Spirituality, substance use and transformation in electronic dance music culture

A survey of 146 electronic dance music (EDM) participants, mainly from the Midwestern United States, found that 41% rated having spiritual experiences as a very or extremely important reason for attending events, and 60% sometimes, often, or nearly always had spiritual experiences at events. Greater involvement with EDM was associated with higher well-being, while more frequent drug use—especially nitrous oxide—was linked to lower well-being. Preferences for different EDM genres correlated with distinct patterns of substance use, spiritual experiences, and personal transformation. Cluster analysis identified two subgroups: one more involved in EDM, seeking different qualities in a DJ and reporting both more transgressive behaviors (drug use) and more transcendent experiences (spiritual experiences, personal transformation).

Study at a glance

Abstract

Since its inception, the electronic dance music (EDM) scene has been associated with drug use, especially MDMA (Ecstasy) and, to a lesser extent, psychedelics. Ethnographic studies and first-person accounts also emphasise the importance of mystical experiences among EDM participants, as well as religious or spiritual practices connected with EDM culture. The current study surveyed 146 individuals involved with EDM, primarily from the Midwestern United States. Forty-one per cent of respondents indicated that “having spiritual experiences” was a very or extremely important reason they attended EDM events, and 60% of participants sometimes, often, or nearly always had spiritual experiences at events. Higher involvement with EDM was associated with higher ratings of well-being. The frequency of drug use, especially nitrous oxide use, was inversely related to well-being. Preferences for different EDM genres were associated with different patterns of substance use, spiritual and transcendent experiences and personal transformation. Two subgroups of EDM participants were identified using cluster analysis. Members of one group were more involved in EDM than the other group, looked for different things in a DJ and reported both more transgressive (e.g. drug use) and transcendent experiences (e.g. spiritual experiences, personal transformation) connected to EDM. Recommendations for future research are offered.