Hakkasan and Wet Republic, two of the most famous clubs on the Strip.

Happy Days Marabou Outfit

Budget-friendly - On the Strip

Luxor

The Luxor is a classic budget hotel that offers tons of entertainment while being a central hub for a lot of EDC ravers. It's also home to the Lux Rave Pop Up Shop, which is the annual savormeditation pop up where you can shop for last minute raver gear, meet new rave friends, and just take in the good vibes. You can learn more about the Lux Rave Pop Up Shop here.

Flamingo/LINQ

This is a great budget option because there are a lot of dining and entertainment options nearby, and it's pretty centrally located. There are lots of shuttles that go close to this hotel, and it's near the highway so u can easily get off the strip and head to the festival.

Treasure Island

Treasure Island is a great budget option for shopping and dining because it's right next to Fashion Show mall. It's also close to the highway for easy access to the festival, and the hotel itself is clean.

Happy Days Daisy Outfit

Old Las Vegas - Best Hotels

Circa

One of the newest Downtown hotels is Circa, which offers nice, new rooms and lots of entertainment in a new Strip-style resort hotel. This hotel offers walking access to the Fremont Street experience and easy access to shuttles on ur way to the festival.

Golden Nugget

This is a great affordable option located very centrally in Downtown Las Vegas for easy access to the shuttles. The rooms are clean and pretty updated despite it being an old hotel, and it brings the classic old Las Vegas vibes.

The D

The D is one of the more popular hotels in the Downtown area and also offers more of a resort experience. It's also located centrally for shuttles, entertainment and other old Las Vegas experiences. It was remodeled a couple of years ago so the hotel itself is pretty updated.

Camping festivals can be really fun. Going on a road trip with your friends, setting up camp next to people that could likely become your new rave fam, and not having to worry about getting to and from your hotel for an entire weekend is something you just can't beat. But camping is hard, especially if you're not a veteran camper outside of the festival scene. After seven years of going to Burning Man—the week-long camping festival in the middle of a dry lake bed in Nevada—I've learned a secret or two about getting the most out of the experience. Here are my ten festival camping tips from a veteran burner:

Mushroom Fiesta Outfit

1. Stake your tent down

You would be surprised how powerful the wind can be. Staking your tent down is an easy step you can take to avoid coming back to camp at the end of the night only to find that your tent is gone. Odds are low that someone stole it, but high that it could have blown away. This happened to a friend of mine who brought a large dome tent to Coachella and forgot to stake it down. Don't be like him!

2. Bring baby wipes

You might not have access to a shower while you're at a camping festival. Even if it's just for a few days, all of that dancing and sweating will leave you feeling pretty gross after just a day. Freshen up with baby wipes in between showers to at least get the dirt and sweat off of you. Just don't drop them in the port-a-potties!

Deep Night Reflective Outfit

3. Be mindful of your waste

Burning man is a Leave No Trace festival, and while not every festival has adopted that same principal, it's a good idea to be mindful of how much waste you'll create while camping at a festival. Just in case you're stuck with a car full of trash bags on your way out, remove any excess packaging from things you're bringing with you before your arrival.

4. Bins > Suitcases

One of the easiest ways to pack a bunch of stuff without wasting space is to avoid using a suitcase and use a storage bin instead. For a three-day camping festival you'll probably be able to fit most of your things in a single bin, which can then stack easily in your car for easy packing. Plus, you don't have to worry about getting your suitcase dirty.

Electric Ecstasy Marabou Outfit

5. Be realistic about food

I've had years at Burning Man where I've brought too much food, and I've had years where I didn't bring enough food to last the week. Think realistically about how much you eat before you go grocery shopping for a camping festival, and maybe assume you'll eat a little bit less during the hustle of the weekend. Or, if there are food options available at the festival itself, maybe just stick to some snacks and avoid prepping meals altogether.

6. Bring tons of lights

Like...all kinds of lights. Some camping festivals can get pretty dark in the camping area. Dirtybird Campout, for example, doesn't always light the camping area after it gets dark. Bring a flashlight to keep in your bag, or a headlamp for a hands-free light option (or both). I also like to wrap my tent in some battery powered LED wire (you can get it on Amazon) so I can easily spot my tent from far away at night.

Frolicking Fantasy Floral Sequin Outfit

7. Bring more socks than you think you'll need

I like to bring 3 pairs of socks per day just in case. You'll definitely want to switch your day socks off as you head into the night time, but I like to have an extra pair of clean socks for bed time just in case it gets cold.

8. Bring an added shade structure

Your tent is good for sleeping, but during the day you'll want a shade structure to chill in once it gets too hot to sit in your tent.

9. Don't forget camping chairs

You're going to thank yourself if you bring camping chairs. Camping festivals are a 24-hour experience, so having a place to sit and chill when you're not dancing or exploring the festival is a must. You can even bring blow up furniture to save space in your car.

