An interview with Asian American, Michael Gamboa (AKA DJ Feels Goodman). Happy Hardcore and Vocal Trance. House DJ from Southern California.
When picturing a rave, what do I think of?
I picture a bunch of young Asian kids dancing around like no one is watching, hypnotized by the beats and rhythms conducted by the DJ, all hopped up on Ecstasy, jaws clenched, chomping on gum that’s lost all its flavour.
I’ve never been to a rave so I’ll openly admit that I’m ignorant about this part of Asian American/Asian Canadian culture.
However, as someone who values open-mindedness, continuous learning and understanding different lifestyles and cultures, I was excited when Michael (AKA DJ Feels Goodman) messaged me to collaborate.
He had seen some of my posts about dating and relationships and shared with me that although raves have always been something where like-minded people come to feel like they belong, a lot of them have a hard time making a long-lasting connection.
I was intrigued and wanted to learn more about going beyond the rave to make human connections.
1. What inspired you to become a DJ and how long have you been doing this?
What inspired me to become a DJ?
Other DJs and the producers of the music itself. I’ve always appreciated the art that great DJs bring to the table.
I’ve heard some great music as well, and I’d think to myself,
“I want to share this music with other people because it’s so awesome.”
So, being a DJ was the way for me to do that. But there’s always been a tall barrier for entry. The equipment was quite expensive.
But when I was finally given an opportunity by a friend who was retiring his turntables and mixer, I had to jump at the chance.
2. So for those who aren’t familiar with raves, how would you describe the experience? Also, are there misconceptions about them that you would like to clarify?
The rave scene has always been a thing that people come to find a place where they belong and to meet other like-minded people.
For those who have never gone to a rave before, the easiest way for me to describe it is to say that it’s a dance party for people who have a similar interest in electronic music, where the music is presented by one or more DJs.
Often it’s an event that goes from late at night to early the next morning.
And often times, it’s held in warehouses in a semi-secretive fashion, although it can be anywhere technically.
Misconceptions. I’d say there are a few, but I’ll focus on what I think has generally been the elephant in the room:
The drug one.
It’s not about the drugs. It’s about people being free to be themselves and get along with other people in the most harmonious way for an evening.
That said, with that freedom, sometimes drugs show up. Although this isn’t unique to raves, raves get stuck with the bad rep for this.
The one thing that’s not allowed is violence.
I’ll point out one more:
The age thing.
It’s not just for people younger than 25 (or whatever is considered “young” these days). It’s literally for everyone. I’ve seen people who I’d guess are 50+ at raves, and it’s just great to see all sorts of people getting along.
And it’s not weird. At all.
3. Music can be a wonderful way to connect with like-minded people. Have you met people you wouldn’t have normally met? If so, who and how have you maintained that relationship?
I’ve met a bunch of DJs locally, and I’ve connected with some in other parts of the world like Canada and the UK.
For the local friends, we pretty much maintain our relationship by doing DJ things together — sharing gigs, throwing events, etc.
For the ones in Canada and the UK, it’s mostly just online chat due to the obvious distance.
Aside from friends, I’ve connected with 2 groups/communities. One being the Dance Music Initiative from Orange County, California. The other being Lazer FM Worldwide. The prior is a DJ school and community. The other is an online radio station based in the UK.
4. As a DJ, you probably notice strangers connecting on a romantic level at events. What would be some advice you would give to someone who wants to connect with others after and beyond the music (to have a conversation on a human level)?
Being at a place where all the people already have one thing in common makes it a lot easier to break the ice and see what other likes and activities you might also share.
Definitely exchange contacts.
And don’t be worried about rejection.
Very few things in life are certain. And failing is part of succeeding.
5. What is next for DJ Feels Goodman?
Next up is an event I’m throwing with my friends. It’s the first in a series of all-Trance raves in the 626 area (SoCal) called Apollo One!
With that said, as people who would try anything twice, my husband and I might just muster up some energy when our daughter’s a little older to check out a rave.
I mean I’ve always said we need to continually work on our marriage. Maybe a rave will bring us closer, connecting us through the music instead of the cries and whines of a rugrat.
Have you been to a rave? What’s been your experience?
You can follow DJ Feels Goodman’s journey:
