My memoirs of my rave years has just been released, titled Requiem For My Rave. A requiem is an act of remembrance. The second part of the title refers to “my” rave. This thing that I created and suffered in service for.
I started writing the book at the conclusion of my rave company, Hullabaloo, in 2005. I finished the first draft in 2009. I then hit “save” and ten years passed.
I returned to the book at the start of 2019. I had begun the process of digitizing old VHS tape of my performances to upload to YouTube.
While I was revisiting that period of my life I re-opened my draft and re-read the opening chapter for the first time in 10 years. I was stunned by what I had read, and knew at that moment I had to complete it.
The book then was worked on by the 2019 version of myself. I’m not the same person I was back then, I’ve grown and had a life since then. I also have the perspective of looking back at events over 20 years ago with a new clarity and desire to tell the story as authentically as possible.
I began by re-reading the whole thing, then going through it and adding to it and fixing things. I went through it 2 more times, and then I was able to let Robin read it for her feedback.
The book evolved, and I had some non-ravers read an early version to see what they were confused by, what I didn’t explain well, so I could refine it some more.
Finally, I felt like I had taken it as far as I could on my own and handed it over to a professional editor.
The final work was the typesetting and cover design. I knew I wanted a beautiful book that I could be proud of, and I ended up with one.
The photo was taken of me in 2001, and the story behind this picture opens the book. It’s not what it first appears.
There’s so little of this part of history left. It existed during the early internet, most of that is long erased. Because rave was an underground sub-culture, it never got a lot of press and exposure.
I’m thrilled to be able to tell my story, and keep part of this history alive. Nostalgia was never what drove me in the past, so its not why this book exists today. I wanted to tell the story, but now I wonder what new bridges or paths might be connected from that period and those experiences to something new today?
I’m open to your ideas.
Hi Chris.. Im not sure if this is the spot for this, but i just wanted to reach out. My name is Adam and i just wanted to say your music has touched my soul… It brought me up when i was down.. I am from New Brunswick where ive spent most of my life. I never got to experience any of your events. I was entering the scene at a later time so i didnt get to toronto when you were still going. However… When i was in my late teens i was given a copy of chapters 3 and 4 and later bought 6. Youve changed my world of music single handedly. Ive read your articles revolving around “All Good Things”. Your work and dedication to the music industry was epic in all senses of the world. But i never got one show. Your music has kept my soul happy in times of harsh reality and i still listen to it regularly today. Its usually whats going in my head at work to help the shift go by. Your story is genuinely unique and truely inspirational. Even the hardships that came with underground illicit parties, you managed to strive on to be that epic soul your partygoers loved. You made magic happen for so many, even if it wasnt at one of your legendary events. Thank you for doing everything youve done. And thank you for your music. I hope your name lives on forever in the electronic music world. I would love to get my hands on some of the records you used if they still exist. Or a place where i can find them. If you are reading this yourself, thank robin for me as well, for being a part of this and helping you achieve greatness that put music in our ears and hearts. Your story is near and dear to me. Thanks again