Shroomy Shimmer Marabou Outfit

10. Don't forget tools

It's easy to remember the things you're excited to use—like your new savormeditation outfits or your body glitter—but don't forget the necessities. Double check before you leave that you have any necessary tools to set up and maintain your camp. This can include things like a rubber mallet for your tent stakes (and your tent stakes), Duct Tape just in case, extra batteries, and an air mattress pump.

If 2024 is the year of the it girl, then Mary Droppinz is about to have her biggest year yet. With her music bringing the party vibes to the house and techno scene, Mary Droppinz has found a level of success at an early stage in her career that most don't. This is a testament to her skills as both an artist and a marketer, as her ability to curate a brand has made her an unforgettable new artist for 2024. 

We took a moment to chat with Mary Droppinz just in time for the release of her new EP The Cycle on Zed's Dead's Altered States label. Stream the new EP here and check out what she had to say about its production below. 

savormeditation: Tell us a bit about how you got into DJing? Which came first, DJing or producing?

Mary Droppinz: I started djing first in 2015 for fun. I was a marketing manager at a big ad agency and had a good stable salary job with health insurance. I didn’t plan that DJ'ing would become my full time but I knew the moment I touched the decks that this was my destiny, this is my life, this is what I had been missing and finally felt creative freedom which I was craving.

Coming from Nebraska, I was not exposed to DJ or festival culture at all, I was always a music head though, mostly loving emo or oldies rock. I went to Coachella in 2012 and discovered everything I didn’t think it could even be real! I dove hard into electronic music and the underground. I became a DJ shortly after, so barely was even a fan before i became a DJ.

I used to play piano and watch my dad play drums growing up so after 5 years of DJing. I decided it’s time to put my producer hat on, I loved the music too much. When I started going to school at IO academy for Ableton, that’s when a lot clicked for me. I was DJ'ing house/techno for 5 years until i started producing, then I realized the beats my body naturally moves to were more broken than 4x4.

I got even deeper into subgenres of electronic music and found myself in breaks, electro, dnb, UKG, bass and jersey club. Although I’ve been producing for 4+ years I still feel very new but I am honestly grateful I approached this as a DJ first. A lot of producers have a hit track then have to perform and have no clue how to operate a crowd as a DJ so I feel really strong knowing I'm a badass DJ first! As I continue to learn, grow and explore myself as a producer I am excited to keep sharing my take on dance music.

Flashbang Matrix Reflective Cropped Jacket

"Puffy jackets for those late night outdoor festivals [are a] must."

iHR: I saw on your TikTok you said it's not about genres, it's about energy. I love that. How do you approach curating your sets?

MD: When i curate my set I take in account my mood and what I want to deliver for the night so that it is authentically coming from my heart. I like to create little blocks in my sets of different genres for fluidity but leave a lot of room for serendipity because that’s when magic happens between the DJ and the dance floor.  

I believe DJ’s are energy conductors and not iPod playlists. We are here to draw/weave the beats and rhythms with our energy, creating a safe environment for the dancers to let their bodies free! 

Iridescence Butterfly Hairclips

"I love this cute clip anything iridescent or butterfly i’m obsessed with."

iHR: Tell us a bit about the production process on your new EP, The Cycle. 

MD: I love to create themes for my tracks, like decide the mood/energy/story I’m trying to share first. I often start with drums as they are my favorite part of any track! Then I like to build from there, all of my vocals I just recorded on my phone and then used vocoder in Ableton to give it this kinda robot classic electro vibe.

I will also use samples that i find on Bandcamp or splice and start sketching the idea. From there I will go back and clean up building parts based off of the sample placeholders. I pretty much use all Ableton stock plugins. I also love creating drums on my Roland tr8-s and Ableton push! After I’ve built out the song arrangement with all my parts then I have an engineer help me with the mix-down etc, I only want to put forth my best work so there’s only like 2 friends i trust with feedback & helping dial my music to make it radio ready.

Foreign Friend Reflective & UV Reactive Body Sticker Set

"I might be the only DJ without tattoos but id love to rock these for added fun!"

iHR: The EP came out on Zeds Dead's label, Altered States. How did that come to be?

MD: I’ve been releasing on Altered States the past few years so it made sense to keep it within the family! Shoutout to 2+2 management for connecting the dots and having me as one of their first artists to release on ZD’s new label! It’s been really cool to be apart of it since the start, we shaping the sound of Altered States.

iHR: What were some of your inspirations for that EP?

MD: I made these songs over a year ago when I was going through my own personal growth. ‘The Cycle’ was created to help me stay disciplined to break toxic cycles and relationships that I had in my life at the time, to not go back and repeat the same thing.

‘Really Don’t Care’ I made when I decided to do a 3 day fast to really push my mental capacity and give my body time to heal. In this experience I worked on releasing caring what others thought or said about me.

