Top products from r/aves

Ranted about this in the discord but some thoughts.

The history lesson is simple but decent. Matos also wrote "The Underground is Massive" which is a great historical review of electronic dance music in America. Highly recommend this one

However I think there are a few things off about his analysis on the current state of things. "Big room house" might have fallen off the map and the Billboard charts compared to 2012 but American-style dubstep (which also was popularized in the post-2011 era, noted by Matos as he mentions Skrillex) is just as big as ever in terms of popularity. It's weird for him to cherry pick CRSSD as a festival that caters to Yaeji/Amelie Lens (conveniently forgetting to mention Kaskade was on that lineup), and completely ignoring Lost Lands and its 36,000+ attendance. Electric Forest anyone? Bass Canyon?

Dubstep (and other slower or downtempo styles like trap/future bass/midtempo bass/etc. - the "bass music" family if you will) is huge in terms of representation on festival lineups. If Matos wants to talk about EDM as being separate from traditional rave circles because of its drop-heavy hype culture, then he should point out that bass music DJs/artists/festivals carry on that banner into 2019 and likely beyond. And why link an article about ResidentAdvisor as having anything to do with the pop EDM scene? RA has been writing shit like that for a decade+ now. And namedropping Discwoman - who are awesome, but also hardly relevant to the big EDM scene in general. 99% of people on the Illenium rail are not going to know that Frankie had a Twitter spat with Nina Kraviz about racism and white privilege. Anyways I think he's cherry picking a bit about what's going on nowadays, to make it seem like "smaller festivals" are the modern landscape - but often they are only "the move" after people have been pushed through the massives initially.

> Going big, in fact, is increasingly frowned upon in dance music.

Could have fooled me. Business techno memes are rampant in 2019 lol

Hi, I think what you're looking for are called musicians earplugs. They lower volume without muffling sound quality. The ones I have are called
Earasers
https://www.amazon.com/Earasers-HEM001-Musicians-Plugs-Medium/dp/B00E2D9HAA/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1487460400&sr=8-1&keywords=earasers+earplugs

I find those work pretty well, my only gripe about them is they sometimes wiggle loose (but not fall out). They arent the ones that go inside your ear like a qtip or something, they're like the old ipod earbuds.

The other ones I have are called Etymotic earplugs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RM6Q9XW/ref=sr_ph_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1487460473&sr=sr-1&keywords=etymotic+earplugs

I like these ones because they actually go inside your ear so they don't get loose. Personally, I wear the etymotic more often but the Earasers are more comfortable.

Lmk if you have any questions! Always happy to help. I have a ton of earplugs but those two are my favorite. Protect your hearing!!!!

It may be too late, but you can buy paper diffraction glasses on amazon. So much fun to pass out to people during the shows! It is a great way to make friends, everyone appreciates them.

Earasers. They are the best hands down. They are $40 but they are 100% worth it. Better than $200 custom earplugs from the ear doctor. Best out there. Trust me.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E2D9HAA/ref=twister_B00EXNAI3Y?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

All of these are great. Borrowed a friends camelbak last year, can't imagine the difficulty of doing HARD without it.

Also, bring plenty of cash from outside, since parking can cost a good deal and the ATMs inside have fees and lines.

If you have any small fans you can use to cool yourself off with, those are also great.

Lastly, earplugs are a must, especially for the indoor stages. I recommend these because they are comfortable, very high quality for a low price, and come with a connecting cord and travelling case you can clip onto your camelbak/backpack.

One of the more popular brands is DownBeats but I find them too small so I chose this brand of etymotic ear plugs.

I like those best bc they're incredibly easy to take in/out and they have a little string that connects them together so you can hang them around your neck when not in use.

Buy some hot hands they work miracles. I remember someone last year gave me one for my wife and I definitely made the cold bearable and they're pretty cheap for big pack maybe you can pass them out like I will be doing!!
HotHands Hand Warmers 40 Pair Value Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007ZF4OA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vq2hAb1GVX2GY

Be sure to look for "decibel reducing" earplugs. Those are the ones meant for concerts/loud places. This kind is what I use and is cheap. It quiets things down a hair, but you can still easily feel and hear the music. You can still have conversations with people as well. You will just about forget that you have them in your ears as they are pretty comfortable. I suggest looking for those that come on a string than separate. That way you can just wear them around your neck.

