Meet Lori Boudreau in this week’s #IDSpotlight!
Name: Lori Boudreau
Rave Name: Mini
Age: 30
Hometown: Florence, CA
Current City: Arizona
Occupation: Stay at home mom
Facebook: Lori Ann Boudreau
Instagram: @ilmyaya
What was your first electronic music event?
My first event was Together As One in 2005. It was an NYE event in Los Angeles. I will never forget it. It was my first time seeing kandi. I knew at that moment I wanted to make kandi. I remember seeing a lot of people from high school there. It was a totally new experience for me. I had never been hugged so much in my life.
What/who influenced you to attend your first event?
My older sister actually. She listened to a lot of EDM when I was growing up. She is seven years older than I am so I guess you can say I started listening to the music at a young age.
What is one moment from an event that was special and why?
I would have to say Decadence in Arizona. It was another NYE event in 2015. I wanted to make a totem. As silly as that sounds it’s true. Everyone had these cool totems and I wanted one, but I wanted it to be unique. So I told my husband I wanted to make a photo frame.
Now, he had no idea what I meant. I wanted to make a portable photo frame for the event that could be used by everyone. I mean everyone is taking photos so why not use a frame, right? So I made one. It was hard work. It took an entire month to make it, but when I showed up it was an instant hit. It was an amazing experience for me. I had complete strangers running up to me asking to take a photo. I made so many new friends.
My rave family out here loved it so much they requested one for every big event I had a chance to go to. They loved it so much they made a GoFundMe page where the fam members could donate money so I could buy supplies to make the frames. I never knew it would be such a big thing but people absolutely love it and I love making them.
What is your favorite festival or event?
That’s a tough one. I don’t get to do very many but I have one special event that can never beat any other festival or event. I went to see Kayzo for the 13th time this year. I may or may not have an issue. The show was in Tucson at the Rialto, and well, Kayzo had tweeted out my car. My car has a huge Kayzo sign on the back window and my plate says BAEZO.
Before the show, I got the chance to take two of my good friends for a quick meet and greet with Kayzo and he told me that after the show he wanted to come see my car! Well, it happened, but how it happened was insane. He invited me to hang out with him at his table with 4B and we chatted all through the night. It was so surreal. I was sitting next to my favorite artist and casually talking to him.
Well, after the bar closed, Kayzo his friends and 4B all followed me to my car. I was super nervous. He took so many pictures with me and I feel like an entire lifetime’s worth of Snapchat videos. Then he got in my car and signed the roof of the car. He signed it to BAEZO! My friends and I took so many videos. Then next thing I know, 4B jumps into my car, lays across mine and Kayzo’s laps and signs the car as well. It was an AMAZING night.
What is your favorite electronic song and why?
I would have to say Deep Dish – “Say Hello.” I saw them at EDC in Los Angeles. I remember when they played this song and I just stood there holding my arms in the air as if praying and I just cried. It was as if no one else was around me and they played that song just for me.
Now this song is that one song everyone has. It gives you goosebumps and the only emotion you have is pure bliss. It’s that one song that makes you cry no matter how many times you’ve heard it. The song is just simply BEAUTIFUL!
Who are your favorite artists?
Oh man, I love everyone. Okay, I lied – not everyone. I’d have to say my favorites are mostly trance – Gabriel & Dresden, Paul Oakenfold, Deep Dish, Tiesto, ATB, and of course, Kayzo.
But it’s so hard. All of these artists have had a huge impact on me, as well as new artists. It’s just not fair to have to choose because every artist I like has a special purpose in my life and my personality.
What are your favorite genres?
This one is hard as well. I love each genre. Each has its own style, which I love. Because even in one certain genre you have a handful of artists in that genre and each of their styles are different. If it were all the same, I don’t think EDM would be what it is now. I think that’s what makes the ED scene so great.
What do you feel your “Identity” is in the electronic music community?
Honestly, I couldn’t say. I would say that everyone that does know me knows I love the scene. I love the people. I love feeling like I’m going to a house party where I know absolutely no one but everyone is excited to meet me and I am excited to meet everyone else.
I have a few rave children that call me rave mom. It’s a good feeling knowing you’ve made someone in the scene feel loved and welcomed. I mean, isn’t that a huge part of the EDM culture? To be around like-minded people and good vibes? I hope that everyone feels that way around me.
Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself for the readers?
I hope that if you see me at an event with my frame that you know you are more than welcome to come take a picture. That if you’re lost and can’t find a friend you are safe with me. I will always do my best to help those in need. I want to put a smile on everyone’s face when we meet.
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