Meet Photographer and EDM Identity Contributor Christopher Rivera in this week’s #IDSpotlight!
Name: Christopher Rivera
Rave Name: Brown Bear
Age: 27
Hometown: Cranston, Rhode Island
Current City: Orlando, Florida
Occupation: Photographer/ EDM Identity Contributor
Facebook: Christopher Rivera
Instagram: @Bearlosophy
What was your first electronic music event?
My very first Music Festival Event was actually a more Jam Band oriented festival in Suwannee, Florida called Bear Creek in 2011. The line up that year had a very eclectic mix of musicians from Jam Bands like Tauk to more popular (yet not popular then) bands like Big Gigantic. The Suwannee now host one of the most well-known South East Music Festivals, Suwannee Hulaween. That venue and campgrounds hold a very special place in anyone’s heart who has the chance to experience music there. Their motto is “Music Lives Here” and they are 100% right.
What/who influenced you to attend your first event?
I was a year behind all my college friends who started going to music events in 2010 but I spared no time catching up. To see music performed live, sparks something in your soul as a music lover. One of the most notable events I went to back in 2011 was Bassnectar at Hard Rock Cafe in Orlando… that where I found out how one could head bang the night away!
What is one moment from an event that was special and why?
The first time I was able to see a music festival put on in another country. That experience sparked a whole new fire within my musical soul. It was last year when I went to Let It Roll Drum and Bass Festival in Prague. That was during the beginning of my photography career. Not only that, I was able to see the effort and love that Europeans have for a genre of music that isn’t as popular here in the U.S.A. Music is universal and seeing that first hand was EPIC!
What is your favorite festival or event?
Any festival in the Suwannee. I recommend it to anyone! The vibe and camaraderie that you experience in those woods is unique and will change your heart for the better.
What is your favorite electronic song and why?
I love anything with soul to it. Add a little saxophone, a little blues style, a little disco, a little 808 beat and you have me. To ask me to narrow down a favorite would be like asking a parent to name their favorite kid. THEY SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ANSWER THAT!
Who are your favorite artists?
I’ve had Rufus Du Sol’s Bloom and ZHU’s GENERATIONWHY albums on repeat! The vibe is 100%.
What are your favorite genres?
Anything that makes me wiggle.
What do you feel your “Identity” is in the electronic music community?
I am the Brown Bear. That name was given to me years ago by a dear friend and has since evolved into an “identity” I’m proud of both in my festival life and personal. Being the Brown Bear means being the cuddly loving, embracing the sweet bear necessities of life, being the guy who always has extra clothes, food, cuddles for anyone; being any type of Bear means to embrace everyone and every experience with open paws.
Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself for the readers?
This movement that is Live Music is a powerful one, that connects people from all over the globe, all ages and all walks of life. EMBRACE THAT! Cease any moment you get to talk to someone, experience a new genre or go somewhere to see an artist. Adventure, Adventure, ADVENTURE! And of course, capture it all if you have a camera! Make memories!
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