Hey EDM Haters, The Black Madonna Has Some Words For You
"Being jaded is lame."
If you’re one of the many dance fans that scoff at the antics of EDM fans and roll your eyes at the endless confetti cannon blasts, listen up: The Black Madonna has some words for you.
The revered selector returned from floating festival Holy Ship a few days ago, where she headlined alongside acts like Tchami, What So Not, and Green Velvet. Evidently the experience had quite an impact on her, as she proceeded to let loose on Twitter about how the cynicism towards EDM is “lame”, and while she’s not in love with the genre, she “respects the diversity of listeners.”
“I used to hate EDM and I still don’t really care for the music,” she wrote. “But I remember something Carl Cox said about how he was fine with EDM because it’s basically an entry point for young people in dance and how those people will stick around, the implication being tastes change.
“And in the year of our lord 2019, I have seen it with my own eyes. I have just spent a week on Holy Ship and honestly it was great. There was every kind of music. From hardstyle to Roman Flugel. And the crowds weren’t always different…There were drag queens and voguers and folks coming over from more underground dance worlds and a lot of people were wondering if they’d be accepted and the consensus was that this was one of the most earnest, loving communities we’d been invited to.”
She admitted that she’s way more comfortable in a warehouse or basement, she had a “fucking great time” on Holy Ship.
“It’s easier not to show up and to write off people because of where they’re coming from musically but let’s be honest, I used to think 2 Unlimited was the pinnacle of dance music. The reason I became the listener I am is because people like Paul Johnson played big ass raves.
“And to all the haters, you have not lived until you have seen a raver dressed as a blinking, feathered Liberace screeching and getting their entire life to Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes on a boat where people normally play shuffleboard.”
Right on, Marea. Read the full thread below.
I used to hate EDM and I still really don’t care for the music, but… I remember something Carl Cox said about how he was fine with EDM because it’s basically an entry point for young people in dance and how those people will stick around, the implication being tastes change.
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) January 12, 2019
And in the year of our lord 2019, I have seen it with my own eyes. I have just spent a week on Holy Ship and honestly it was great. There was every kind of music. From hardstyle to Roman Flugel. And the crowds weren’t always different.
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) January 12, 2019
I played ALLLLLLL the things I always play. 5 sets. The dancers on the boat were young. Yes they were blinking. I was given bracelets and candy and more hugs than I can count. Walking along the boat, every five feet it seemed someone would ask me if they could hug me.
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) January 12, 2019
There were drag queens and voguers and folks coming over from more underground dance worlds and a lot of people were wondering if they’d be accepted and the consensus was that this was one of the most earnest, loving communities we’d been invited to.
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) January 12, 2019
And to reiterate, I heard excellent music on this boat. I also heard EDM and it’s not my thing but I respect the diversity of listeners all sharing ideas and supporting each other and exploring new sounds. Remember that?
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) January 12, 2019
It’s easier not to show up and to write off people because of where they’re coming from musically but let’s be honest, I used to think 2 Unlimited was the pinnacle of dance music. The reason I became the listener I am is because people like Paul Johnson played big ass raves.
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) January 12, 2019
I will always be most me and most comfortable in a dirty basement or warehouse, but I’m glad I know these people and those hugs made me feel great and these are great kids figuring out who they are in dance music just like us old ravers used to be.
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) January 12, 2019
Being jaded is lame. I had a fucking great time on #HolyShip 12 and 13 and to my #Shipfam, thanks for teaching this old dog new tricks and for dancing so hard to disco. Thanks to the whole team who make the boat safe.
And thanks for the sweaty hugs. I really needed them. pic.twitter.com/iIoqliXRRr
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) January 12, 2019
And to all the haters, you have not lived until you have seen a raver dressed as a blinking, feathered Liberace screeching and getting their entire life to Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes on a boat where people normally play shuffleboard. 🚢💋
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) January 12, 2019