A Look into the Rise of “Sprouts” and Their Significance in the EDM Culture

At this year’s Outside Lands Festival in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, a peculiar trend caught the attention of attendees and photographers alike. Tiny, usually green plants clipped onto people’s heads, hats, backpacks, belts, and even shoes, have become a staple of the festival’s fashion. These accessories, known as “sprouts,” have been popping up at various music festivals, including Coachella and Lollapalooza.

According to Adriana Cato, a retired raver, the trend emerged from raves specifically, drawing inspiration from the “Kandi” trend, a popular beaded bracelet worn by ravers that is exchanged with others using a community handshake. Cato explained that the sprouts are often given to newbies, but also to festivalgoers who exhibit good vibes or connect with others. “It’s kind of like you’re a sprout at a rave like ‘baby’s first rave,’” said Savannah Heon, a festivalgoer who received a sprout from a friend. “It’s my first sprout, so it feels meaningful.”

The sprouts have become a symbol of community and connection among festivalgoers. Octavio, a festival attendee from Mexico, showed off his outfit at the Dolores’ dance tent, sporting a sprout on his hat. “I typically just put it on just to sprout other people whenever someone is giving me good vibes or good energy,” said Axel Perez, a San Jose resident who frequently brings sprouts to festivals to give out to others.

Perez, who has been attending music festivals for years, has noticed a significant increase in the popularity of sprouts over the past few years. “It’s become a way for people to show that they’re part of the community, that they’re welcoming and open to new experiences,” he said. “It’s a way to break the ice and start conversations with strangers.”

The sprouts have also become a way to foster good feelings and create a sense of belonging among festivalgoers. “I gave it out hella this year [to] newbie 18-year-old kids that are at their first festival and they were being polite,” said Sagnik Chakrabarti, a Union City resident who gave out sprouts to younger festivalgoers. “They’re trying to get to the front, they’re trying to see their favorite DJs, but they were saying ‘excuse me, please.’ If they’re being polite, I’ll just say, like ‘hey, have a sprout.’”

The sprouts can be purchased online for around $20 for a pack of 100. However, many festivalgoers prefer to obtain them through the community-driven method, which adds to their significance and meaning. “It’s not just about the physical sprout itself, it’s about the connection you make with the person who gives it to you,” said Cato. “It’s a way to create a sense of community and shared experience.”

As the sprouting trend continues to flourish at music festivals, it’s clear that it’s more than just a fashion statement. It’s a symbol of connection, community, and the joy of sharing experiences with others. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or just starting out, the sprouts have become an integral part of the music festival experience.

The Significance of Sprouts in the EDM Culture

The sprouting trend has its roots in the EDM culture, where music and art come together to create a unique and immersive experience. The “Kandi” trend, which inspired the sprouts, was a way for ravers to express themselves and connect with others through a shared language of beads and colors.

The sprouts have evolved from this tradition, but they still embody the same spirit of community and connection. By giving and receiving sprouts, festivalgoers are creating a sense of belonging and shared experience that goes beyond the music itself.

The Future of Sprouts

As the sprouting trend continues to grow, it’s likely that we’ll see more variations and interpretations of the sprouts. Some festivalgoers have already started experimenting with different colors, shapes, and materials, while others are incorporating sprouts into their fashion and art.

One thing is certain: the sprouts have become an integral part of the music festival experience, and they’re here to stay. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or just starting out, the sprouts offer a unique way to connect with others and experience the music festival community in a new and meaningful way.