EDM in Arizona: Phoenix Lights

Phoenix Lights is an EDM festival sponsored by Relentless Beats that took place at Margaret T. Hance Park in Downtown Phoenix from April 8-9.

April officially kicks off "festival season" and Arizona is slowly becoming a music festival destination sponsoring high-profile music events such as the Pot of Gold Music Festival and Mad Decent Music Festival.

When one thinks of music festivals, they often think of Indio and Chicago that host events such as Coachella and Lollapalooza respectively.

Phoenix Lights attendee Randy Lam said, "Many popular DJs are starting to come out here and play sets in Arizona."

Why is Phoenix becoming a hotspot for these types of events?

Festival-goer Amy Le said, "Festivals in Arizona are easier to host because of the open, deserted venues such as Rawhide Western Town and Event Center in Chandler where most Relentless Beats shows are hosted."

EDM stands for "electronic dance music" and its popularity has skyrocketed with events like the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas sponsored by Insomniac Events.

"I think EDM has become popular because all these DJs are starting to come on the radio and it hypes people up," Lam said. "I like EDM because every beat is different to me."

EDM music festivals are often referred to as raves. To many, raving is a way of life and a way to escape the pressures of everyday life.

"Raving is a way for me to escape from reality, or 'adulting,' as I like to call it," Le said. "It allows me to be free and enjoy my passion, which is music."

Le said, "I call these festivals 'hippie playgrounds' and visiting them once in a while is healing for the soul."