Meet Jared Becker in this week’s #IDSpotlight!
Name: Jared Becker
Rave Name: Rave Dad
Age: 23
Hometown: Wilton, CA
Current City: San Luis Obispo, CA
Occupation: Entrepreneur
What was your first electronic music event?
My first festival was Beyond Wonderland 2016.
What/who influenced you to attend your first event?
My friend, Sara Hellstrom, convinced me to go my first rave. I loved music and camping, but wasn’t really into the EDM scene. But I figured, a music festival combined with camping had to be fun, so I decided to go. I really didn’t know what to expect, but I was immediately blown away by how generous, open, and accepting everyone was. I had no idea that I would be falling in love with the community and the music that weekend.
What is one moment from an event that was special and why?
At Hard Summer 2016, I somehow lost my fam going through security. It was an absolute madhouse, it took over 2 hours just to get in. I ended up finding them, but literally minutes later I was supposed to meet up with a different group, so I headed out to find them. It took the whole second half of the day to meet up with them, I had pretty much been alone all day. But I finally found the second group, right at the beginning of the last set of the weekend – Porter Robinson. Somehow all of the stars aligned and I found them in the crowd pretty much right as the first song started to play, and everyone just started crying tears of happiness. It turned into this huge group hug and we ended Hard Summer on a great high note.
What is your favorite festival or event?
Northern Nights up in Humboldt. I love the outdoors, and Northern Nights has this perfect combination of music and nature. You can go listen to GRiZ in a redwood grove, or you can literally float in a river while listening to SNBRN. It is also a small event, so you get a super tight knit feel from everyone.
What is your favorite electronic song and why?
My favorite song is “Gotta Push On” by GRiZ. I love live instruments mixed in with EDM, so I am a big fan of people like GRiZ and Pretty Lights.
Who are your favorite artists?
GRiZ, Pretty Lights, Marshmello
What are your favorite genres?
ElectroFunk, Trap
What do you feel your “Identity” is in the electronic music community?
My rave name is Rave Dad. I like to look out for the people in my rave fam. I always have the water bladders full, schedule out, and snacks on hand. My drug at raves is caffeine, so give me a cold brew coffee and I’ll be amped for the whole night while keeping an eye out for my fam.
Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself for the readers?
I feel so lucky to get to work and make a living in the rave community. I work at Baserock, which is making a backpack for festival goers that lets you physically feel music at a live event (or just with plugging in your own music and headphones). So many people hate going into work, but I get to go into work every day and work with ravers. What more could you want every day? So I just want to say thank you for being you, and I am blessed to be a part of our great community each and every day!
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