As many of us are well aware, negative connotations of dangerous drug use have long been associated with the EDM and music festival culture. With the seemingly exponential rise of electronic music's popularity comes an intense scrutiny and judgement from those who do not fully understand the "EDM movement". Rash assumptions have many calling us "kandi-wearing, molly popping, light show fanatic ravers." For those fully immersed in this musical subculture, it is crystal clear that it's not about the neon outfits, the impressive stage productions, or the sparkly body painted dancers; and above all: it's not about the drugs -- it's about the MUSIC. Sadly, there are still drug related deaths every year at music festivals - and whether we'd like to admit it or not, we all know that drugs play a large part in the festival experience for many attendees.

Made Event, the promoters of Electric Zoo (and many other electronic music events) has decided to take action against drug use at music festivals. The "Come to Life" campaign promotes a clean and healthy music festival experience, it specifically discourages the use of MDMA and advocates the concept that drugs are not necessary to enjoy the festival.

"“Our message to concertgoers is simple: The Electric Zoo experience is exceptional and worth being present for,” Made Event founders, Laura De Palma and Mike Bindra, said in a joint statement.  “Molly can cause you to not only miss the moment, alienate your friends and have an overall adverse and unpleasant experience…but can also make you sick and can even be fatal. Fans will experience how great it is to ‘Come To Life’ at our concerts from lights, sounds and crowds,” the statement continued.""

The "Come To Life" campaign revolves around a two-minute video called "The Molly", directed by Emmy Award-winning writer and creator of hit TV series Dexter, James Manos, Jr., starring his daughter Ellie (who helped write and direct the video as well). James Manos explains, “Ellie represents the target audience and she’s been to EDM concerts and seen the behavior of her peers on Molly. She was the perfect partner to help me write the spot,” the elder Manos said. “This is a really interesting and volatile time of life for teens and young adults, and I was up for the challenge of crafting the right tone, manner and overall approach to creating a PSA that would have a net positive influence in their behavior and lives, in an entertaining and authentic way,” 

Festival goer's MUST watch "The Molly" in order to validate their wristbands, and obtain entry into this year's Electric Zoo festival. Made Event firmly stands behind their new campaign with the belief that it will help fans make responsible choices about drug use and deter drug use among their peers.

Here at Daily Beat, we do not condone drug use and fully stand behind Made Event's new "Come to Life" campaign. As long time electronic music fans, it has been sad to see the negative aspects that have come with the culture's progression. It's always been hush-hush, but it's no secret that a fair amount of festival-goers indulge in the use of mind-altering substances to "enhance" their experience. But when drug related deaths come into play - it is not only an immense and tragic loss for the family and friends of those who have passed - but it is also a forceful catalyst that those who are not in favor of the EDM culture can use against us. With all eyes on us, this is the time to stand up for the love of music. It's not about "popping molly" and other substances, it not about who can party harder, it's about the music, the euphoria it gives us, and it's power to bring us together. What do you think of Made Event's anti-drug campaign?

"Come to Life" officially launches on August 4, 2014 - "The Molly" video will also be available for the general public to view on the launch date.

For more information, visit electriczoofestival.com/ctl