Is Social Media Ruining the UK Rave Scene?

There has been a predominant rave scene in the UK since the 80’s and early 90’s, with the birth of the Haçienda and the Madchester, and is still very much present today with big seasonal events like The Warehouse Project (Manchester), Printworks (London), and Circus presents...(Liverpool).

good time, and who is there because it’s ‘trendy’ and for a post opportunity.

In these settings too, you do get a high percent of people consuming recreational drugs, as well as people just dancing and enjoying themselves. There have been many occasions where you see videos posted of people onto social platforms, mocking and laughing at them individuals. People enjoying and being themselves almost becomes shameful, and it creates a lot more of a hostile, judgemental environment.

By Bebe Lynch-Platt

accessible, with less illegal raves and arguably a safer environemnt.

With videos and pictures being posted around on social media platforms, it informs more people about the raves, music, and certainly helps DJ’s boost their careers. Again, it is also unfair to decide on who is allowed to experience certain things, and who can’t, and goes completely against the idea that anyone can go to these things and feel welcomed.

I spoke to Simone Williams, an artist from Cheltenham, who often went raving in the alleged ‘prime years’ of the late 80s and early 90s. She shared her thoughts on past years;

Whenever you speak to older rave goers, they usually say similar things; “some of my best years”, “when music was good”, “it’s not like how it was anymore”. Whether these comments are true, or whether their memories have (most likely) been rose tinted by the number of drugs taken, will remain a mystery- but could there also be a slither of validity in this? Are phones and social media ruining the rave scene?

As someone who has a liking in dance and electronic music, I have gone to these sort of events, bigger and smaller, and have noticed a pattern. With places like The Warehouse Project especially, a very well-known seasonal event, you struggle to experience even a few moments where your view isn’t blocked by a crowd of phones. Although it isn’t like this completely ruins my own time, it ruins the atmosphere for definite. It is a struggle to be able to enjoy yourself when it seems everyone around you is more interested in documenting the whole night, instead of just enjoying the music and living in the moment.

Social media platforms, like TikTok and Instagram, add to this, and although there isn’t a rulebook on how to act at these events and who is allowed to go, it is sometimes noticeably clear on who is there to have a

As previously mentioned, I have attended smaller events, and you see a stark difference in the crowd; more people seem to be comfortable, more enthusiastic, and although a few phones may be out, it isn’t to a ridiculous extent. The environment seems a lot more warm and friendly, and that everyone there seems to have the same intention- to enjoy the music.

It can be argued though that these sorts of events have just became a lot more

“Well back in the day, there weren’t any mobile phones, and you weren’t allowed to take cameras into the clubs in Ibiza. You had to hand them in and pick them up at the end of the night/ morning. When I went to Space, I hid mine, but you would get done if they caught you taking a picture. It was all a mystery back then on what went on. It was all drug taking and water.

People were too busy dancing to care about anything else.

I think a lot of people go not for the music nowadays. The rave scene back then was all about the music, then the drugs. There was some documentary on TV not long ago on the rave scene in the 90’s and the drug wars. No one was ever drunk.”

Things are naturally going to adapt to modernising times- nothing will ever stay the exact same. There will always be pros and cons to weigh each argument, each decade, and music. It also simply comes down to preference, your likes and dislikes, and your own personal experience. The world we live in is revolved around our phones and social media, even some of our day-to-day tasks, and sometimes it’s harder to slip out of that reality. Is social media really ruining the UK rave scene or is it just entering a new era?

Since 2000, some of the most creative, unique, introspective women have rocked, rapped, belted and whispered their way through the zeitgeist of those growing up, those dancing the night away, going through fierce break-ups or those discovering their identities- musically and personally. These are the 23 biggest, best and sometimes underrated albums that have pierced through the often repetitive tedious world of pop to become true masterpieces of an era- as chosen by our pop expert: George McHugh.

most influentialFEMALE ALBUMS

of the century... SO FAR

23. One Touch- Sugababes

Think Sugababes and most people think of the big produc-tion of their later hits- ‘About You Now’ and ‘Push The Button’ but it’s their debut from the turn of the millenium that shaped them as the most genre-bending, imaginative girl groups of the century, despite the upcoming line-up changes that were to follow.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: Overload- the type of mysterious debut single that only comes once-in-a-while.

22. What’s Your Pleasure?Jessie Ware

Very rarely does a pleasant indiepopstar become a full-fledged disco superstar but Jessie Ware took on the challenge with 2020’s dancefloor Bible-‘What’s Your Pleasure?’ which was heralded as one of the most perfectly crafted British pop albums in years, resulting in multiple Brit Award nominations for Mrs Ware and a brand new cult of fans.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: Save

A Kiss- an optimistic electronic banger perfect for a post-pandemic smooch.

A Grammy-nominated sex-positive project from Hollywood-fave Janelle Monae became an instant decade-de-fining moment after the release of conversation starting singles ‘Make Me Feel’ and ‘Pynk’ showing Monae’s unabashed, uncensored and unruly thoughts and feelings against a funky, Prince-esque production.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: Make Me Feel- 2018’s defining single featuring a bold com-ing out from a bold superstar.

20. Rated R- Rihanna Rihanna is the number one female hit-maker of the last 23 yearssecond only to the formi-dable Madonna on the all-time list. It was her gear-change into rock- fuelled by a passionate, yet devastating affair that captured fans attentions back in ‘09. It was hard to escape the news of Chris Brown’s abuse towards the Bar-bados-born popstar Rihanna and with this album, she got to tell her side of the story- first-hand.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: Russian Roulette- a power-bal-lad for the ages with visceral belts and haunting sound-effects throughout.

19. Future Nostalgia- Dua Lipa

The disco revival begun in late2019 and continued right the way through to mid-2022 as Dua brought optimistic, classic pop back to the masses- after a long dry spell. ‘Levitating’ went on to become the longest running hit song by a female of all time in the United States!

ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: Physical- a one-in-a-million relentless pop classic.

18. Thank U, Next- Ariana Grande Becoming the first act since The Beatles to occupy all three spots of the Billboard Top 3 is no mean feat but Ariana’s fifth studio album became such an inescapable pop-culture moment that it was no doubt she became bigger than she had ever been- even at 5 foot tall. ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: Thank U, Next- the title track was unavoidable for a good year.

Grammy’s the year after. The avant-garde project discussed her issues with mental health, drug addiction and the environ- ment all with horror visuals to compliment.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: When The Party’s Over- a spellbinding stripped back ballad that had audiences captivated with it’s starkness.

Above, Ariana Grande: in the music video for number one hit: 7 Rings

17. Teenage Dream- Katy Perry

Sharing the feat of most num-ber1-singles from a single album with none other than Mi-chael Jackson, is an undeniably, impressive feat. The sugary pop confection of Teenage Dream, released in 2010, managed to gather the hits in spadeloads with singles including Califor-nia Gurls, Teenage Dream and Last Friday Night (TGIF)each with a music video more campy and kitsch than the last. The Grammy’s bizarrely snubbed the album upon release leaving Katy Perry in the long-list of hugely successful acts without a Grammyshe remains in good company though with ABBA and Miley

Cyrus

ET- the inter-galactic glitchy number had soaring falsetto vocals and dizzying production

16. When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go-

Billie Eilish

If there was one artist who baffled older generations with their oddities and style it was Billie Eilish who’s debut album released in 2019 saw her sweep all four major categories at the

15.

OIL OF EVERY PEARLS UN-INSIDESSOPHIE

If one act can have all the impact and influence without the commercial success it was the late great SOPHIE. Scottish-born trans hyper-popstar who her-alded the way for those to come such as Kim Petras, Charli XCX and eventually even Beyonce.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHT:

Immaterial- a masterclass in the new genre of hyper-pop blend-ing sounds and vocals in a brand new way.

Above, SOPHIE: left an undeniable impact on pop before her passing.

14.

EMOTION- Carly Rae Jepsen

Pop fans could tell this album was going to be an instant classic upon the opening saxophones sounding off on the opening track. Glossy, 80s style pop was displayed in each track whether that be the delicate slow-dance disco of All That, the manic synths attacking like the pa-parazzi on LA Hallucinations or the relentlessly optimistic cheese of lead single I Really Like You. ALBUM

HIGHLIGHT:

Run Away With Me- a sax-y euphoric track that builds with longing and romance throughout.

13. Melodrama- Lorde

A title that fully encompasses the mood of the album. Lorde’s sophomore album was art from the cover to the tracklisting featuring giddy highs and solemn raw lows.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHT:

Green Light- the kind of shouty, catchy refrain that sticks with you forever

12. Back To BlackAmy Winehouse

Many have tried since to replicate the beautiful Motown girl-group stylings of the auto-biographical album from Amy-yet few have succeeded. Mark Ronson produces tracks stars like Phil Spector could have only dreamed of.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHT:

Back To Black- taking inspiration from the bee-hive rocking Supremes and Shangri-las creates a gloomy, yet hypnotizing track have a classic sound from the first listen- even if you didn’t say yee!

ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: High

Horse- a disco-cowboy track with cutting lyrics against a groovy background.

9. Confessions On A Dancefloor- Madonna

Proving she still had the pop prowess to create a hit-packed project in her third decade- Madonna’s Confessions’ is a dancefloor diva moment that she surprisingly had never dabbled in before. Includ-ing two UK number one singles and further critically acclaimed masterclasses in dance- the 2005 album has gone down as one of her all-time strongest. ALBUM

HIGHLIGHT: individual style. This is dis-played no better than on her fifth studio album- ‘Norman F*cking Rockwell’ or ‘NFR’ as it is affectionaley known as. With stirring strings, melancholy melodies and a haunting theme throughout- she cements herself with the likes of Tori Amos, Kate Bush and Fiona Apple as one of the alternative greats.

