Photo by Joel Potter.
This is part two of our series exploring Wilmington’s EDM scene and vibrant rave culture.
In the first installment of this series, I introduced the electric pulse of Wilmington, North Carolina’s local EDM and rave community through my own experiences. If you missed it, you can catch up with the opening installment of the series here. As promised, I’ve ventured further, engaging with various groups and individuals to capture their unique perspectives. Each person I got to know not only enriches this vibrant scene but also plays a crucial role in sustaining the dynamism of Wilmington’s local EDM movement.
Continuing with this exploration, this second article highlights the pivotal role of online communities in forging a symbiotic relationship between fans, collectives, production groups, and artists. My journey, ignited by these digital connections, has been instrumental in drawing me into these eclectic events. It reveals the transformative power of our virtual and physical worlds converging, showcasing how online interactions can lead to meaningful real-world experiences.
Photo by XXPOSR Marketing Agency.
Before we embark deeper into this narrative, I invite you to pause for a moment and reflect: Can you remember a time when a simple online interaction, whether it was a like, a comment, a message, or even a link embedded in a post, take you somewhere unexpected and open a new door in your life? How did this interaction influence your path?
Hold onto that thought.
As I take you deeper into our story, we’ll uncover how these fleeting digital moments are intricately weaving the vibrant tapestry of the EDM community, transforming virtual connections into tangible, life-changing experiences.
Online Forums as the Virtual Third Space for Collaboration and Insights
In a world where digital landscapes are constantly evolving, the idea of a virtual ‘third space‘ has never been more relevant. In today’s interconnected world, online forums have emerged as these virtual sanctuaries, spaces where EDM enthusiasts, artists, and creators alike can come together, free from the constraints of a physical location. It is within these digital realms that new ideas are born, insights are shared, and collaborations flourish, fueling the ever-growing pulse of the electronic dance music community. This section will showcase how Wilmington’s local EDM scene leverages these online spaces to turn their production visions into reality, highlighting the creative ways the community connects, collaborates, and innovates.
Expand to learn more about third spaces!
Third space (also referred to as a third place) is traditionally referred to as a public, physical place, a social space, or a cultural space that are separate from the two usual social environments of home (“first place”) and the workplace (“second place”) where people can gather and interact. Examples of third places include churches, cafes, bars, clubs, libraries, gyms, bookstores, etc.
As these digital spaces foster collaboration, one particular aspect of the EDM community that stands out is the rise of music collectives. These collectives can vary in size, from small community-driven groups to larger, more established communities, and they span a wide range of genres and artistic expressions. Whether it’s music, visual art, flow artistry, or dance, these collectives support diverse forms of creativity, often pooling their talents to create unique events and experiences.
Expand to learn more about music collectives!
A music collective is a community of creatives (such as producers, DJs, vocalists, dancers, visual artists, and more) who come together to share resources, ideas, and a mutual passion for music and expression. More than just a group of collaborators, a collective fosters an environment of creativity and support, allowing members to experiment, grow, and push the boundaries of their art. By pooling their talents and resources, collectives often organize events, produce collaborative tracks, and create immersive experiences that reflect their shared vision. In the world of electronic dance music, these collectives play a vital role in nurturing emerging talent, building community, and shaping local music scenes.
Photo by Joel Potter.
I’ve had the opportunity to learn more about a few of the community-driven collectives that have curated events I’ve personally attended, both in person and online. It’s been incredible to see how these groups thrive in digital spaces, particularly through platforms like Discord. Discord provides a virtual space for people to connect and collaborate, reminding me of my corporate, remote-work days using Slack and Microsoft Teams. The difference? This space is WAY more fun and a lot less formal!
Expand to learn more aboud Discord!
Discord is a social platform that allows users to communicate through voice calls, video calls, text messaging, and media sharing. Conversations can be private or take place within virtual communities known as “servers,” which consist of chat rooms and voice channels accessible through invite links. The platform is available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Linux, and web browsers. As of 2024, Discord has around 150 million monthly active users and 19 million weekly active servers.
Although Discord started as a platform primarily for gamers, its user base has grown to include a wide variety of communities. In March 2024, Discord ranked as the 30th most visited website worldwide, with nearly 23% of its traffic coming from the United States.
