OUTRAVE Explores the Queer & POC Roots of Electronic Dance Music
LGBTQ-first media company, Revry is announcing the premiere of OUTRAVE, a new electronic music documentary series, on February 5th. Hosted by Denise Benson, acclaimed DJ, author and music historian, and directed by award-winning filmmaker Chris Remerowski (Longevity Road Trip, Peter and Jane Know Some of the Same People), OUTRAVE explores the connections between electronic dance music and the LGBTQ+ community ‘since the music genre’s origins in cities like New York, Chicago, Detroit and Montreal. OUTRAVE begins the musical adventure in the duo’s hometown of Toronto.
“Whether it’s underground rave culture or mainstream electronic festivals, dance music has always been the lifeblood of the queer community–and yet many people aren’t aware of the significant role that queer people played in creating these movements,” says Christopher Rodriguez, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at Revry. “This is why our network is excited to premiere this eye-opening documentary which exposes how queer people of color were the early architects of, what became, a mainstream cultural phenomenon.”
Produced by Sixteen Films Limited, the series will discuss topics like the Black and gay roots of contemporary dance music, and why it’s so important to create unique queer spaces while also injecting queer vitality into the broader rave culture.
"Clubs, social spaces and dancefloors have always been important to queer and trans people. They’re where we can both find and lose ourselves,” said Denise Benson, host of OUTRAVE. “They’re where we create – and connect with – community. They’re portals to possibilities of seeing and being ourselves.”
The first episode of OUTRAVE focuses on the queer pioneers and contemporary shining stars of Toronto’s vibrant rave scene and features DJ/producers including Karim Olen Ash, Aeryn Pfaff, James St. Bass, Chiclet, Maren Hancock aka Betti Forde, Jungle Funk Records co-owner and rave legend, Deko-ze; versatile, in-demand globe-trotter Cozmic Cat; and Chippy Nonstop, a performer whose star is rising to dizzying heights as she plays many of the world’s top clubs and stages. Revry is anticipating beginning production of new episodes in 2023.