Sorry- whilst most remember the ABBA-sampling smash ‘Hung Up’, it was the second single ‘Sorry’ that saw Madge don the rollerskates for another chart-topping hit.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: Norman

F*cking Rockwell- the album’s opening track has brutal lyrics“God damn man child” and a longing that is fascinating

6. Blackout- Britney

Spears

In the midst of the most turbu-lent and toxic time for Britney- a famously public mental breakdown had taken it’s toll on the popstar who had been the biggest musician in the world for eight years at this point. ‘Blackout’ was a therapy for Spears and featured her calling out the hypocrisy of the media in songs such as ‘Piece of Me’ whilst reclaiming her sexual side in songs ‘Radar’ and ‘Heaven On Earth’.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHT:

Break The Ice- an unusual, electro R&B track with a memorable and extremely random animated music video to boot.

5. Body Talk- Robyn

3. The Fame MonsterLady Gaga

It would be very easy to make a strong argument for Gaga being the quintessential popstar of the century- not only having countless hits, but a growing acting career and pop culture moments very few have come close to matching the reach of. The Fame Monster was the expanded version of debut album- ‘The Fame’ and featured enormous tracks ‘Alejandro’ and Beyonce-collab ‘Telephone’ each with a music video more outrageous than the last. ALBUM

HIGHLIGHT:

Bad Romance- a song that sits up there with ‘Like a Prayer’ and ‘Thriller’ as one of the best to ever do it.

2. Lemonade- Beyonce

It would be impossible to discuss 21st century greats without the brilliant Beyonce. It is virtually impossible to choose which album of hers is the most impactful but it’s Lemonade- the surprise release concept album released in 2016 that has made the list. The album is by far her most genre-bending featuring country, rock and R&B tracks and political kiss-offs all in the space of an hour. Not to forget the subtext of Bey and Jay’s relationship at it’s core.

11. 1989- Taylor Swift

Boasting all-time great pop-writing such as ‘Wildest Dreams’, ‘Blank Space’ and ‘Out of the Woods’ - it’s no wonder Taylor became bigger than she’d ever been before during this era.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHT:

Style- a guitar-line to die for and a vocal delivery that is yet to be topped by Swift.

10. Golden Hour- Kacey Musgraves

An Album of the Year Grammy winning album from country queen Kacey Musgraves was one that transported fans like few had done before. Along with Lana, who is still to come, Kacey has mastered the craft of creating other- worldly pop-country tracks that transcend time and

Above,

8. Fever- Kylie Minogue

From one diva to another, Kylie had the world transfixed on her futristic sound and fashion back in 2001 with lead single ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Head’ becoming her all-time defining song. The rest of the album is filled with slinky, soft-vocalled moments each with pulsating production straight out of a late night at Studio 54. Although many think of Kylie’s huge-haired eighties days- it was noughties Kylie that made her the superstar she is today. ALBUM

HIGHLIGHT:

Love At First Sight- there are few Kylie fans (or even pop fans) that won’t let you know how impec-cable a song this is. The instru-mentation is hopeful, uplifting and the ultimate earworm of her discography.

7. Norman F*cking Rockwell- Lana Del Rey

Lana has solidified herself in just a decades time as one of the alltime greats for song-writing and

After IKEA and ABBA it was time for a new Swedish sensation and Robyn arguably has the most bulletproof output of them all. With previous albums, Robyn had proved she could create a solid track- but it was Body Talk that was the faultless synth-pop project with explosive choruses with stellar vocals whilst having her signature odd-ball themes and lyrics- best seen in the hypnotic‘Don’t F*ck-ing Tell Me What To Do’.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHT:

Dancing On My Own- a pensive-banger for the ages with an extended outro with soft piano keys against an enormous synth backing.

4. Let Go- Avril Lavigne

The original pop-rock girl of the century that inspired many past her to pick up a guitar and as she famously said- “rock out and throw stuff across stage”. Each track is more electrifying than the last with opening track ‘Losing Grip’ a roaring, shout-fest that could only be told by someone who was sixteen upon the release of the album.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: I’m With

You- a softer, first-dance style song from Avril with a stunning backing of violins and guitars and a bridge Rihan-na would go on to sample.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: All Nighta rousing ballad lamenting B’s love for her allegedly unfaithful husband.

1. Loose- Nelly Furtado

And finally, the album chosen as the most influential female al-bum of the last 23 years is- prob-ably an unexpected one. Nelly Furtado’s third album- ‘Loose’ is one that changed the soundscape of pop with it’s unique Timbal-andproduced sound and Latin influences. Featuring enormous hits: ‘Maneater’, ‘Promiscuous’ and ‘Say It Right’ the album is a fascinating journey with unorthodox choices and vocal styles and dizzying visuals to go against them.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: Maneatera dark, moody, and at times menacing R&B track that became a number one hit for Nelly in 2006. The press said she’d sold out at the time- but was this a classic misogynistic take down on a successful female trying to claim their sexuality? (Yes, it almost certainly was)

And there we have it... for more on classic pop, subscribe to VelvetRope for only £4.99 a month. VelvetRope.com/subscribe