Meet Jonny Lightning aka Weekend Warrior, in this week’s #IDSpotlight!
Name: Jonny Lightning
Rave Name: Weekend Warrior
Age: 23
Hometown/ Current City: San Diego, CA
Occupation: Team Leader at LED Presents/FNGRS CRSSD
Instagram: @JonnyLightningOfficial
Facebook: Jonny Lightning
What was your first electronic music event?
I started attending small local underground raves in San Diego long back in September 2010. I fell in love with the culture ever since. It wasn’t until September 2011 where I attended my first massive which was Identity Festival here in San Diego. Got to see some of the greats for my first time which included Kaskade, Datsik, NERO, Steve Aoki, Afrojack, and many others! My first official major SoCal massive was Escape From Wonderland which was a month later. Never looked back since.
What/who influenced you to attend your first event?
I remembering hearing about raves the Summer of 2010 and was curious what a rave was like. My old best friends convinced me to go to my first rave which was called SCREAM. Ever since then, I attended every single local event in San Diego. Companies such as SCREAM, SUGAR, HEROES, & GLOW began my journey in this beautiful culture.
What is one moment from an event that was special and why?
It would probably be my most recent event which was EDC Las Vegas 2016 during Kaskade’s set at Circuit Grounds. There was nothing better than having all my best friends together singing and dancing our hearts to Kaskade’s (My Favorite DJ) music. I bet most of you can relate to being with your loved ones, forgetting the real world, and getting lost in the music. Then seeing his Sunrise Set later that night just made it one of the best Day 1 I’ll ever have.
What is your favorite festival or event?
It would have to be all the LED events they put in my hometown of San Diego at the sports arena. Shout out to LED by the way! Every LED event put on which includes OMFG NYE, LED Anniversary, LED USA, Tramps Like Us at the #LEDome has been phenomenal! Couldn’t ask for a better company to be apart of. Nothing better walking around the arena and constantly running into people I know and receiving the love from each and one of them.
Being part of the industry, how do your experiences differ from being an attendee?
To me, there really isn’t any difference. I still go to events with the very same mentality I had since Day 1, and that is: go for the music and have the best times with close friends and strangers. I meet so many people at events and I’m not shy when it comes to introducing myself to new people. Being a part of the industry has helped me gain so many connections over the years whether it is: promoters, DJs, bloggers, dancers, managers, the list goes on. Bigger named DJs I met are really chill people and are ravers just like us. At the end of the day, it’s the passion for the music. No matter where I’m at in the industry, I’ll always have love for the culture.
What is your favorite electronic song and why?
Honestly, it has to be “Language” by Porter Robinson. There’s never a time I listen to that song and not feel so uplifted inside. This song is the definition of “Feels”. It will forever remind of an old rave family I was a part of called PLURR Fam and the memories we built that Summer of 2012. We used to go at least 50-60 deep to events, maybe even more! I first heard this song everywhere at my first EDC in 2012. This song holds special memories true to my heart.
Who are your favorite artists?
When it comes to Dance Music, I’m very opened minded when it comes to DJs. I love DJs that bring creativity to their music and sets. Some of my top DJs include: Kaskade, Eric Prydz, Porter Robinson, RL Grime, Above & Beyond, Dash Berlin, Datsik, Eric Prydz, Jauz, Bro Safari, Tiësto, Laidback Luke, Dillon Francis, Bassnectar, Knife Party, R3hab, Skrillex, and many more I love that I can’t remember haha.
Are there any artists you’d love to see some day?
I pretty seen every DJ over the past years from all the festivals and massive I’ve gone too. Sometimes even 4-5 times. But there is one DJ I have yet to see…the one DJ I need to see to cross off my bucket list…….And that is Daft Punk.
What are your favorite genres?
Like I said, when it comes to the music, you always have to keep an opened mind. I’ve always loved House Music since I was a little kid and always will! But honesty, it was BASS Music that got me into the scene. I remember hearing Dubstep back in 2010 and 2011 and was instantly hooked! Much love to Dubstep and Trap making a big impact over the years. But nothing will ever beat that filthy Electro I love so much! ;)
What do you feel your “Identity” is in the electronic music community?
Oh man…..Where do I even begin with this haha. Over the past 6 years of being a part of this amazing scene, I’ve grown to meet over thousands of wonderful people. Many of which I see while I’m at a event or club. Whenever I go to an event, I always run into (at minimum) 10+ old or new friends. My identity will always be that person that makes strangers happy and feel welcome. That’s what our culture is about. My legacy lives on and I’m always going to be known as that positive person that just brings the energy wherever I go.
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