We are no strangers to music festivals here in America. In fact, it’s practically a national pastime! Over the past decade Coachella, and Electric Dance Music in general, have rocketed festival culture to the forefront of social media. But Pop and EDM aren’t the only genres that host festivals – they were practically the last ones to arrive at the party! As far back as the 1950’s music lovers have gathered together to sing, dance and celebrate to the music that moves our souls. Professionals take time off of work, families load into their cars and distant friends make plans to reunite.

Jessica Correia, Mystery Land 2015

Really though: is there anything finer than being outside, feeling the sun on you face, smelling fried food in the air and dancing like no one is watching as your absolute FAVORITE band plays your very FAVORITE song? I personally don’t think so, but I might be biased. I was practically fated to follow the call of that rhythmic thunder.

Back in 1965 my very own mother hopped into a car in Connecticut, only to find herself 100 miles away at the Newport Folk Festival. And you know what? She thought that Bob Dylan’s infamous electric set was FANTASTIC! I also have an uncle that wound up at Woodstock in 1969. And I will never forget how jealous I was of my older brother when, back in 1993 he headed off to Lollapalooza. I think I still have the sign he used to hitchhike there!

Just like my family, I’ve traveled far and wide to partake in musical joy. My personal favorite has been the Muddy Roots Music Fest held in Cookeville, TN. Organized by Jason Galaz, this festival is in its ninth year and boasts an incredibly diverse lineup of Country, Bluegrass, Punk and Heavy Metal. Last year I was able to catch 26 out of the 110 bands that played. Well worth the $100 ticket and the 2,050 mile round trip I made, if you ask me!

Meghann Fleming,  Muddy Roots Music Festival 2017

So how did this “scene” become so intense, drawing thousands to make epic journeys across states and continents? How did a series of musical performances evolve into its own subculture? Let’s be real here: going to a festival is expensive and time consuming. So why do so many Americans prioritize this luxury? What is the reward?

In one word: Community.

Music festivals create their own unique, itinerant little communities. Outcasts from all walks of life are drawn together by a common love, and shine like diamonds within that microcosm of their own choosing. Judgment is laid to wait at the gates for 2-5 days and people who might not even acknowledge in other in the “real world” become family.

Maybe you’ve seen shirts that read “PLUR” or have seen #plur? This stands for Peace Love Unity Respect and it has become the mantra of an entire generation of concert goers. There is just something about music, something about singing freely out loud that seems to make everyone feel just a little more compassionate. There is plenty of opportunity for these sorts of events to devolve into anarchy, but they so rarely do. Travesties like Woodstock ’99 and 2017’s Fyre Festival have proven to be the exception, not the rule. In this setting where clothing is optional, alcohol flows like water, where rich and poor live side by side, people not only feel free to be themselves but also seem to demonstrate respect for each other than other gatherings of comparable size (rallies, protests, parades, marathons).

The Mountain has found a home of our own within the world of Festival Fashion. Tie-dyed clothing has long been associated with music, and our unique mottled dyes with clever, colorful graphics help aficionados of all genres stand out and express their personalities. Oh. And let’s not forget about comfort. Are you going to be sleeping on the ground? Will you get caught in a torrential down pour? When will you shower next? If you have to ask yourself any of these questions, you should probably pack a couple of our 100% cotton, prewashed, preshrunk tees. Ya know, just in case!

Jessica Correia, Stage and Prop Building crew at Tomorrow World 2015

So maybe it’s all biology? The act of singing out loud triggers the release of both endorphins - which are associated the feeling of pleasure, as well as oxytocin - which is well known to ease stress and anxiety in our brain. Now, personally, I don’t often have the courage to sing out loud … but amongst a crowd of 500 – 5000 voices? I will absolutely let ‘er rip! Now, if those 500 – 5000 other people are also getting’ down and releasing their own endorphins & oxytocin, well no wonder love & generosity are at their peak!

Hmmmm … I wonder what would happen if politicians had to communicate with the people through song? Would PLUR reign supreme? It really makes you think.