Meet Pamela “Shewang” Lake in this week’s #IDSpotlight!
Name: Pamela Lake
Rave Name: Shewang
Age: 63
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Current City: Atlanta, GA
Occupation: Enjoying Life
What was your first electronic music event?
In the 60’s and 70’s all we had were Moog synthesizers and that was the closest thing to electronic music. I listened to anything with a Moog constantly. I was invited to Woodstock (age 14) but my mom would not let me go. So I made up my mind that if anything like that ever happened again, I was going. Also, I prayed that there would be an afterlife with dance floors, lights, and dance music so that you could dance… endlessly.
In 2013, I went to TomorrowWorld. I will never forget the sound of bass in the distance when I entered the gates. I hoped many times that day that it was not a dream. It was one of the happiest days of my life.
Prior to that in the 90’s I went to underground warehouse raves and a place called Backstreet Atlanta because they were the only 2 places I knew you could dance until sunrise! :)
What/who influenced you to attend your first event?
A Facebook ad for Tomorroworld 2013. They showed pictures of Tomorrowland and it reminded me of Woodstock and I said to myself “This time I am going”. I felt so fortunate that it came to Georgia!
![Pamela Lake](https://edmidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/ninja-forms/idspotlight/pamela "shewang"-lake-002.jpg)
What is one moment from an event that was special and why?
Armin Van Buuren taking a selfie with me in Charlotte, NC, after a show. If I may add one more, it is when Armin put my prayer necklace on his DJ booth for the whole vinyl set at the last Intense show in Amsterdam! I cried and cried when he sent it back to me via one of the gymnasts in the show.
The first time I heard him play in 1998 I told my kids “this guy is a genius! People will talk about him 200 years from now like we talk about Mozart and Beethoven“, they said, “Sure, Mom”. His music has a classical feeling to me that I love. Plus he is an amazing example of steadfastness, dedication, and energy.
What is your favorite festival or event?
This is a hard question. They have all been so wonderful.
Festivals – I think the first TomorrowWorld and the first Dreamstate San Francisco are a tie for me. One was inside, one outside, both were like being absorbed into a sound ocean of bliss.
Event – Walking into my first Unity Atlanta event and finding my trance family. So much love and acceptance!
![Pamela Lake](https://edmidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/ninja-forms/idspotlight/pamela "shewang"-lake-1024x682.jpg)
What is your favorite electronic song and why?
“Sail” by Armin Van Buuren. For some reason it takes me to a place of relaxation, acceptance, and peace. I always put it on repeat during take off and landing when I fly or when there is something happening in the world that does not make sense to me.
Who are your favorite artists?
- Armin Van Buuren
- All the Unity Atlanta DJs
- Bryan Kearney
What are your favorite genres?
- Uplifting Trance
- Psy Trance
- Progressive Trance
- Dark Trance
![Pamela Lake](https://edmidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/ninja-forms/idspotlight/pamela "shewang"-lake-001-1024x768.jpg)
What do you feel your “Identity” is in the electronic music community?
I am hopeful that I give people the courage to be themselves and live life to the fullest. The electric energy of the music keeps me dancing for hours.
Also that it is never too old to trance out, cry about, or jump in the air fist pumping when your favorite song is dropped by the DJ.
It’s funny because people often wonder how I have so much energy for my age! The answer is simple! I have practiced Tai Chi Yoga and meditation since I was a teenager (sober as a judge, lol)!
Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself for the readers?
My brother and I both enjoyed music and dance. When he died I thought my life had ended too. Then Armin introduced me to trance and it was medicine to my soul.
I hold the dancefloor as sacred space, the music as a balm for the soul and the DJs as the greatest gift givers on this earth. I believe they are healing this world with sound and I am so grateful for all of them. For me this is summed up by a line from the song “God is a Dj” by Faithless: “This is my church. This is where I heal my hurts”.
Thank you all so much for all the wonderful music you create and play for us. We are the lucky ones!
Do you want to be featured in our weekly ID Spotlight segment? Click HERE for the submission form!
I’m 61 and am going to my first festival EDC Orlando (2021) in November. Age is just a number! Can’t wait.