Mixmag: What does the ‘United Queer’ ethos of WHOLE Festival mean to your collective?
Equation: “For Equation Collective, the ‘United Queer’ ethos of WHOLE Festival holds profound significance. It represents a commitment to inclusivity, acceptance, and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in all its diversity. As a collective deeply rooted in the underground music scene, Equation embraces the opportunity to contribu- te to WHOLE Festival by curating a lineup that reflects these values.
Our participation signifies more than just music; it’s about creating a safe and empowering space where individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations can come together, express themselves freely, and feel embraced by a community that celebrates their authenticity. Equation Collective sees the festival as a platform to amplify queer voices, promote visibility, and foster meaningful connec- tions through music and cultural expression.
Through our eclectic musical offerings and the immer- sive experiences we create, we aim to contribute to the festival’s mission of empowerment and solidarity. Equa- tion Collective is honored to be part of WHOLE Festival, supporting its ‘United Queer’ ethos by promoting unity, di- versity, and love through the universal language of music.”
Mixmag: How does your collective contribute to topics surrounding global music, local scenes, queer culture, in- ternational culture, diversity, inclusion, equity, or justice?
Equation: “Global Music: By collaborating with internatio- nal artists, we bring different musical styles and perspec- tives to our events. This not only broadens the audience’s musical horizons but also fosters global artistic innova- tion.
Local Music: We support and showcase emerging artists from local scenes, providing them with a platform to reach wider audiences. This helps nurture local talent and con- tributes to the growth and sustainability of regional music ecosystems.
Queer Culture: Our events prominently feature queer ar- tists and performers, ensuring their visibility and repre- sentation in the electronic music scene. This helps to cha- llenge stereotypes and promote acceptance.
Safe Spaces: We create inclusive and safe spaces whe- re queer individuals can express themselves freely and authentically. This fosters a sense of community and be- longing, essential for the well-being and empowerment of queer people.”
Mixmag: How does your collective aim to create a more inclusive and equitable environment within the electronic music scene?
Equation: “Equation Collective aims to create a more in- clusive and equitable environment within the electronic music scene by prioritizing diverse representation, ensu- ring safe and welcoming spaces, and engaging with local communities. We collaborate with like-minded organiza- tions globally to amplify our impact and raise awareness about diversity, inclusion, and equity. By continuously evaluating our practices and seeking community feed- back, we strive to maintain our commitment to these core values, fostering a vibrant and inclusive scene where all artists and attendees feel empowered and celebrated.”
Mixmag: Could you share a recent experience or initiative from your collective that you’re particularly proud of?
Equation: “One recent initiative we are particularly proud of is our LGBTQ+ community party. This involves part- nering with international queer collectives and festivals to exchange artists, providing them with opportunities to perform on global stages. This initiative has allowed our artists to share their talents with diverse audiences worldwide and bring unique international acts to our local scene.
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This initiative is meaningful because it promotes cross-cultural understanding and showcases the rich diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. It helps break down barriers, fosters a sense of global unity, and su- pports the professional growth of our artists by exposing them to new experiences and networks.
Our collective actively supports and promotes LGBTQ+ artists by sending them to various parties and festivals, ensuring their talents are showcased widely. We are also regular participants in the monthly SNug party at Sava- ge, contributing to the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere of this celebrated event.”
Mixmag: What are your hopes for the future of the under- ground queer music scene?
Equation: “The Equation Collective has a vision for the underground queer music scene to be more diverse, inclu- sive, and visible in the future in order to have improved representation. This would result in more visibility of queer artists whether existing in mainstream or underground platforms thus making queer identities and experiences common. Our vision includes diverse lineups featuring artists of all genders, sexual orientations, ethnic back- grounds, and musical styles, enriched by an intersectio- nal approach addressing the unique challenges faced by different segments of the queer community.
Events like WHOLE Festival play a crucial role in this vi- sion by providing significant platforms for queer artists, increasing visibility and opportunities, and featuring role models to inspire emerging artists. By curating diverse lineups and highlighting intersectional issues, WHOLE Festival fosters broader acceptance and appreciation of different musical and cultural perspectives. Implementing inclusive practices like sliding scale ticketing and physi- cal accessibility, alongside educational initiatives on di- versity, inclusion, and accessibility, enhances the festival’s impact.
Additionally, WHOLE Festival creates safe spaces for queer expression, connection, and community-building, while offering networking opportunities that foster co- llaborations and support networks in the music industry. By championing these values, events like WHOLE Festival help shape a more inclusive, diverse, and accessible future for the underground queer music scene, allowing everyone to thrive and express themselves authentically.”
EDITORIAL CONCLUSION
WHOLE United Queer Festival 2024 stands as a testa- ment to the global reach and impact of queer electronic music culture. From Veselka’s resilient Ukrainian spirit to De Reünie’s inclusive Dutch approach, Mamba Negra’s fierce Brazilian activism to Equation Collective’s pio- neering Asian representation, these international voices amplify WHOLE’s mission far beyond its Berlin roots.
These collectives don’t just bring diverse sounds; they embody the struggles and triumphs of their local queer communities. Veselka’s wartime fundraising efforts, De Reünie’s innovative safety protocols, Mamba Negra’s political engagement, and Equation
Collective’s
cross-cultural exchanges all demonstrate how music can be a powerful tool for social change.
As WHOLE approaches, it’s clear that the festival is more than a sum of its parts. It’s a global platform where un- derground queer culture converges, challenging norms and fostering solidarity across borders. In a world often divided, WHOLE and its international collectives prove that the beat of electronic music can unite us, celebra- ting our differences while amplifying our shared queer experiences.
Article written and interviews conducted by: Patrick Ames Conner
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