I'm not sure if places like Walmart sells these types, as they carry earplugs that are meant to cancel out sound completely, rather than reduce decibels.

Their standard Ety plugs are pretty good! http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-ETY-Plugs-Protection-Earplugs/dp/B0044DEESS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411141142&sr=8-1&keywords=etymotic+earplugs

Just make sure you get the correct size, fit is very important.
Also incase anyone is interested, Etymotic makes some kick ass in ear headphones. Even the cheapest ones(~$60) are rally good!

I was recommended these:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015WJQ7A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
on some other reddit thread. I have trouble with things staying in my ears and I found these to be great. Excellent reviews, great quality item.

As everyone else said: earplugs. Downbeats are absolutely amazing for shows and highly recommended - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A3Z44R2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Wi.IzbA8XJF00

I have mild tinnitus. I've been going to different genres of shows frequently for over ten years now. I find that live instrument shows tend to make my ears ring more than DJ sets. I've definitely been trying to get better at wearing ear plugs every time now.

I'm really leaning towards the idea of giving away diffraction glasses. Do you know what kind you use? And I'm thinking about ordering these and passing them out at Escape from Wonderland. I'm just not sure if they'll be any good. I want to give people something they'll really enjoy!

Edit: Possibly these instead

I would just order a 50 pack on Amazon. It's $15 and you get 50 pairs to share with friends and its a great way to meeting people.

http://www.amazon.com/Fireworks-Glasses-Multi-Starbursts-Displays-Holiday/dp/B0081LC7MY/ref=pd_sim_21_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=51FC1btikrL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR153%2C160_&refRID=1T82515NCMT1B2N08W1Q

Another brand that you should possibly consider are the ones I personally use, eargasm. They're relatively affordable(20$ I think) they are really comfortable, and they are pretty discreet-looking. They also come with a cheap little case for holding them that you can throw on your keys. :)

Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs for Concerts Musicians Motorcycles and More! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019M576XW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_.-nkxbC8Q5HF2

Here you go

You should pick up a nice pair of earplugs and take them to every show. I got a pair of these and they work very well. they don't distort the sound, just lowers the volume. Also, its pretty hard to see them when they are in, if you care about that.

I'm going with a few friends, can't wait. Earplugs are a must. I've had great experiences with these -- saved my ears at Seven Lions @ Royale last week.

These earplugs will be mega helpful for you, they won't lower the quality of the sound, they'll just protect your ears and keep everything sounding great

https://www.amazon.com/Vater-VSAS-Safe-Sound-Plugs/dp/B002RWKR7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479180486&sr=8-1&keywords=vater+ear+plugs

These are about the same price, come with a better container, you can change the level of dampening, and the cord to connect them is a godsend, especially if you're constantly taking one out to hear/talk to your friends.

EarPeace HD Concert Ear Plugs... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076VVP6CX?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I'm sure there are better ones out there but these get the job done and they come in a keychain container which is awesome. you will have these with you at all times and won't ever forget them.

Something not much people do, but handwarmers really help and give me a sense of warmth in the cold!

I know that feel - I recently got one of these and it's the best thing I've found so far. It has a zip pocket and will actually hold a fair amount of stuff while still laying pretty flat! I've worn it to a bunch of shows and it stays in place and isn't nearly as bulky as a fanny pack or running belt.

I highly recommend a pair of Downbeats. I absolutely love them and have gotten most of my friends to get some too. I tried the Etymotics but didn't like them as much since they stick out of your ear a lot and looks kinda funny. You can't really notice Downbeats unless you're looking for them.

