ID Spotlight: Ashley Miller

When I reflect on my adventures with EDM, what stands out the most is the connection and harmony I have made with strangers. The people I have met at shows, through mutual friendships and online groups, have been the most incredible and genuine people I’ve ever known. There is a special and unique connection that develops with someone who has a love for similar music. Have you ever been at a show while your favorite song is blasting, goosebumps taking over your body, and you simply look over at a complete stranger or significant other and have a moment with them while you’re both enjoying the music? Sounds crazy, but it’s moments like this that make the EDM scene amazing. My favorite part about a show is not only the music, but being surrounded by people who are loving life just as much as I am.

I started out in the early 2000s listening to Trance music. I accidentally ran into a track on Youtube and I played it on repeat. I didn’t even know it was “trance”, but I knew I loved it. Shortly after I then discovered Armin’s A State of Trance show and began downloading random episodes on Limewire just to play them on repeat. It was then that I fell in love with EDM, thanks to artists like Alex Morph, Lange, Sunlounger, Thrillseekers, Andy Moor, Nic Chagall, and more. Unfortunately, back then I didn’t have any friends that enjoyed this genre of music as much as I did, or were even willing to give it a chance. #givetranceachance!

Ten years later, I now live with three people who have a love for EDM and Trance just as much as I do, fueling my passion for music. My roomate and my best friend, Cassey, introduced me to a whole new level of EDM last year. She took me to my first show, John O’Callaghan, at Sound Bar in Chicago. The next night we went to see Aly & Fila at Castle Chicago. I met so many new people who welcomed me into their family (#trancefamily<3). It was one of the most fun weekends of my life and from then on I knew that I had found my place.

Now, my roommates and I travel around the country to attend shows and experience these moments again and again!

“The music saves my soul.

The beat saves my life.

Tonight… The DJ saves my night.” ♫

Favorite artists:

Aly & Fila

Ferry Tayle

Above & Beyond

Gareth Emery

John O’Callaghan

Armin van Buuren

Favorite songs:

Aly & Fila ‘Altitude Compensation’ and ‘For All Time’

The Thrillseekers ‘Find You’

Cosmic Gate & Orjan Nilsen ‘Fair Game’

DJ Shah & Adrina Thorpe ‘Who Will Find Me’