Meet Student and EDM Identity Correspondent Sydney Grant in this week’s #IDSpotlight!
Name: Sydney Grant
Rave Name: None
Age: 21
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Current City: Eugene, OR
Occupation: Student & Correspondent at EDM Identity
Twitter: @shuttupsydney
Instagram: @sydneeygrant
What was your first electronic music event?
My first electronic music event was Swedish House Mafia’s Final Tour in Los Angles in 2013. I had never heard of the group at the time and only went after being convinced to by my now best friend. I had never experienced anything like it and left harboring a new obsession with not only Sebastian Ingrosso but with the electronic music scene as a whole.
What/who influenced you to attend your first event?
An acquaintance of mine in my high school U.S. History class junior year asked me one day if I wanted to come with him to Swedish House Mafia. I took a chance on both him and the concert and haven’t looked back since. We’re now best friends and frequently attend music festivals and concerts together.
What is one moment from an event that was special and why?
Sunrise set at EDC 2014. I only knew a few trance songs at the time and was absolutely blown away by Dash Berlin. Not to mention it was my very first EDC, which is a life-changing experience in itself. I remember looking up at the sky as the sun rose and thinking that nothing in the world could ruin this moment for me. As he played “Till The Sky Falls Down”, I remember belting out the words with my friends and just dancing my heart out. To this day I can’t help but smile every time I hear that song.
What is your favorite festival or event?
My favorite festival is definitely Coachella. EDC is a close second, but I love the atmosphere that accompanies attending a festival in the middle of the desert. Although I previously mentioned that Swedish House Mafia’s Final Tour was my first electronic music event, I’ve been attending Coachella since I was in 8th grade (I went with my mom and proudly wore a fedora.) Every year I impatiently wait to spend the weekend with my best friends dancing to my favorite artists, while making sure to get at least one of their famous watermelon wedges while I’m there.
What is your favorite electronic song and why?
I feel like it’s impossible to pick just one but if I absolutely HAVE to choose I’d probably say “Clarity” by Zedd. I know, it’s extremely generic, but it was one of the first EDM songs I heard. I still listen to it regularly whenever I want to pump myself up and have countless fond memories while seeing Zedd with my friends, jumping up and down to that song.
Who are your favorite artists?
Off the top of my head, my favorite artists are Louis The Child, Bearson, R.L. Grime, Snakehips and Jauz, but I love constantly discovering and listening to new artists.
What are your favorite genres?
When it comes to electronic music, I don’t really discriminate. However, I can never resist getting down to a deep house set or on the other side of the spectrum, going hard to some trap.
What do you feel your “Identity” is in the electronic music community?
I love turning people on the electronic music. I take serious pride in my Spotify and SoundCloud playlists and love to make personalized mixes for people. Additionally, I’m always the one to reach for the AUX and whenever we’re playing music, my roommates just assume that I’m DJ. Because of this, I feel as though my identity within the community is a bit of an enthusiast, the person who’s always trying to bring more people into the EDM scene.
Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself for the readers?
Feel free to find me on Instagram and reach out! Let’s go to a festival together!
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