#318. Ecstasy Confessions of a Raving Reporter & Mad Clubbing Tales – Kirk Field

In this episode, Dodge interviews Kirk Field, known as the 'Raving Reporter', who shares his adventurous experiences within the rave scene of the 90s. Kirk recounts how he initially started writing about raves after observing the dishonest narratives presented by the media at the time. His passion for storytelling led him to become a contributing writer for publications like Mixmag, where he captured the essence of raving from a participant's perspective rather than as a detached journalist.

Kirk discusses his books, including 'Rave New World', which he wrote during lockdown as a confessional for his teenage sons, sharing his wild past filled with hedonism and misadventure. He describes his euphoric experiences at raves, how communal connections formed in chaotic situations, and he reflects on the sociopolitical climate that allowed the free-spirited rave culture to bloom. Kirk also shares anecdotes about various raves, including a memorable incident where a Serbian missile alarm interrupted a rave in Croatia but couldn't dampen the collective spirit of the attendees.

The conversation shifts to the evolution of the festival scene and how events have changed post-pandemic. Kirk expresses concern over the increasing gap between audiences and performers and how corporate influences have transformed the essence of festivals. He emphasizes the importance of bringing people together through music and storytelling, reflecting on the nostalgia associated with the culture of the past. Looking forward, Kirk reveals plans for a third book titled 'Fake That: Adventures in Tribute Land', centering on a tribute band he and friends formed in the 90s.