‘Pink Lambo’ is my favorite I made as like the highest goal, this is where I'm going to be, once I release all the toxic cycles, stop caring about things or people that no longer serve me, this is the ultimate destination — being your baddest, sexiest, freakiest, most successful self! I also did see a pink Lamborghini parked in my neighborhood the day i made this when i came back from the sauna so that’s where the inspo from my lyrics started ;)

Out Of The Dark Reflective Mesh Ultra Crop Top

"I love bolero’s and this looks like it’d be perfect add to any outfit."

iHR: Tell us about some of your upcoming shows. Which ones are you most excited for?

MD: I’m most excited for this summer :) I can’t really announce specifics but it’s going to be a beautiful year of new places, new experiences, new original music to drop! Oh and march 16th I am hosting my own party in DTLA so that is a new fun venture I'm excited to embark on as well! 

iHR: What is your craziest rave or festival memory?

MD: When I played the Zeds Dead jamboree in Denver over 4th of July last year. I was playing the small side stage for altered states and then basically a monsoon of rain down poured on everyone so we all had to flee and go inside. Thousands of ravers stayed outside to brave the rain, insane!

[Then] my manager came running up to me in the green room and said “we need you at main-stage” I'm like what??? and yeah basically I went out to revive the ravers after the insane torrential rain before Zeds Dead played their set. I was shook, to go from the side stage to main stage in a matter of an hour and to be the light at the end of the tunnel for all those people that sat in the rain and waited for the music… my heart! I will never forget this! 

Backstage Baddie Reflective Cutout Top

"I love reflective gear especially when im DJ'ing, it just makes me feel extraterrestrial and techy."

iHR: Where do you look for inspiration when it comes to festival fashion?

MD: I love creating my outfit based on my set for that festival and the vibe I want to give off, my style & my beats go hand in hand! 

Wide Awake Buckle Long Sleeve Top

"As a DJ mostly the top matters because that’s all that anyone can see from the crowd. This looks sexy and gives techno vibes."

iHR: What are some of your favorite festival or rave fashion trends?

MD: I love when people wear belly chains, bucket hats and fast sunglasses. such a viiiibe. 

Barricade Baddie Cutout Bodysuit

"This reminds me of the outfit I wore for my Lightning In A Bottle set last year—bringing back amazing memories."

iHR: If you made a piece of Kandi today, what would it say?

MD: cute ting or fuck around & find out

If ur a Leo, I don't need to tell u that this is ur time to shine. Happy birthday to our Leo babes! Her are my top picks for those of u with Leo in ur sun, moon, and rising signs. If u don't have this fire sign in ur big 3, though, don't worry. I'll be posting a new guide each month so keep an eye out for next month when I go over you rave babes with Virgo in ur sun, moon, and rising.

Leo Sun

Leo sun babes are the life of the party. Ur probably the one at the festival who isn't afraid to dress to impress, and u always manage to make a new friend when ur raving. U have a lot of friends, but ur loyal to the ones who matter most and always have their backs. Here are my top picks for u, Leo sun:

Ignite My Fire Lace Up Outfit

Rolita Couture X IHR High Energy Mesh Assassin Underboob Outfit

Circuit Breaker Outfit

Leo Moon

With ur moon in Leo u might feel like u have all of the traits of a Leo but they may exist more deeply within u.  People are often drawn to u and u have a personality that is easy to get along with. On the dancefloor u might be the one chatting it up with someone new or just feeling the groove of the music. U might like attention on u secretly, but depending on ur sun sign u might not show that as much. Here are my top picks for u, babe:

Backstage Baddie Outfit

Raver Revolution Outfit

Thunderstruck Outfit

Leo Rising

U bring the drama, babe! But in a good way. As a Leo rising u know when to be the center of attention and when to be loyal to ur loved ones. Sometimes that gets u in trouble, but ur not afraid to speak ur mind when it's what is right. At the festival ur probably the one wanting to shoot content, but ur also gassing up ur rave babes to make sure they feel as confident as u do. Here are my top picks for u, Leo rising!

Cyber Matrix Speed Outfit

Hypebeast Headbanger Outfit

Fighting Power Outfit

Not sure where your sun, moon and rising are in your chart? Check out this website that can give you everything you need to know.

The Festival

The annual GRIDLIFE Midwest festival will bring killer dance music acts like Subtronics, Wooli, Sullivan King, and QURL, among many more. By day the event is a motor sports festival where hundreds of professional and grassroots drivers will take the racing track to show off their skills, with the music festival coming to live each night.

Tickets for the festival start at $175 for general admission with VIP starting at $295. Camping is also available onsite, but will require a camping pass which you can also get on the ticketing website. Grab tickets to GRIDLIFE Midwest here. You can also sign up to drive at the event through the website, though there may be some additional requirements.

Getting There

GingerMan Raceway is located just a few miles East of South Haven, Michigan which is right on the Eastern shores of Lake Michigan. You could easily get there in a couple of hours if you drove from Chicago, Detroit or Grand Rapids, which are probably the best airports to fly into if you're coming from out of state. Since the raceway is so close to South Haven, you can search for hotels anywhere in the area and get there in just a short drive or rideshare ride if you choose not to camp.

