The Vibe as Peace: EDMC Conflict Studies and Montreal Psytrance Spheres
Dancecult November 16, 2020 Marc-Olivier Castagner
Peace is often discussed in electronic dance music culture as a harmonious, communal experience, but this view overlooks the productive role of conflict. Drawing on Peter Sloterdijk's spherology and observations of Montreal's psytrance scenes, this paper argues that conflict—both within the dance floor vibe and outside it—can be creative and formative. It offers a framework for understanding how peace and conflict dynamics on dance floors shape broader global cultural formations, providing observers and practitioners with tools to discuss these tensions.