This isn't the first time that EDM has been singled out and been sought to be toned down, if not banned, from performing at venues all across the country. Last year, Chicago's Congress Theater banned electronic music shows due to pressure from neighbors.
This time, Red Rocks Amphitheater, arguably one of the best venues in the country for any genre of music, and especially for electronic, has enacted new policies that may allow them to ban artists for going above certain thresholds. The Denver Post reported that, Tad Bowman, the venue Director for Red Rocks says "We know this is a hot topic. We've done a number of things to balance what you want with the fact that this is a business."
Complaints have risen from residents of the small town of Morrison, CO, singling out EDM specifically, saying that shows are going on too long and are too loud. In response, in 2013, organizers implemented a "ceiling" that artists are prohibited from exceeding throughout their entire set; this includes a maximum for bass frequencies, commonly much higher for EDM shows. These restrictions were initially applied to only late night shows, however in 2015, all shows will be required to adhere to these limits, with the newly enacted clause stating that artists can be banned for any subsequent tour dates in the same year for any violation.
Complaints have risen from residents of the small town of Morrison, CO, singling out EDM specifically, saying that shows are going on too long and are too loud. In response, in 2013, organizers implemented a "ceiling" that artists are prohibited from exceeding throughout their entire set; this includes a maximum for bass frequencies, commonly much higher for EDM shows. These restrictions were initially applied to only late night shows, however in 2015, all shows will be required to adhere to these limits, with the newly enacted clause stating that artists can be banned for any subsequent tour dates in the same year for any violation.
These limits will be put to the test this year with the continued rise in the popularity of not only EDM, but of Red Rocks, which is seeing more festivals and tour stops than ever before. Already signed up to tour this coming season are CO natives Pretty Lights and Big Gigantic, as well as Major Lazer and Damien "Jr.Gong" Marley, and of course Global Dance and Global Dub Festivals.
Music fans are fighting back, though. A petition, which you can sign HERE, is asking "the city of Morrison, Colorado to remove noise restrictions on Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, as they hamper the musical experience of all concertgoers at the venue, and unfairly target Electronic Dance Music Events." As of 1/10/15, the petition has 5,933 supporters.
