A Post-Cringe Theory of Psychedelic Spirituality in the Rave Scene

Summary

The essay discusses how the concept of cringe can help evaluate the current state of the rave scene and suggests methods for revitalizing its spirit. It posits that while cringe is unavoidable, it can highlight outdated behaviors and beliefs, serving as a catalyst for change in the psychedelic music scene, which is currently seen as stale and overly commercialized.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This essay uses the concept of cringe as a tool to assess where the rave scene has gone stale and to argue for ways it may reclaim a transcendent spirit. While we may never be able to fully escape the cringe, the powerful emotions it signals can serve as a shock collar, alerting us to behaviors and beliefs that were perhaps once radical but have since become outdated and cliche. In this way, I argue for the instrumentalization of cringe as a way of advancing the psychedelic music scene beyond its cringe and capitalist present. There cannot be change without cringe.