What to Wear

Since GRIDLIFE Midwest is a racing festival combined with a music festival, I can't think of a better place to channel ur inner Tokyo Drift girly. I'm thinking lots of racing flag print, flame print and Y2K for this one. I'll link some outfit ideas below.

Game Over Outfit 

Psychedelic Freak Outfit

Love Story Outfit

Lightning Charge Outfit

Ignite My Fire Lace Up Top

Sagittarius Sun

You've got glamour in your blood, babe. Rave babes with a Sagittarius sun are the star of every dance floor, and you know that. It's not because you're doing the most to get everyone to look at your crazy dancing, but because something about you dazzles in a way that commands attention wherever you go. You can't help but overdo it when you're planning a fit for the rave, but it works because you need something dazzling and compliment-worthy to go with your personality. Here are my top picks for you, Sagittarius sun:

Laser Cut Outfit

Sagittarius Rising

You're always optimistic, Sagittarius risings. You love a good party and want everyone to have a great time—you might even be the rave mom of your rave fam, and you love that. You're not afraid to speak your mind because you think the world would be better for it, and you would never turn down a good time. Here are some pieces I've picked just for you, babe.

Sagittarius Moon

You're confident, and you love showing that off. You want people to know that you know you're hot, and the rave is a runway when you're around. Those with Sagittarius moon in their chart have a deep passion for the things they love, and when you go out to the rave you put everything you've got into it. I picked these pieces to help you show off your inner glam, combined with that passionate, confident attitude you exude on the dance floor.

Not sure where your sun, moon and rising are in your chart? Check out this website that can give you everything you need to know.

The Music

Like I said before, the Das Energi lineup is massive compared to other local events (or even any festival within a few hours' drive, for that matter). Das Energi does a great job of combining classic and emerging artists but tends to stick to a couple of key genres that local ravers will enjoy. This year's headliners were Deadmau5, Excision, and Louis The Child, which were hits among the crowd but have played in Salt Lake many times in the past. 

Das Energi is a great festival to check out if you're into house or bass music, but is really ideal for ravers who enjoy a wide variety of dance music and have no hard preference. If you're strictly a house head, maybe Get Funky is the better festival for you. Deadmau5 played an amazing set, as to be expected, and had an extremely lively stage presence that showed he appreciated the crowd. For a smaller, regional festival, this can be rare to see from more established DJs. Too often Utah is treated as just another tour stop, so to see an artist genuinely appreciate their audience makes the experience that much better.

The other artists that really stood out to me this year was Level Up and Jessica Audiffred. Both artists not only played sets that got their respective crowds going crazy, but both had a particularly lively stage presence that matched the energy they were bringing. Personally I am particularly grateful for the Born This Way bass remix that Level Up played, and the dubstep remix of Zedd's Clarity from Jessica Audiffred. 

Das Energi stands out against other local festivals in the sheer size and scale of the event, but what I would love to see in the future is a more diverse lineup that introduces ravers to emerging styles and genres. Regional festivals like The BUKU Project (RIP) became a destination not only for its unique venue and vibe, but for the diversity of its lineup that showed its willingness to take risks.

In 2017 I saw SOPHIE (also RIP) play an original set on a stage made of industrial sheet metal. It was one of my most memorable experiences to-date at any festival I've ever been to, probably because genres like SOPHIE don't often get booked at festival slots. I'd love to have a moment like that at Das Energi, which is already extremely unique for its stunning venue and beach. 

On behalf of the hot girls, give us a hyperpop stage to put our lip gloss on at. Give us Paris Hilton sliving on the decks at the beach stage. Give us 100 Gecs headbanging inside the building. Give us Fred Again raging at sunset. In 2016 you gave us EPROM before he really hit it big, so I'm just looking for that moment again. 

The Venue

This year Das Energi expanded its festival grounds further into the beach, which was sprinkled with art installments, brand activations and food trucks for people to explore. The Great Saltair—the venue that Das Energi is held—sits on the beach of the Great Salt Lake and is home to the kind of pink, glowing sunset that will play back in your mind as a core memory for decades to come. 

The building itself is old, but gives the sort of warehouse vibe that you want from a rave, and the beach is really unlike any other event you can really find (aside from maybe Burning Man). It did rain before the event started on Friday which caused a little bit of mud, but it wasn't so bad that you couldn't hang out in the area. It rained again on Saturday, but that only made the crowd go wild as the rain glittered in the lasers. If the rain did slow down the festival, it wasn't apparent as an attendee. 

Das Energi offered more food this year than I had seen in the past, and had a lot of options ranging from local favorite spots and food trucks to what you would generally expect at a festival like pizza or tacos. The lines were never more than a few people long, which made getting anywhere quick and easy. I don't like being in tight crowds, and the crowds at Das Energi were always spaced out really well and never got pushy—even at the front of the main stage during Deadmau5. 