In an interview with McRay Granelli (Chief Marketing Officer) and Webster Burrier (Chief Financial Officer), members of Electric Enclave’s (EE) admin team, I learned that EE serves as both a vibrant community hub and an official LLC. This structure allows the collective to nurture creative collaboration while managing the logistics of their growing community. Both McRay and Webster explained that EE has embraced Discord as a third space where music, daily life, and personal growth intersect.
Every week, the community gathers for town hall meetings in Discord, where they openly discuss future shows and brainstorm new ideas. But the platform is much more than just a place to talk about events: it’s a hub for navigating all aspects of life. The mental health support channel offers a safe space for members to seek support from peers during difficult times, while the job board allows them to share job openings, helping each other in their personal and professional growth. There’s also room for the lighter, more fun side of life, with members sharing photos of their pets, hyping each other up over DIY festival outfits, or simply sharing a laugh. It’s a communal space where every member’s voice is valued, and the diverse interactions foster a supportive environment that extends far beyond music. These diverse interactions have helped cultivate a tight-knit community that supports each other not just as artists, but as people. Members of the EE discord play a key role in contributing to conversations about curating and organizing events. The collective truly thrives because of the contributions of every individual, each voice adding something valuable to the mix.
Learn more about EE!
EE curates event lineups from community feedback, creating meaningful experiences that foster inclusivity and belonging. More than an events company, EE is a passion project that grew into a close-knit collective driven by a shared vision. By connecting with other collectives, they promote cross-community collaborations, expanding their influence beyond Wilmington into the broader underground EDM scene.
Photo by Emanley Photography.
More and more collectives are using Discord as a space for collaboration and connection, creating a laid-back environment for brainstorming and mutual support. Many link their Discord servers in their Instagram bios or linktr.ee, making it easy to join the conversation.
Curious if a local collective has a virtual third space? Check their socials, you might just find a community waiting for you!
Beyond Discord, even our own social media platforms, like Instagram and TikTok, have become their own virtual third spaces, and in some cases, even virtual stages. In fact, it was during one of my late-night TikTok doom scrolling sessions that I stumbled upon an entirely new collective in my area. What started as mindless scrolling turned into a whole new discovery, and in the next section, I’ll share how stumbling upon a TikTok Live DJ set unexpectedly deepened my connection to the EDM community.
Virtual Stages for Artists and Collectives
One late night, I was scrolling through TikTok (as one does), and as expected, my feed was full of live DJ sessions (don’t judge, I’ve been enjoying it!). The algorithm kept bringing me back to the same DJ, Not H3re, whose location was listed as “Wilmington, NC.” Even though I didn’t know him personally, I felt an instant connection knowing he was live, playing riddim, so close by! Curiosity sparked, I clicked on his profile and discovered he regularly streams on TikTok Live, building a solid following on both TikTok and Instagram. From there, I learned he’s part of Low End Legion, another community-based collective right here in Wilmington.
In a Q&A with Brandon, aka Not H3re, I discovered that his late-night TikTok sessions began as a way to practice with his brothers, refining his skills by sharing his learning journey with friends, who would offer feedback to help him improve. What started as a personal journey quickly turned into a favorite pastime. TikTok’s vast reach allowed him to share his art with a wide audience, connecting with everyone from EDM lovers like me to headlining DJs who engage with his content, all of which has fueled his growing following. Today, TikTok has become Brandon’s go-to platform for connection and self-expression, demonstrating how virtual stages like TikTok empower artists to perform, interact, and expand their reach in real-time.
I asked Brandon (Not H3re) to send me an intro, check out what he says!
“Hello! My government name is Brandon, but my artist project is called Not H3re.
Age 27, a Wilmington native, and a former Marine turned Producer/DJ. To a new listener, I
would describe my set genres as Melodic/Heavy Bass music with flashes of exciting dance
music. Production wise, I am still early on, however most edits I have released, originals that are
unreleased, and even collaborations with other artists both local and distant, consists of heavy
bass nature similar to the sounds of Ray Volpe, Vastive, and Wooli to name a few.“
As I mentioned earlier, discovering Brandon led me to learn about the collective he’s part of: Low End Legion. When I asked him about his experience being part of a collective, he explained that while individuality is key, the true strength of the collective lies in their ability to learn from one another. The most recent event that stood out to me as uniquely local was Low End Legion’s livestream NYE event, featuring a full lineup of their legion of artists (I was actually streaming it myself while getting ready for my night out on NYE – hehehe!). Naturally, my curiosity led me to connect with three members (Trevor Peña, William Grady, and Christian Kalwite) to dig deeper into the collective and the inspiration behind the livestream event.