I bought a pair of Dubs ear plugs, and got a pair of silicone ones from Lost Lands. Dubs are good, but the silicone ones fit better and I never had a problem with them falling out when headbanging or dancing, so I prefer those. Here’s a link to an example of the ones I’m talking about! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G0PPTAK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_RlJKBbAXSCFXD

I use these for shows and festivals. Filters out most sound and i can still hear my friends when they talk to me. Recommend trying them out!

https://www.amazon.com/Earasers-HEM001-Musicians-Plugs-Medium/dp/B00E2D9HAA?th=1

Bought these last year and they've been pretty great for me.

This is some of the most important advice here

I recommend these - still affordable and a step above the generic foam ones you'll find around, I've always been happy with the sound quality coming through them.

"Has anybody used these before and know of a similar brand I could get?"

If you want to find some similar to blox you should compare
Frequency reduction values table. This are the tables for blox and similar ~$20 earplugs:

This is for blox :

(Hz) | Average reduction Value (DB)

63 | 14.4
125 | 15.1
250 | 15.4
500 | 17.1
1000 | 19.9
2000 | 26.9
4000 | 17.7
8000 | 29.9



This is for ER20XS Earplugs :

(Hz) | Average reduction Value (DB)

125 | 14.5
250 | 14.2
500 | 17.1
1000 | 21.1
2000 | 25.3
4000 | 20.5
8000 | 23.3

I guess they are similar.
You can find some other comparison for earplugs for gigs

I super recommend either the Etymotics ER20XS (my last pair) or Earasers (my current pair, do not plan on switching anytime soon)

Just used some for a rave I went to recently and it was the best decision I made the whole night. These were the ones I used. I like that they come with a little canister to put them away when I needed to.

+1 for flip belt. Can't vouch for the one you linked but I recently just got this one and it works great. One big pocket for your phone and a little one for keys/cards.

​

I've been using Etymotics for 5 years now. They're great. Hearoes has something very similar as well.

I've seen this issue mentioned a lot for all the NOS festivals including dreamstate. Luckily know one I know lost theirs though. I keep all my phone in a running belt ( I use this one ) and I think it would be pretty darn hard to get stuff out of without me noticing. Doubly so at this dreamstate since if I was outside I had my hoodie on over it.

I bought these about a few months ago and have been very satisfied:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015IQ6HI4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1

Was a bit weary about sticking something directly into my ear canal, but it's nowhere near as discomforting as it sounds.

That feeling when you take them out at the end of the event and your hearing comes back to normal without the ringing.. mmm.

I bring em to raves, festivals, night clubs, whatever.

I have DownBeats, and I love them!!

Not shorts, but I highly recommend this for valuables/keys. Used it to hold two wallets, a small medical device, and phone at EDC and was not disappointed.

It means "serious" or "seriously", at least that's how I've always used it

http://www.dictionary.com/browse/deadass

Also, on topic: I have these Etymotics and they are great!

I have a pair of etymotic (as linked by /u/buboy3) which are great, but it bothered me that they always stuck out so much. Now I use downbeats:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A3Z44R2
Which are the same price and similar fit and (to me, since this is obviously subjective) also preserve good sound quality.

I like these, they preserve the sound really well.

Good on you! I am a big fan of Eargasm. Etymotics are cheaper and are also good, but my personal preference is for the Eargasms.

I have a cheaper version of the Etymotics that I've been using for the past 5 years and they are excellent.

Hand sanitizer. Refractor glasses (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0081LC7MY/ref=pd_aw_sim_21_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=5DCTT7ZC5ZD7ZPFYCA96), and lots of kandi bracelets.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015WJQ7A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_M0lPCbNCVRXXN

I have these. Changes the concert experience completely, I highly recommend grabbing a pair. You'll never want to go to a show without them

Depends how close you get to the speakers... and how good the roll is... I always bring some. http://www.amazon.com/DownBeats-Reusable-Fidelity-Hearing-Protection/dp/B00A3Z44R2?

Ah I see, you might consider investing in a Camelbak brand water pack. There's a lot of knockoffs out there that skimp out on materials to reduce the price, but you definately get what you pay for.

Couldn't be happier with mine.

EDIT: This is the one I've been using. 3 years and still going strong.

