After the Raves

After the Raves is a compelling series from Red Bull TV that aired in 2016. The show takes you on a groundbreaking journey into the world of electronic dance music (EDM), introducing viewers to a side of the music industry typically reserved for those in the know. With former British DJ and electronic music producer Tommie Sunshine as your guide, you’re granted an all-access pass into the vibrant, multi-faceted world of the global EDM scene.

Tommie Sunshine, with his knowledge, connection, and genuine love for the genre, crafts a narrative that dives into the deep end of the worldwide EDM phenomenon. Each episode focuses on a different city, exploring its unique electronic music history, culture, and influence on the global stage. Tommie unearths stories shaping the EDM landscape, closely engaging with leading artists, tastemakers, and fans within the scenes to uncover the magic behind each city's beat.

In the city of Chicago, the birthplace of house music, viewers are treated to the roots of this global phenomenon. Sunshine interacts with the originators of the genre, delivering a masterclass on the development of one of the most popular forms of music today. From there, it’s on to cities like Los Angeles, Paris, Ibiza, New York to name just a few. Each episode explores how different places have shaped the genre - and, in turn, how EDM continues to influence those cities in a symbiotic relationship.

And it isn't just the cityscapes that play a significant role. After the Raves takes you to the heart of the craziness of the music scene itself. From diving deep into gritty underground scenes to taking center stage at massive music festivals, the series seeks audiences to understand and invite the all-encompassing cultural sensation that EDM has become. In the world of giant LED screens, frenzied light shows, and pulsating beats, After the Raves thrives at bringing the audience as close as possible to the mix.

Notably, Sunshine's interactions with leading music producers and DJs are a large draw. The series features intimate heart-to-heart discussions with music industry leaders like Fatboy Slim, Krewella, DJ Falcon, and more. More than decorated professionals, After the Raves treats these figures as people - real people with a boundless passion for music and a desire to sculpt culture through their art. From backstage discussions to studio visits, these dialogues allow viewers a sneak peep into the lives and philosophies of the people creating the bangers we often can’t help but dance to.

Another fascinating aspect of the series is its exploration of the social impact of EDM. While the show prominently features the exhilaration and dynamism of the night, it doesn’t shy away from presenting the next day’s sobering reality. Exploring the effects that the global EDM scene has had on mental health, drug use, and even politics, After the Raves delves into the darker side that often comes after the music fades away. By offering a comprehensive portrait of EDM, the series aids in contextualizing how and why the genre has become a refuge for millions worldwide.

The passion and heart in After the Raves are palpable, reflecting not just the vision of Tommie Sunshine but more extensively, the entire EDM community. From beat-making in a basement studio to the sweat-drenched dance floors of raves, the series paints a vivid, pulsating picture of the effort, ecstasy, and sometimes stark reality behind the seemingly glamourous veil of the EDM industry.

After the Raves tastefully amalgamates exceptional cinematography, insightful interviews, and foot-tapping sounds to draw an immersive, full-bodied reflection of the worldwide EDM scene. Each city unfolds like a new chapter in a book, carefully assembled to give audiences a front-row view into the worldwide boom of electronic music.

In the end, After the Raves works both as a fascinating escapade for casual viewers and as an informative anthology for EDM enthusiasts looking to learn more about the genre they love. It’s a love letter to electronic music that shines a light on places, people, and stories often overlooked by mainstream media. With its multi-layered approach to storytelling, After the Raves indeed manages to hit all the right beats.