It’s no secret that corporate companies in the EDM festival space are receiving backlash for their profit-first mentality, lack of PLUR, and questionable affiliations. With the rise of people making value-based decisions rather than just looking for fun, it’s no surprise that independent, artist-backed festivals are where they’re turning to.
Many of us within the EDM community are craving more authentic, intimate experiences, which is something that’s harder to find at festivals put on by corporate companies. We’re lucky to have artists who are putting on their own festivals, looking for a place to express creative freedom and give back to their communities. Through these festivals, they’re able to foster a greater sense of inclusion, collaboration, wellness, and risk-taking when it comes to artist curation.
Seven Stars (2025)
One of the best examples this year comes from Griz’s festival, which marks his return from his hiatus. Built on seven pillars of inclusion, curiosity, and unity, the festival emphasizes wellness, workshops, and nature, elevating the experience beyond just great music.
Lost Lands (2017)
Bassheads will know Excision’s Lost Lands, with its prehistoric theme. Fan feedback plays a huge part in the creation of the festival, and has led to the addition of early entry, soundcamps, and workshops. “The team and I are constantly keeping tabs on who’s killing it in bass music, big and small, and then we book the artists we think people are most excited to see that year,” Excision explains.
Wakaan Festival (2019)
Born from fan demand, Liquid Stranger’s festival shows the power of listening to your community. Wakaan prioritizes freeform bass music, along with wellness and community-building in scenic Arkansas. The experience is so well loved that tickets more than 80% out before the lineup drops.
DirtyBird CampINN (2021)
The brainchild of Claude VonStroke and his team, DirtyBird CampINN is essentially an adult summer camp that caters to house and techno lovers. It focuses on community, inclusivity, and collaboration between labels. It’s a great example of the fun and flexibility that comes about through independent festivals.
Camp Alderwild (2024)
A more recent addition, Camp Alderwild is backed by Of The Trees and takes place in beautiful Colorado. The state is home to the bass capital of the US, so it’s no surprise it features bass music. Camp Alderwild is very boutique and intimate, with a focus on the community and respect for the area it takes place in. As Of The Trees puts it, “Where many large-scale festivals tilt toward commerce, this event leaned into authenticity. Respect for the town, the land and each other was built into its ethos.”
These artist-backed festivals are so much more than events, they’re true reflections of the artist’s vision and community values. In a time when commercialization is taking over the scene, festivals like these bring back the PLUR and authenticity we’re looking for. Whether the success of artist-led festivals pushes the industry to think about priorities or not, their greatest impact is restoring the sense of belonging and community that made rave culture thrive in the first place.