For the last twelve years, party-goers and spring-breakers alike have flocked to Miami during the last week of March to celebrate Miami Music Week. This seemingly endless week of electronic dance music events hosts hundreds of parties, big and small, curated to the ears of house music enthusiasts. The attendees, often recognizable by their dystopian attire and nocturnal tendencies, are widely referred to as “ravers” or “festival lovers.” While this year’s MMW has come to a close, if you want to see what the hype is all about in time for next year, let Distraction be your guide and prepare you for an experience of a lifetime.
Untz Untz Untz…
With around a 1,000 artists participating at venues in Wynwood, Downtown Miami, Miami Beach and Little Haiti, navigating this week can be difficult, but one event in particular is hard to miss: Ultra Music Festival, better known as simply “Ultra.”
Reaching an attendance record of 330,000 people in 2012, this three day music marathon is considered MMW’s main attraction. Ultra made its debut in South Beach in 1999.
Attending Ultra is certainly a rite of passage for many ravers. Sophomore public relations major at the University of Miami sophomore Ava Michel has previously attended a bunch of music festivals in Miami before. Michel was most excited for Ultra this year because of its many stages, world renowned DJs and its central location in downtown Miami. She described her experience at Ultra this year simply as “creative, euphoric and electric.”
Michel further raved about fellow ravers saying, “this community is very special because everyone is always so inviting — we spend long hours dancing and jumping around together in large crowds, and I never leave a festival without making a new friend or two!”
The two most memorable performances for her were those of Peggy Gou, 32-year-old beat maker from South Korean whose first big hit “(It Goes Like) Nanana” launched her stardom in July of 2023. Followed by Eli Brown, a techno specialist from Bristol whose intense sonics guarantee a fun time for a crowd full of headbangers.
This inclusive culture stems from the deep rooted 90s rave scene where the mantra “Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect” or simply, “PLUR” was first coined. Oftentimes, ravers will hand out bracelets, playing cards and other small collectible toys to one another in the crowd which function as a token of memorabilia. Receiving a token from a fellow raver is undeniably always a compliment and is a great opening to meet and mingle with the crowd around you.
Dreaming of DJ
DJ and producer, Ares Carter from New York began his career at the young age of 14 and spent a year in Miami and some time in Berlin as well. Festivals like MMW are a big part of his life and are what inspired him to make some beats in hopes of joining the ranks of performers he watched.
“I really think this scene has a strong sense of unity. While it is extremely competitive as any artistic scene is, most people have the same goal of pushing the culture forward which you don’t see as much with other genres of music,” said Carter. “I feel that when an artist breaks a certain boundary or has an unprecedented accomplishment, it’s a win for the entire community.”
His years of relentless pursuit certainly paid off as he has opened for global DJ phenomenons Kygo and Martin Garrix and in 2023 he performed at Ultra Japan’s mainstage.
Carter’s proudest accomplishment to date was the first time he performed at Ultra in 2023. It was particularly special as it was the first ever music festival he ever attended when he was 15-years-old.
“My dad took me during spring break, and as soon as I saw Avicii perform I knew I wanted to be up there one day. So having my debut at the same festival exactly 10 years to the day was a really special full circle moment,” Carter said.
In the future we should expect a bunch of new music from Carter, where he will be showcasing a new sound, as well as sharing some big show announcements for his major tour this coming summer.
The Do’s and Don’ts of MMW
- DO hydrate and stretch before and after each event as you will undoubtedly be walking, dancing and jumping a generous amount.
- DON’T forget to pack these emergency items in a fanny pack or rave backpack; we recommend including a pair of earplugs, bandaids, gum, a fan, hand sanitizer, chapstick, a portable phone charger and a pair of rave sunglasses.
- DO check the lineups, stages and set times and create a schedule to guarantee you can see all your desired DJs.
- DON’T forget to set a meeting point for you and your group to return to if you are separated.
- DO remember to wear a pair of comfortable shoes that you’re okay with getting dirty.
words_hannah olivia pierce. photo_maddie seder.
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