Ear Plugs! https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-Protection-Earplugs-Standard/dp/B0044DEESS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337222411&sr=8-1 I recommend these.

Earasers are great, but don't pay $50.

https://smile.amazon.com/Earasers-HEM001-Musicians-Plugs-Medium/dp/B00E2D9HAA/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1495565997&sr=8-1&keywords=earasers

been wearing these for the past year. if you have a lanyard, they can go right on the keychain so you can easily take them out and put them back in. I don’t hear ringing in my ears anymore after raves. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076VVP6CX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iyuWDbE2W5Y3Z

I've tried Etymotics + think they are very uncomfortable compared to these.
(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019M576XW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 )
I've worn them all 3 days for EDC last year + never once did they become uncomfortable. Also, I like the carrying case better because it's more secure with a threaded top & can't accidentally come open.

I've been using the same pair of Etys for over a year and they work great. I also wear them over my headphones(AT M50's) when spinning in certain situations with no problems. The case they come with is really handy and I keep them on my keychain at all times.

http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-ETY-Plugs-Protection-Earplugs/dp/B0044DEESS

These are pretty much the same design but without the thing sticking out of your ears. If that matters, these are also the plugs I have been using for 2+ years and just now bought a second pair.

http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-ETY-Plugs-Protection-Earplugs/dp/B0044DEESS/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1369252864&sr=1-1&keywords=Etymotic

check these out. I used them for Hard Summer and they were pretty useful. The music sounded the same, just quieter. no distortion or cutting or shit like that

I got mine from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YZMDHLI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044DEESS

I wear these all the time at events. It's a good price point to buy two pairs if you want a replacement in case you lose one.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0044DEESS/

https://www.amazon.com/CamelBak-HydroBak-Reservoir-Hydration-Graphite/dp/B01L8JENFO/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1518118599&sr=1-5&keywords=camelbak&dpID=51mbchHn9DL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

https://www.amazon.com/Zip-Stick-Retractable-Single-Assorted/dp/B00407YAOQ/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1519959612&sr=8-5&keywords=chapstick+holder

https://www.amazon.com/Aromatherapy-BoomBoom-Vaporizers-Peppermint-Eucalyptus/dp/B01E9J0CAA/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1519959626&sr=1-1&keywords=boom+boom+stick

https://smile.amazon.com/Aromatherapy-BoomBoom-Breathing-Sensation-Essential/dp/B01E9J0CAA?sa-no-redirect=1

If the venue allows, a camelback is a must. And I've used these earplugs: https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-High-Fidelity-Earplugs-Standard/dp/B0044DEESS?th=1&psc=1
They tone the volume down without messing up the sound quality

Seamless bandanna?

iHeartRaves Optical Illusion Seamless Rave Mask All Over Print Bandana
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YZMDHLI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_OIkcAb2AMQKJ4

http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-ETY-Plugs-Protection-Earplugs/dp/B0044DEESS

Your ears ringing means that you -permanently- damaged your hearing. Excision's sound system is the loudest I've ever heard, and I've been to a lot of shows. You can buy earplugs that don't distort the sound and just make it quieter. I recommend at least getting some and bringing them

http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-ETY-Plugs-Protection-Earplugs/dp/B0044DEESS

Tinnitus will usually go away after a week if its your first time damaging your ears. It gets progressively worse as time goes on though.

https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-ETY-Plugs-Protection-Earplugs/dp/B0044DEESS?th=1

These are what me and my friends use now and they are pretty dank. Lowers the volume a lot without losing too much sound fidelity.

There was a price drop for the 50oz Camelbacks (black) on Amazon yesterday, just picked mine up- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00437V8CK/ref=pe_309540_26725410_item

Grab yourself a FlipBelt or a Loctote bag. Problem solved.

https://www.amazon.com/Underground-Massive-Electronic-Conquered-America/dp/0062271792/ref=nodl_

I haven’t finished it yet but I’m loving it so far. There’s so many old school track names that he drops and are a blast to listen to. Shit got real crazy in the 90s