EDC is a music festival, yes, but it's also a Speedway-size catwalk of sartorial excellence, as expressed in all of the fantastical costumes spotted throughout the festival. Sometimes, however, it's a whole lot easier and a hell of a lot more comfortable to express yo’self with a classic T-shirt (or tank top, 'cause it's hot out here).
Here, 14 EDC attendees give us some insight into their sweet tees.
Miguel, 26, from Maryland
So you're not a fan of drama?
I just really love techno. I saw Hot Since 82 and Loco Dice yesterday and am looking forward to seeing more techno DJs today. When I'm wearing this T-shirt, I feel like a techno noob, though.
Luke, 20, from California
Does your T-shirt inspire you in any particular way?
I wanted to be a shark specifically so I could bite my girlfriend on her butt [motions to a fake shark bite painted on the butt of his girlfriend, who is dressed as a mermaid]. Plus, it's Jauz night, ya know?
Tommy from California
Did you choose this shirt for tonight because tomorrow is Father's Day?
Guy Fieri is my dad, truly. And I love the Food Network.
Brandon from California
One question, Brandon: Do you feel as adorable in this T-shirt as you look in this T-shirt?
Um, maybe? I bought this shirt for my first rave, Beyond Wonderland. We were all doing a panda theme, so I found this online and bought it. The squad that I went to that show with couldn’t be here, so I’m repping for the whole crew, panda-style.
Muhammed, Raphi, Jason, Jake and Gavin
What’s the story here, guys?
Gavin: We lost Jason for like five hours last year, and when we found him, the first thing he said to us was, “Dude, bassPOD changed my life.” None of us were really into dubstep before, but then we camped on the railing at bassPOD for hours last year, and it was incredible. The whole situation turned us all into bassheads—not gonna lie.
Matt from South Carolina
What type of dance music do you think Abraham Lincoln would have been into?
Trap, definitely.
Nicolette from California
How much do you actually love cats?
I love, love, looove cats. They’re amazing. They don’t need much attention; they’re always there for you, and they don’t talk back. I have four cats at home—Shiloh, Josie, Acai and Zoe.
Chris from Hawaii
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve done today?
Outside of trying to pee in a porta-potty, the weirdest thing I’ve done today is a handstand.
Jose from California
Why are you repping Kansas City so hard?
I actually went to Kansas for work, and I had an awesome time because I fell in love. Then a friend bought me this shirt, because Kansas City is kind of like Kansas, even though it’s in Missouri.
Sebastian from California
How many mistakes have you made tonight?
I just got here, so not too many. I've had this shirt for 15 years. I always say to take a chance, make a mistake, and learn from it. That’s what life’s about.
Britney and Spencer from Utah
Who’s being commemorated on your shirts?
Spencer: This is my best friend, Austin; he died last year on Thanksgiving, so we wanted to bring him with us. We’ve got 10 people here wearing these shirts. He loved EDC and had come for the last four years, so we’re here keeping his spirit alive.
Angelica from Nevada
What is the biggest treat you've given yourself tonight?
Going fucking hard at Slander. I love them, so that was amazing.
Oscar from Colombia
What do you think Jesus would think of this party?
Maybe he’d like all of the lights and stuff—and the peace, love, unity and respect.
Nick from Pennsylvania
Why are we doing this, Nick?
I think we’re doing this because we love music and we love each other. That’s why we’re here. The real reason I have this T-shirt, though, is because there was a dodgeball tournament at my high school way back in the day. It was all of us scrawny cross-country kids on the team, and we didn’t really know what to do when it came to other sports, and we kept asking ourselves why we were doing this, since we were going to get last anyway. That became our team name—and we came in dead last.