Over the last Decade Das Energi has gone from a small local rave to a major regional festival. I attended the first ever event back in 2012 just a few weeks after I graduated high school and have grown with the event over the years. In that time the addition of the beach stage, art installments, food trucks and interactive activations have really brought Das Energi into the spotlight, and I'm excited to see how it will continue to evolve in the coming years. Das Energi is run by V2 presents, a small local company that has spent decades working to put Utah on the map in terms of its electronic scene. With the success of Das Energi and the announcement that its annual Halloween festival, Get Freaky, will add a third day, I think I can definitely say that V2 succeeded in making Utah a must-go for its rave scene. 

Today V2 is a major part of the local scene, with festivals like Get Funky, Get Freaky, Get Lucky and its annual summer festival Das Energi. Over the years events like Das Energi have grown from a single day rave to a multi-day festival that takes place at the end of each summer at The Great Saltair. What makes V2 particularly different from other local promoters in the scene is that they amp up their production to massive festival-level entertainment. The V2 dancers, much like the Ultra Angels, have become a staple at V2 events with wildly creative, custom costume design and intricate makeup artistry.

The brainchild behind V2s dancers and costume design is Megan Fullmer, the lead designer and creative who works with the dance team to create custom looks for each event. We talked with Megan ahead of this summer's Das Energi Festival to learn about her approach to rave fashion, and what Das Energi fans can expect when they enter the gates of The Great Saltair this August.

savormeditation: Hi! Can you tell us a bit about the V2 festivals from your perspective as a dancer?

Megan Fullmer: It’s hard to think about our events from any other perspective than as a dancer. It is the only perspective I know and I’m so grateful for the world we have created over the years.

The weeks leading up to our festivals get a bit hectic, [my design partner] Roxy and I usually hunker down to conceptualize, design, and create all the outfits. Once that part is done, the rest comes naturally. We try to bring on new talented dancers, flow artists, and makeup artists at almost every festival to keep things fresh and showcase new talent, while keeping our main crew around who have been with V2 Performers for years.

Photo: Courtesy of V2 Presents

iHR: Which V2 event is your favorite to prepare for/attend and why?

MF: Not surprisingly, Das Energi is my favorite V2 festival and I would guess the same goes for all my other dancer babies and most people involved. The preparation takes a lot more time than others due to the larger team and higher attention to detail that I put into Das Energi as our biggest festival of the year.

Being outside during the festival and one of the best times of year at The Saltair is always magical, and vibes that our attendees bring to Das Energi are just unmatched. It is an all around beautiful festival! 

iHR: Tell me about your creative process in designing the costumes for an event?

MF: So many Ideas for designs come to me naturally, while others are more strategic. Recently for Get Funky, I knew that I wanted to go with an emo/punk look for one night and a purple and gold look for the other. After knowing the colors I wanted the second night, I began searching for fabrics in those colors and the rest just came together. I think that the finished product turned out nicely!

iHR: What are some of your favorite pieces you've designed over the last several years?

MF: As a horror fan and enthusiast, I always have an especially fun time designing our costumes for Get Freaky. Each year, I try to top the shock and gore value from the previous year, while still keeping our team looking sexy and fun. Combining these two aspects from two favorite hobbies of mine is very fulfilling and fun! 

iHR: What are your favorite rave fashion styles and trends these days?

MF: I love to see so many different styles from different people at different festivals. One of the most fun parts about a festival is to see all the diversity of many people trying different things that make them comfortable and happy.

In terms of my own designs, I always try to create something different that hasn’t been done before, that still fits within the general trending styles of rave-wear.

iHR: Are there any newer rave fashion trends you're excited to see more of this festival season?

MF: I get excited about everybody’s creativity and watching people express themselves through their outfits every year, regardless of trends.

iHR: What are some of your favorite or most memorable rave trends over the years? Are there any you'd love to see make a comeback?

MF: Fluffies are definitely one of the most memorable. They are definitely making a comeback, but I’m unsure how I feel about that ;)

Photo: Courtesy of V2 Presents

iHR: Are there any trends you're happy to see go out of style?

MF: I personally am not a fan of fluffies 😂 but I think they look great on the right people. They also make dancing even hotter than it already is.

iHR: Do you have any favorite savormeditation pieces?

MF: The “Sky Full of Stars” sets are my favorite from savormeditation! I design the majority of our costumes from scratch, but usually will grab fishnets and other accessories from savormeditation because they accompany my designs so perfectly.

iHR: If you created your own line of rave clothes, what would be the theme?

MF: I am currently building my own line/brand called Shmeeks. I like to make outfits that everybody feels comfortable, sexy, and happy in. I also draw from a wide range of inspiration, so not sure that my brand will follow a specific “theme."

