Dance Music Northwest’s Public Relations Liason Valerie White chats about her favorite memories from past events and more!
Name: Valerie White
Rave Name: None
Age: 34
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Current City: Seattle, Washington
Occupation: Manager, Event Operations (Opus Agency) & PR Liaison (Dance Music Northwest)
Facebook: Valerie White
Twitter: @Val_White
Instagram: @valwhite84
What was your first electronic music event?
I got introduced to electronic music at a fairly early age. My first event was nearly 20 years ago…yikes! This was well before the take-off of smartphones, high-speed internet, and basic (functional) technologies we all know and love.
I remember getting handed a flyer that had a special number to call in order to get our next course of action and directions to a “secret rave.” My friends and I used MapQuest to get to an undisclosed location in the middle of a forest near the Oregon coast.
The only way we ended up finding it was by rolling our windows down while on this windy road “following the music” and seeing people and lights off in the distance. Needless to say, it is one experience I’ll never forget!
What/who influenced you to attend your first event?
Is it weird to say the artists themselves were a huge influence? I have been a big rock/punk fan for quite some time attending shows as early as age 11. I did a mail-in CD order (remember those?) where you can choose like a dozen that would get mailed to you for “free” so long as you paid the shipping fee.
I remember they only had so many CD’s to choose from (but who could pass up free CD’s!?) so had to choose a couple at random that I was less than familiar with. Low and behold I ended up getting Darude’s ‘Before the Storm’ album and the rest is history.
What is one moment from an event that was special and why?
I have two fantastic moments that are equally awesome.
#1: Lucky Festival 2014 (Seattle) – I had a lot of chaos going on early in the year in addition to trying to find a new job. My job search eventually led me to look outside of Portland (my hometown) and in Seattle although I was pretty hesitant to leave. Being able to meet and hang out with all my Dance Music NW at this show in Seattle pretty much solidified the fact that [Seattle] is truly my home. 4 years and still loving this city!
#2: EDC Japan 2017. CircuitGROUNDS stage was on the beach…a legit beach people! This was my first festival abroad and this could not have been a more awesome set up of scenery. I have a pretty stressful and demanding career so taking a vacation and/or finding a time to relax and reset is crucial. This festival was not but a couple weeks prior to a major event I had to execute for a difficult client. During my vacation emails were pouring in, vendors were calling, and my stress level was through the roof. I remember specifically sitting down on the beach near the stage and just closing my eyes for a second. In that small moment all worries seemed to disappear, the music and sound of the waves crashing gave me peace, and I knew I was in the right place.
What is your favorite festival or event?
Have to go with EDC Las Vegas on this one. Just the production value alone is what gets me to go every year…and of course the amazing artists Insomniac brings in.
What is your favorite electronic song and why?
I love a million different electronic songs and my favorites seem to rotate. But ultimately Darude’s “Sandstorm”…it just never gets old, am I right? Call it a guilty pleasure or laugh all you want, but everyone seems to know the tune and will get at least a little excited to hear it being played.
Who are your favorite artists?
My list of faves is HUGE. I don’t think I can call any one particular artist my favorite but here’s a list of those that are undeniably some of my current loves: Seven Lions, Eric Prydz, Above & Beyond, Dada Life, Ferry Corsten presents Gouryella, Carl Cox, Armin van Buuren, Kaskade, Porter Robinson, etc.
What are your favorite genres?
I like just about all genres honestly; really depends on the mood I’m in. I generally sway more towards trance and progressive but love me some bass and techno from time to time.
What do you feel your “Identity” is in the electronic music community?
Honestly, my role as a Public Relations Liaison with Dance Music Northwest plays a huge part in how I identify and am identified within the music community. Being that voice between artists, managers, local clubs, and vendors…the experiences I’ve had and knowledge gained is unparalleled. Plus, if it weren’t for all the friendships formed through this group I’m honestly not sure how long I would have stuck around in Seattle. I’ve gained a huge rave family in addition to having a kick a$$ job and people that make me feel at ‘home’ in this community.
Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself for the readers?
I would sell my firstborn to see Tiesto play trance again…OK, maybe not first born but you catch my drift…
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