I discussed with my partners for this project and decided to write a bit about examples of sensations which one can experience at raves.
Auditory
- Glitchy, unpredictable rhythms—jarring one moment, ethereal the next
- Sudden silences and spatial effects—sounds feel like they ricochet off walls
- Dissonant melodies, synthetic chirps, alien textures, warped voices
- Low-end that throbs beneath the skin, intercut with piercing highs
- Hyper-detailed sound design—every click, pop, and scrape feels intentional
Visual
- Dim, industrial lighting with occasional pulses—almost like being underwater
- Projection-mapped visuals or reactive LED walls creating digital organism effects
- Shadows morphing in sync with the beat—everyone becomes part of the architecture
- Muted earth tones or techwear silhouettes catching glints of cool light
- Minimal light sources: maybe just a few strobes, lasers, or flickering CRTs
Olfactory
- Cool, dry air with metallic undertones—concrete, wires, old speakers
- Scent of sweat blending with fog machine haze and the trace of synthetic fabrics
- Sometimes tinged with incense, or the sterile aroma of energy drinks and vape clouds
Taste
- Tang of gum or mints used to keep rhythm with the jaw
- Dry mouth from dancing or stimulant use—occasional water breaks feel sacred
- Traces of cheap vodka, energy drinks, or the aftertaste of focus-enhancing snacks
Tactile
- Sub-bass rumbling up through your shoes into your legs and chest
- Tight air circulation—some areas cool, others dense with body heat
- Brushed textures of nylon, mesh, and neoprene brushing past
- Occasional bump of a shoulder, the tension and release of movement in close proximity
- Textural contrast of slick floor tiles, exposed brick, or rubber mats underfoot
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