Das Energi Festival will take place at Salt Lake's Great Saltair on August 12 and 13. The festival features headliners like Deadmau5, Excision, Louis The Child and Subtronics with a stacked lineup that isn't even fully revealed. Das Energi is one of my favorite festivals in the United States because it has a unique vibe in a beautiful venue. See you there ;)

Yonderville Information

Tickets for the Yonderville Music & Arts Festival range in price based on how long you'll plan on being there. The event spans over the course of five days, so you have a lot of flexibility in terms of whether you may want to go for the whole festival or just for the weekend. Some of the ticket tiers are sold out, but there are some GA and VIP packages still available that range in price from €124.99 for a single day to €657.07 for a 4-day VIP camping experience.

The lineup this year is full of trippy favorites like Liquid Stranger, Of The Trees, Wreckno and tons more. Check out the full lineup below!

Yonderville Music & Arts Festival is a camping festival, so you'll need to bring your camping gear for the event. You can read our camping festival guide which includes everything you could ever need here. Tickets include GA camping, but you'll want to check that same FAQ page for information on bringing an RV or upgrading to a VIP camping experience. Camping also includes showers and water available, with shower tokens available for purchase at the festival grounds.

The event is BYOB, but you'll need to be 21+ to drink and the festival has a hard rule on no glass bottles. Check the FAQ page linked above for a complete list of things you can and cannot bring.

The venue itself is a bit off the beaten path at a place called Marvin's Mountaintop. Finding the festival site can be a bit difficult so, we recommend that you follow the directions from the website rather than any navigation website like Google Maps. You can find those directions here. The location is about a 30 minute drive east from Morgantown, WV, or about 4 hours east of Washington, D.C.

What to Wear to Yonderville

Camping festivals are a great way to show off a wide variety of fits that range from the all out raver look to a more laidback and comfortable fit for late nights. The mountains of West Virginia are warm and nice in the summer, but temperatures can get pretty low at night. Expect it to be pretty hot in the day and then cool down at night, but you probably don't need to bring your furs—it won't be that cold! Here are some fits that I recommend for Yonderville Music & Arts Festival.

Forest Fairy Outfit

Pixielated Outfit

Fairy Dust Kisses Outfit

Made To Sparkle Outfit

Freaky Forever Outfit

Swirling With Magic Outfit

Watercolor Eyes Outfit

Psychedelic Wonderland Outfit

We can't wait to see what kinds of looks you put together for Yonderville Music & Arts Festival! Tag us @iheartraves in your content!

savormeditation: Tell us a bit about your live sets and what the audience can expect at GRIDLIFE Midwest?

KAR POW: At the moment, I’m really into hard techno (so that). But I never want to put myself, my music, or mixing into a box. I’d describe my sound as raw, emotive and intense. Expect to go hard. Expect to have fun. Expect to dance your face off. But I also hope you feel it in your heart and soul — that's the cherry on top!

iHR: What got you into DJing?

KP: At shows and festivals, I’d always find myself trying to figure out exactly what the DJ was doing on stage. What started as a fascination turned into a fierce love for the art of DJing, but it took me years to finally say fuck it and go for it. Having a creative outlet and playing house parties for friends were my original intentions and things kind of escalated from there. DJing is now an obsession.

iHR: Can you tell us a bit about your upcoming projects? Are there any releases in the pipeline?

KP: Yes! Original music and fashion line coming in 2023. Can't wait to release all these ideas that have been living in my head.

iHR: When it comes to your rave or festival style, how do you approach creating a look?

KP: Comfort over everything, especially if I’m performing at the festival. If I feel comfortable, then I’m more likely to feel sexy and confident and kill it on stage. If that means a see-through bodysuit, cool. If that means a baggy t-shirt, also cool. Most of my closet consists of black or camo prints, but I borrowed this savormeditation-worthy dress from my Wifey just for the occasion!

iHR: What rave fashion trends are you most excited to see this festival season?

KP: Not really a trend, but I love seeing individuality shine through fashion, especially at music festivals. Those who choose to be themselves unapologetically and wear whatever the hell they want — that’s what's up!

iHR: If you made a piece of kandi today what would it say?

KP: Fuck with me or don’t!

iHR: Favorite festival memory?

KP: Seeing Alison Wonderland play at Electric Forest in 2015 is hands down my favorite festival memory. She left everything on that stage and, in my opinion, that kind of performance sets the bar. It was so lovely, leaving that set feeling so inspired and empowered — and that’s what I strive to do for others as well!

The Music

Set against the backdrop of Downtown Miami's glittery skyline on one side and the tropical paradise of Biscayne Bay on the other, Ultra Music Festival is a spring breaker's dream. This year the event was headlined by Kygo, David Guetta, Tiesto and a surprise special guest to close out the event on Sunday—Hardwell.

Hardwell's return to the stage was met with excitement and enthusiasm from just about everyone. Other headlining acts included names like Illenium, Knife Party, Pendulum, Armin Van Buuren and, of course, Carl Cox who headlined the closing set at the Resistance megastructure three nights in a row.

With such a wide genre variety represented at the festival, fans of electronic music are more than getting their money's worth with top-tier performances from superstars and music legends in every scene. And when the festival ended every night around 11, fans could head to any one of the many iconic Miami clubs to keep the party going with a whole new lineup of dance music favorites.

On Friday, Kygo closed out the festival mainstage with a memorable performance that strayed far from the tropical house sounds he's known for. Instead the Norwegian DJ seemingly paid homage to his late friend and inspiration Avicii, who passed away in 2018.

It's no secret that Avicii's influence on both the electronic and pop industries continues to live on. Kygo played a set filled with EDM hits and that unmistakable dance-pop vibe that Avicii was famed for. With special guests like DNCE (including Joe Jonas) and 50 Cent, along with a special orchestral version of "Firestone," Kygo's Ultra set will likely catapult him from niche favorite to EDM superstar.

There was a time in the mid-2010s when admitting you enjoyed mainstage artists like Avicii and Hardwell was a sort of faux pas in the rave scene. This was when house and techno gained newfound traction in the underground scene, bass music expanded into new frontiers, and major acts like Tiesto and Avicii were straying from the rave and into the Top 40 charts.

Dance music was suddenly more accessible than ever, but that also made it less approachable and painfully serious. I'm not sure if it was the fact that COVID-19 has made us all desperate to feel joy, or the fact that everyone has realized it just doesn't matter, but dance music is fun again and Ultra 2022 proved that. The vibe shift (this one) clearly brought with it a new era for dance music fans—one that appreciates the fun of dance music and leaves the rest behind. No bad vibes 2022.

As a crowd of 150,000 poured into the gates at Ultra Music Festival over the course of three days, ravers came ready to enjoy all that the festival had to offer. From the techno at the Resistance stage to Tiesto's grand performance on the mainstage on Saturday night, festival attendees seemed to enjoy every part of it, eating up every last crumb that Ultra had to offer.

The Venue

With dozens of electronic acts across six stages over three days, Ultra Music Festival has a little something for everyone. Bayfront Park is an iconic location for the event, and although it isn't the festival's original home (that would be the beach) it wouldn't feel right being anywhere else. Miami's downtown area is the perfect location for a festival of this size, with dozens of hotels within walking distance and easy access to public transportation that can get you anywhere in the area in minutes.

The festival itself is smaller than you would expect, especially for ravers that have been watching the Ultra livestream for years. The venue and stages definitely look bigger on screen, but that isn't to say they were small by any means. Walking distance between the stages was pretty short, and you could walk from one end of the festival to another in just a few minutes before the crowds got packed later in the night. Once that happened, though, the smaller venue felt overcrowded at times and it could get difficult to walk around without getting caught in a bottle-necked crowd. That being said, there really wasn't any pushing or shoving when that did happen.

Navigating the grounds felt confusing at times which kind of made it feel like you were exploring when you found a new area. A second, smaller Resistance stage in the back of the festival offered Burning Man-esque art installments to interact with, a photo-worthy lounge area and some killer views of Biscayne Bay.

The VIP experience offered a lot of perks, including upgraded bathrooms, great viewing decks and even a private bar area off to the side of the mainstage in the TAO VIP pop up. The TAO Group, which brought its luxury bottle service experience, TAO dancers and plenty of pheromones to Ultra, made the VIP experience feel truly VIP—for those who were willing to pay an additional premium. If you were going to see any celebrities at Ultra, that was the spot. 

The Food

I'm not one that ever really goes to festivals for the food. Festival food has, admittedly, gotten better in recent years but will likely never be something that makes or breaks my experience. But I go to Burning Man where it's not uncommon to eat a quesadilla made out of Easy Cheese, so maybe my standards are just really low.

That being said, the food at Ultra had a lot to offer. Food trucks lined the street from the mainstage to the Resistance stage across the west side of the festival grounds, and additional food stands toward the back side of the festival offered different options and even more variety. Lines at the alcohol stands got pretty long and chaotic, especially in GA, but the wait times for food never seemed to exceed a couple of minutes.

In VIP, additional food options added to the experience. Stalls like Pub Belly Sushi in the mainstage VIP area were a clear favorite (though they were closed on Saturday), and a special tableside sushi service from the swanky Miami favorite, Komodo, offered a pretty mouthwatering presentation in the bottle service section. 

The Vibe

There's no mistaking that the production value of Ultra Music Festival is among the top tier in the festival circuit. The event was well-staffed and functional throughout the entire experience, and attendees always seemed happy and entertained. What stood out in particular was the attention paid to smaller details, like added staff and plenty of security that was eager to help in case of any emergency.

I would recommend to anyone considering attending in 2023 to splurge on VIP tickets just because the bathroom, entry line and overall experience was much more enjoyable in a less crowded space, but it's not mandatory to pay for VIP in order to have a good time. With Swedish House Mafia set to headline the 2023 event, it's clear dance music fans are ready to celebrate the fun of the genre once again.

