Ep 5. Electronic Woodstock

"Electronic Woodstock" is the fifth episode in the second season of the show This Is Life with Lisa Ling. In this episode, Lisa Ling explores the world of EDM (Electronic Dance Music) festivals and the culture surrounding them.

Ling begins by attending one of the largest EDM festivals in the world, Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas. She interviews festival-goers, many of whom have made the festival an annual tradition. Some attendees travel from different parts of the world to experience the music and culture. Ling also speaks with DJs who perform at the festival and learns about the technicalities of creating a set and connecting with the audience.

The episode then delves into the controversy surrounding EDM festivals, particularly related to drug use. Ling speaks with medical professionals and harm reduction advocates who work at festivals to ensure the safety of attendees. She also talks to the families of young people who have died from drug overdoses at such festivals and explores the ways in which festival organizers try to prevent drug-related incidents.

Ling also explores the impact of EDM music on the economy and the music industry. She visits a music production school in Los Angeles, where aspiring DJs learn the skills to produce and perform electronic music. She interviews industry professionals who explain how the rise of EDM has transformed the music industry and the ways in which technology has influenced the creation and dissemination of music.

The episode also highlights the important role that music festivals play in creating a sense of community and belonging. Ling attends a small, community-focused festival in Northern California called Raindance, where attendees form close bonds with each other over the course of the festival. She speaks with organizers who emphasize the importance of creating a safe and inclusive space for all attendees.

Throughout the episode, Ling provides a nuanced view of the EDM festival culture, exploring both the positive and negative aspects. She examines the ways in which music festivals provide an escape from everyday life and offer a space for self-expression, but also acknowledges the risks and challenges associated with such events.

"Electronic Woodstock" is an engaging and thought-provoking episode that sheds light on a culture that is often misunderstood and stigmatized. Ling's interviews with a range of individuals, from festival-goers to industry professionals, provide a comprehensive view of the EDM festival culture and its impact on society.