EDM Maniac: Safe Raving During COVID-19

It’s been almost a year since the United States government officially decided to shut down the country to mitigate the rising coronavirus cases. Limiting activities down to only the essentials may have been great for our country’s health, but the benefits did not always translate well for businesses. If a company wanted to survive through the pandemic, they had to learn to adjust to this new world. Despite the fears and challenges that came with it, EDM Maniac, the premier source for all things EDM, was able to quickly find new ways to continue to serve their passionate fans through drive-in, socially-distanced, and virtual concerts. 

Today, EDM Maniac is primarily known as a digital publication, but their history is rooted in hosting live, in-person events. When EDM Maniac’s founder, Devin Lezama first moved to Los Angeles, he recognized the need for a space where the EDM community could unite. To fill the gap and pursue his passion, he started throwing underground raves, which eventually evolved into the sophisticated brand we know today. Understandably, hearing that the country was shutting down met him with lots of uncertainty and fear. 

“When I first got the news that the country was shutting down, I immediately freaked out because I knew live events would be one of the first things to go,” explains Lezama. “The majority of our brand is centred around our shows and events. It’s pretty much a part of the EDM Maniac’s DNA.”

Having a massive component of their business model challenged was not easy, and for a few weeks, they wrestled with the idea of throwing in the towel altogether. However, less than three months later, they were ready to hit the ground running again with some new, fresh, and safe ideas.   

In June 2020, EDM Maniac traveled to San Antonio, Texas to help promote and market a series of drive-in EDM concerts to allow fans the opportunity to safely enjoy their favorite DJ’s whilst remaining in their cars. With Covid regulations progressively loosening up, in October 2020, EDM Maniac decided it was the perfect time to finally start hosting live events again. In partnership with M3ATX, every Friday and Saturday they host CDC compliant events at The Venue ATX located in Austin, Texas. These parties give Austin EDM lovers a weekly opportunity to gather in a nightclub atmosphere and make up for lost times. 

Though EDM Maniac enjoys great music and uniting the community, health is the top priority at all of their events. “We take Covid regulations and the health of our community very seriously,” says Lezama. “At each event, we have a staff of security walking around to make sure attendees are always following CDC guidelines when it comes to social distancing and mask-wearing.”

For those who are still unable to make it to the live events, be it for geographical or health reasons, EDM Maniac continues to think of new ways to please their audiences. In their recent partnership with Insomniac TV, EDM Maniac will be delivering an immersive virtual concert experience every Thursday on tv.insomniac.com from 10 pm to 12 am PT from February 25th through April 8th. This gives fans the opportunity to party from the comfort and safety of their homes.

The coronavirus may have forever changed how live events are conducted and experienced, but EDM Maniac refuses to let this stop them. By continuously coming up with new ways to rave, they make sure the EDM community remains entertained and united, regardless of what life throws at them.