Learn more about Low End Legion here!
Low End Legion is an EDM music collective based in Wilmington, NC, known for its community-driven approach and passion for creative experimentation. Founded by Trevor (aka Mas) and later joined by Christian (Annihilate) and William (Shattered), the group came together organically through shared interests in riddim and dubstep. Their journey began at the local open deck sessions and quickly grew into a tight-knit community fueled by a love for underground electronic music.
For Low End Legion, being part of a new collective goes beyond just making music; it’s about fostering an inclusive and supportive community. They emphasize collaboration and creative freedom, allowing each member to experiment and express their unique style. This sense of belonging and shared purpose is what drives them. By creating meaningful experiences both online and offline, Low End Legion is building a legacy that resonates with fans and artists alike.
Photo by XXPOSR.
When I asked about the inspiration behind the livestream event, Trevor explained that they wanted to create something unique to their skillset that other local groups weren’t offering. They drew inspiration from Denver’s Club Studio Time, which they thought was a cool concept. The idea was to capture the laid-back feeling of hanging out with friends but structure it into a scheduled event. The collective’s goal is to specialize in livestream lineups and events moving forward. With Trevor’s background in film and technology, along with his previous experience in podcasting, they were able to execute the livestream event without needing a large budget.
Brandon’s discovery of TikTok as a platform for sharing his art and connecting with others is a perfect example of how virtual stages can spark collaboration and inspire growth. From his late-night sessions to finding his place in the Low End Legion collective, it’s clear that digital spaces are reshaping how artists and communities come together. This sense of connection and shared creativity fuels the cycle of inspiration, where fans and artists alike contribute to the thriving local EDM scene, pushing each other to new heights.
The Cycle of Inspiration – Community and Collaboration
The relationship between online engagement and offline events creates a dynamic feedback loop that fuels the growth of the local EDM scene. Collectives with a strong online presence have mastered this cycle, using platforms like Discord to gain valuable community insights, while leveraging social media channels like Instagram and TikTok to build a following, engage with fans, and highlight local talent. Social media not only fosters meaningful connections but also sparks real-world gatherings; whether through local artist spotlights or behind-the-scenes glimpses of upcoming events. It’s evident that a solid online presence is crucial for generating momentum and sustaining the collective’s energy.
Photos by Joel Potter.
Members of the community, who are passionate fans of the local scene, play a significant role within it. Driven by pure excitement, they naturally share event details on their own social media, helping to promote shows organically. This comes as no surprise, as genuine friendships often form between artists and audience members, further deepening the role of digital platforms as both a catalyst and a connector within the collective.
Check out the photo gallery below, capturing the energy and enthusiasm of fans at various shows in Wilmington, NC!
What struck me most was learning how the bond within Wilmington’s EDM scene extends beyond the local area. Through EE’s channels, members can organize trips to festivals and shows, turning these events into exciting “field trips” for the crew. This further illustrates how online platforms do more than just plan events: they build meaningful relationships, creating a strong sense of community that transcends both the virtual and physical realms.
Photo by Josee.
As we’ve seen, the cycle of inspiration between online spaces and offline gatherings is essential to building a thriving community. The way collectives utilize digital platforms to connect, organize, and collaborate, highlights the power of community in shaping and growing the local EDM scene. This ongoing exchange not only drives the momentum of the collective but also nurtures the bonds that make the scene so unique and vibrant.
Closing Thoughts
In an era where open and truly accessible third spaces are becoming increasingly limited, and commercial pressures encroach on spaces that once fostered free (or affordable), informal interactions, online communities have stepped in to provide what physical spaces can no longer. These physical third places, especially free third spaces (like public parks, libraries, or community centers), have historically enriched social connection, sense of community, and belonging. However, as they close or become more commercialized, we risk losing not only access to these free spaces, but also key support systems that help buffer against loneliness and stress, as highlighted in the NIH study on the importance of third places for collective health and wellbeing.
Recall the term silience from the first article (the quiet brilliance that often goes unnoticed). This new digital dynamic has become a powerful force in shaping the local EDM scene, where online engagement seamlessly transforms into real-world experiences, keeping the pulse of creativity thriving. By embracing digital platforms as virtual third spaces, collectives are breaking the silience and challenging the notion that only popular, well-established, work matters. It’s this fusion of digital interaction and live events that fosters collaboration and sustains the community, proving that the most meaningful work often resonates where it’s least expected.