All photos courtesy of Ultra Music Festival

100 gecs - mememe

For fans of: SOPHIE, GFOTY, Alice Glass, Charli XCX, A.G. Cook
Genre: Hyperpop

Hyperpop is easily my favorite new genre to come up in the last couple of years. Fans of nostalgic favorites like the early 2000s emo bands we all wish we could rage to today will feel right at home with 100 gecs. This new track is the first single off of their upcoming album, 10000 gecs which is out whenever they collect that many gecs—my guess is early next year.

A Drug From God - Chris Lake & NPC

For fans of: Chris Lake, Grimes, Rezz, Dombresky, Malaa
Genre: House

I first heard this track at Get Funky 2021 when Chris Lake sampled it onstage during his set. Naturally I am a little bit sad that this wasn't released until after the 2021 festival season came to a close, but you bet I will be blasting this on a loop in the gym to prepare for 2022. NPC is a new AI pop group created by Grimes, and this first single hints at a dive even further into dance music after her release of Miss Anthropocene Rave Edition earlier this year, which included remixes from Rezz and Richie Hawtin.

Intimidated EP - Kaytranada

For fans of: Anderson .Paak, Kali Uchis, Vic Mensa, AlunaGeorge
Genre: Funk

If you need the perfect music to chill to this week, I highly recommend this new EP from Kaytranada. In my opinion, since you asked, Kaytranada can do no wrong. Intimidated is exactly what I expected from a Kaytranada release and that's smooth funk beats paired with sultry, smooth vocals provided by H.E.R., Thundercat and Mach-Hommy.

Spiral - Rezz

For fans of: Deathpact, Porter Robinson, Excision, Deadmau5, Gesaffelstein
Genre: Techno

I realize that artist comparison is all over the place but uhhhh—iykyk. Rezz released her first album in three years this month and it was well worth the hype and the wait. Spiral is the more hyptnotizing and melodic older sibling to 2018's Certain Kind of Magic that shows Rezz has matured as an artist. Check out Let Me In and Sacrificial, two of my favorites that maintain that classic Rezz sound while giving us a dose of something new.

Walk Like Me - Robert DeLong

For fans of: She Wants Revenge, Matt & Kim, Dan Deacon, Flume
Genre: Electronic/Alternative

Longtime electronic music fans will recognize Robert DeLong as the mastermind behind 2013's "Global Concepts," a track that had a death grip on the MySpacers as they navigated the new post-Tom era. I wouldn't quite classify Robert DeLong as a dance music artist, but he's in that caliber of artists that tend to get booked during the day slots at some of the most popular festivals around the country. Walk Like Me is a 2021 version of 2013's Just Movement and captures the chaos that we're all living in today.

Call of the Unicorn - Moore Kismet

For fans of: Skrillex, Excision, Dion Timmer, Svdden Death
Genre: Dubstep

It isn't often that we see a 16-year-old producer make waves in an oversaturated music market. Moore Kismet, who is also known as Omar Davis, is doing just that. "Call of the Unicorn" is a clear homage to EDM's past, with references to Skrillex's "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" set against the backdrop of a melodic vocal collaboration from Tasha Baxter that immediately crashes into a brain scrambling dubstep drop.

Mean It - Manilla Killa, San Holo, Nick Lopez

For fans of: Avicii, Hotel Garuda, Chet Porter, Tycho, pluko
Genre: Downtempo/Melodic

Anyone in need of some good vibes can find them right here in "Mean It," by Manilla Killa, San Holo and Nick Lopez. This dreamy, melodic single is the perfect thing to listen to on your way to Dreamstate this weekend.

Most People - R3HAB, Lukas Graham

For fans of: Avicii, Alan Walker, Calvin Harris, Kygo
Genre: EDM

Remember when Avicii had that country/edm moment back in 2013 with "Wake Me Up" and "Hey Brother" off of True? The success of that album really seemed like it would trigger a country/electronic mashup trend that really never kicked off (unless you count all of the remixes of "Old Town Road"—which, I don't). R3HAB and Lukas Graham's collaboration on "Most People" would fit the mold for a resurgence of that long-forgotten era, and the overall positive message and upbeat tune perked my ears as I was looking for new music. Just as I loved that Avicii era, I'm gonna give this one a hard yes. We're never getting another Avicii record, but this is what I would have pictured to be a close successor to anything off of True.

Still Miss U - DJ_Dave, Kitty

For fans of: Slayyyter, GFOTY, Hannah Diamond
Genre: hyperpop/pop/electronic

It's not that this song is new, because I've been hearing remixes of Kitty's "Miss U" for years now. Don't get me wrong, "Miss U" is her best track, but the tech behind DJ_Dave's remix is what perked my ears up when I read about it. Get this, DJ_Dave is a queer, female producer that made this remix by livecoding, which means she inputs code into a computer and it creates music in return. Now that we're all plugged into the metaverse I shouldn't be surprised by this remix, but I'm stoked that it's first coming in the form of pop/electronic music. The song itself is haunting, glitchy and catchy, with deep synths and a disco break. I'll be putting this one on repeat.