Being jaded is lame and EDM is a gateway drug to great things — so says Chicago-bred house and disco DJ The Black Madonna, an absolute icon for the so-called “underground” of electronic dance, who joined Holy Ship for its 12.0 and 13.0 sailings last week.
The discerning selector was so moved by her experience, she took to Twitter to tell the world how transformative the experience proved to be. She centered it around Carl Cox’s famous quote about EDM being “an entry level to dance music,” and how he was very happy that a commercial genre could open the door to more fans discovering his own work. She says she saw it happen with her own eyes as she played deep cuts for kids in wild costumes, all of whom were eager to listen, dance and greet her with all the warmth in the world.
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“I played ALLLLLLL (sic) the things I always play. 5 sets,” she tweets. “The dancers on the boat were young. Yes they were blinking. I was given bracelets and candy and more hugs than I can count. Walking along the boat, every five feet it seemed someone would ask me if they could hug me.”
Read The Black Madonna’s full thoughts on Holy Ship below, and do remember not to judge others simply because of the music they enjoy. Dance floors are sacred because they are open, safe spaces for every, any and all kinds. When we dance together, we make the world a better place.
I used to hate EDM and I still really don’t care for the music, but… I remember something Carl Cox said about how he was fine with EDM because it’s basically an entry point for young people in dance and how those people will stick around, the implication being tastes change.
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) January 12, 2019
And in the year of our lord 2019, I have seen it with my own eyes. I have just spent a week on Holy Ship and honestly it was great. There was every kind of music. From hardstyle to Roman Flugel. And the crowds weren’t always different.
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) January 12, 2019
I played ALLLLLLL the things I always play. 5 sets. The dancers on the boat were young. Yes they were blinking. I was given bracelets and candy and more hugs than I can count. Walking along the boat, every five feet it seemed someone would ask me if they could hug me.
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) January 12, 2019
There were drag queens and voguers and folks coming over from more underground dance worlds and a lot of people were wondering if they’d be accepted and the consensus was that this was one of the most earnest, loving communities we’d been invited to.
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) January 12, 2019
And to reiterate, I heard excellent music on this boat. I also heard EDM and it’s not my thing but I respect the diversity of listeners all sharing ideas and supporting each other and exploring new sounds. Remember that?
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) January 12, 2019
It’s easier not to show up and to write off people because of where they’re coming from musically but let’s be honest, I used to think 2 Unlimited was the pinnacle of dance music. The reason I became the listener I am is because people like Paul Johnson played big ass raves.
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) January 12, 2019
I will always be most me and most comfortable in a dirty basement or warehouse, but I’m glad I know these people and those hugs made me feel great and these are great kids figuring out who they are in dance music just like us old ravers used to be.
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) January 12, 2019
Being jaded is lame. I had a fucking great time on #HolyShip 12 and 13 and to my #Shipfam, thanks for teaching this old dog new tricks and for dancing so hard to disco. Thanks to the whole team who make the boat safe.
And thanks for the sweaty hugs. I really needed them. pic.twitter.com/iIoqliXRRr
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) January 12, 2019
And to all the haters, you have not lived until you have seen a raver dressed as a blinking, feathered Liberace screeching and getting their entire life to Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes on a boat where people normally play shuffleboard. —-
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) January 12, 2019
Here’s the original quote. Insert whoever to make it make sense for you. pic.twitter.com/M8ESwV1xgE
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) January 14, 2019