Photo by Joel Potter.
Now, we want to hear from you: How have online communities shaped your connection with local music scenes? Whether through a post, a livestream, or a Discord chat, your experiences contribute to a larger conversation. Join in and share your story!
Extra Extra! Featuring the rose, bud, and thorns exercise.
This section captures the honest reflections from the people I’ve interviewed, offering a glimpse into their journeys, aspirations, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. The “Rose, Bud, and Thorn” exercise is a reflective practice that encourages individuals to share their experiences through three lenses:
- the 🌹Rose, a positive moment or success
- the🌱Bud, an opportunity or something they’re excited about
- and the🌵Thorn, a challenge or setback they’ve faced.
From Electric Enclave
🌹Rose: The EE team has experienced so many proud moments that they jokingly suggested giving me a rose bush instead of just a single rose! They take immense pride in their community-driven approach, where members actively influence event lineups and experiences. Collaborating with industry partners who share their vision has elevated their shows to new heights, further establishing Electric Enclave as a credible and impactful force in the local music scene. Additionally, the deep friendships formed within the admin team are a source of joy and motivation, highlighting the strong bonds built through shared passion and purpose.
🌱Bud: Looking ahead, EE is excited to bring one of the most requested headliners, Space Wizard, to their next show. This booking reflects the collective influence of their community members, who actively participate in artist recommendations through Discord. They are eager to see how this event resonates with fans and continue the momentum of community-driven programming.
🌵Thorn: The biggest challenge they face is navigating the reality that not everyone will always be happy with every aspect of an event. Balancing diverse feedback, from sound quality to lighting and production preferences, is tough! The team acknowledges the difficulty of meeting everyone’s expectations but sees constructive feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
EE’s website can be found here.
From Low End Legion
🌹Rose: For Low End Legion, the rose collectively stems from the powerful connections they’ve built and the unexpected growth they’ve experienced together. Each member reflected on the joy of meeting one another and how their friendship became the cornerstone of the collective. Trevor (Mas) highlighted the significance of linking up with Deep End Audio and TK Productions, marking a turning point where they began taking their journey seriously. For Christian (Annihilate), meeting his fellow members transformed his music from a personal hobby to a collaborative experience, giving his art new purpose. William (Shattered) shared that joining Low End Legion reignited his passion and drive for music, inspiring him to strive for greatness and push his creative boundaries. Together, their stories weave a narrative of friendship, growth, and artistic evolution.
🌱Bud: Their Bud centers around the excitement for future projects and a shared vision for growth. Mas and Annihilate are both set to release their EPs by the end of February, eager to clear out old projects and explore new creative directions. Shattered playfully revealed that he’s been secretly working on an EP, but after some good-natured ribbing with Mas during the interview, he laughed and declared, “Alright, fine, I guess I’ll drop an album and call it ‘The Shattered Experience.’” Witnessing this exchange captures the playful and spontaneous spirit of Low End Legion, a collective that thrives on creativity and camaraderie. They’re excited for their upcoming show here in Wilmington, featuring a stacked lineup of local legions, channeling that same infectious energy into another night of deep bass and high vibes.
🌵Thorn: Their Thorn revolves around the challenges of growth and self-doubt. Mas reflected on the pressure of balancing leadership responsibilities with friendship, navigating the complexities of decision-making while ensuring fairness within the group. Annihilate opened up about his struggle with self-criticism, admitting that he often grows tired of his own music too quickly, preventing him from fully enjoying his accomplishments. Shattered shared his journey of overcoming perfectionism, revealing how he used to overthink his production process. However, with the support and encouragement of his fellow members, he’s learning to let go and embrace the flow of creativity. Together, they’re navigating these challenges, using them as fuel to grow both as artists and as a collective.
The Low End Legion website can be found here.
P.S. This piece is a cultural exploration of a local EDM scene, not an exhaustive list of every artists and collectives in Wilmington, NC. My hope with this article is to inspire you to check out local EDM communities, or at least sparks your curiosity, to connect with collectives in your area. Who knows? Maybe this article will be one of those serendipitous moments that plants a seed to start (or keep building) your own community. Whether it’s online or in real life, let’s keep the cycle of inspiration flowing, together.