The rave scene has long been associated with energetic beats, astonishing visuals, and an atmosphere of euphoria where people come together to dance and immerse themselves in electronic music. However, there’s a growing movement within this culture that seeks to promote a different kind of high—one that doesn’t involve substances. Sobriety in the rave scene is becoming more prevalent as individuals are realizing that connection, mindfulness, and conscious celebration can lead to an equally transformative experience on the dance floor.
Historically, the rave scene has been synonymous with drug use, particularly substances like ecstasy (MDMA), LSD, and various stimulants. These substances were often seen as enhancers of the sensory and emotional experiences that ravers sought. However, over the years, the negative consequences of substance use have become increasingly evident, leading to health risks, legal issues, and personal tragedies.
In response, a growing number of ravers are choosing sobriety as a conscious decision to engage with the scene in a healthier and more meaningful way. This shift is fueled by a desire to experience the music and the community in a state of clarity, as well as a commitment to personal well-being and mental health. Regardless of your social preferences, these 7 EDM artists are challenging the norm, creating exceptional music, delivering electrifying performances, and connecting deeply with fans—all while maintaining a sober lifestyle.
Kaivon
Although he’s a newer artist in the scene, Kaivon has grown exponentially and has gained popularity within the EDM community. In June 2022, Kaivon celebrated one year of sobriety. He described his awareness of shifting from feeling intense lows caused by hangovers to peace and hope. One year later, the dreamy, future bass craftsman released his debut album, Awakening. Kaivon claims that this project was created in light of his journey to become sober.
Ghastly
Bass DJ/producer, Ghastly, has publicly shared his beautiful journey to sobriety. In 2019, he tweeted, “Hooray I did it – a full month of not drinking was actually pretty crazy. I haven’t done that since I was 16. My body feels normal, my emotions are far more in check, and I just feel right. Gonna fuk around with this sobriety thing some more.” A few years later, on his birthday, he began the venture again, refusing booze, weed, porn, drugs, and video games.
1 month sober
Here’s the updates:1. Situations that were once stressful now feel nearly non-existent
2. I wake up feeling energized and alive
3. Anxiety, what’s that?
4. Removed all toxic relationships
5. I spend my time evolving, not recovering
6. I’m happy as füćk!
— 𝐆𝐇𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐋𝐘 (@Ghastly) November 21, 2022
Ravenscoon
Paul Conversano, aka Ravenscoon, was reckless in college, blacking out weekly and losing his memory of his rash decisions. He was in a toxic relationship as well, which had a big influence on his use of drugs. When he wasn’t drinking or using he experienced tortuous withdrawals, including stomach ulcers and the shakes.
Ravenscoon has been battling depression his whole life, but in 2018, he claims to have gone cold turkey and cut out drinking & drugs entierley. His journey to sobriety and inner peace has not been easy. As he pushes through temptation and finds a release through his art, fans are continuing to support him on the sideline.
I still think about it every day. Some days it’s less, but any time I’m feeling upset, it’s really difficult. I wish it wasn’t that way, but the good thing is that around the time I got into producing music, I really got into channeling a lot of addict energy into something that’s creating rather than destroying.”
Kaskade
Grammy nominee DJ/producer, Kaskade, is a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At 19, he went to Japan as a Mormon missionary and two years later attended Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, from 1989 to 1990 where he worked on his DJ skills in his dorm room.
The practicing Mormon has been vocal about the use of drugs at shows, telling CBS news in 2017, “For me, this music and this scene was a place of safety that I went to stay away from all that stuff … I’m not stupid. I know people are at my shows and are taking drugs and they’re high at some of these shows. Not everyone is, there’s a lot of sober kids out there that are experiencing it and loving it as sober as I am.” He has also commented, “I get asked this from other Mormons, ‘Dude, you’re promoting that lifestyle and that culture.’ And I’m like ‘No, man, I’m not. Listen to my music.’”
Subtronics
Aside from smoking weed, riddim genius Jesse Kardon is sober. Even though he dismisses alcohol, he’s expressed non judgment to his fans.
that being said, totally agree, that’s my own personal preference everyone has their preferences 💫
— ✨SUBTRONICS✨ (@Subtronics) April 10, 2022
Subtronics has helped raise awareness for mental health & addiction, partnering with TWLOHA (To Write Love On Her Arms), a nonprofit organization aimed at helping youth with addiction, depression, self harm, and a plethora of other common mental health issues plaguing the youth today. All proceeds of his unique bracelets were donated.
Calvin Harris
The electrifying artist behind some of our all-time favorite hits including Sweet Nothing, This Is What You Came For, and Summer, told BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat in 2009 that he quit drinking while on tour.
It was affecting my brain in the worst way. It’s hard doing what I do because you’re surrounded by it [Jack Daniels]. Everywhere you go there’s a bottle of Jack Daniels.”
A few years later in 2014, Harris canceled live shows, including his scheduled performance at the MTV European Music Awards due to heart problems. He was diagnosed with arrhythmia after his heart was “restarted” and he was resuscitated. Calvin Harris has been abstaining from alcohol ever since. Responding to a fan during a Q/A, Harris said, “Haven’t drank in 4 years big man.” He added, “Aye things are a bit less fun but haven’t had an arrhythmia since 2014.”
David Guetta
Titanium hitmaker, David Guetta, is coming up on 56 years of age and is still maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He has a passion for fitness and tries to create a routine in each country he’s in. “I wake up, take my breakfast, go to the gym, have lunch, and start to work,” he said to Ask Men in 2017. “Then in the evening, I take the plane and go to do a show, and after the show go to bed. It takes extra effort but I’m a very driven person.”
The French DJ joined Logan Paul on his podcast, Impulsive, to discuss some of his ideas on drinking/partying. “I don’t drink, I don’t do drugs, I don’t smoke, I eat healthy,” he explains. “I take a drink from time to time, it happens, but it’s not my motivation, I don’t need to drink to be able to DJ.