‘It’s Taking Over’: A Culture of More on the Lebanese Psychedelic Trance Dancefloor

Abstract

This thesis begins with a historical ethnography of the Lebanese Psytrance scene, tracing its development from its inception to the present day. The research draws on three types of ethnographic fieldwork: participant and non-participant observation, auto-ethnography, and the go-along method. The fieldwork spanned from June 24, 2023, to the end of April 2024. The core argument suggests that participation in the music and communities of Psytrance culture can significantly alter individual and collective socialites. Through a heightened state of suggestibility induced by the sound phenomena of the music, access to alternative modes of perception, and a deliberate curvature of inclusive shared experience through communal bonding, members explore and become attuned to an expanded version of themselves and their environment, a para-social culture of more. The exploration begins by situating the Lebanese Psytrance community within a broader cultural trend towards spiritual exploration beyond traditional religious paradigms. Here, spirituality emerges as a dynamic process enabling self-discovery and alternative modes of relationality with the world, influencing personal identities and social perceptions. A critical examination of sound follows, highlighting its materiality and phenomenological impact on shaping social realities within the local Psytrance milieu. This section unpacks the symbiotic relationship between spirituality and sound, illustrating how these elements intertwine to create unique cultural expressions and individual experiences. The thesis then addresses the perceived decline in the artistic quality of Psytrance music over time, particularly noting a shift towards noise-based tracks and faster BPMs. This evolution has sparked internal debates within the community regarding the preservation of traditional storytelling and spiritual elements versus adapting to contemporary tastes and socio-political landscapes. Further exploration focuses on cultural shifts within the Lebanese Psytrance scene, particularly the trend towards darker, more aggressive musical styles. This departure signifies a rupture in cultural continuity and ritualized practices, reflecting broader societal movements towards hedonism and raw emotional expression amidst Lebanon's socio-political turmoil. It also examines how certain 'dark sound' aesthetics serve as outlets for artistic resistance and resilience. The thesis then examines the spiritual quest inherent within the Psytrance scene, likening participation to a form of askēsis—a rigorous training through ritualistic engagement. Participants navigate chaotic environments akin to meditative practices, seeking personal growth amidst societal challenges and cultural transformations. Controversies surrounding specific Psytrance events underscore societal anxieties, moral panics, and legal challenges faced by the community, highlighting its resilience and adaptive strategies in navigating external pressures. In the chapter on sensorial experiences, the study delves into the multifaceted sensory landscapes and embodied practices defining Psytrance culture. Psytrance raves are portrayed as immersive sensory experiences cultivating "sensational knowledge" and alternative modes of cognition. These experiences not only shape social interactions, aesthetic encounters, and personal reflections but also blur the boundaries between self and environment, celebrating sensory diversity as a pathway to spiritual exploration and collective euphoria. Additionally, the thesis explores the practice of decorating the psychedelic body as more than mere aesthetic enhancement, serving as a profound means of externalizing and embodying the unique sensory and aesthetic order of this subculture. Moreover, dance is analyzed not merely as physical movement but as a profound way of being in the world, cultivating a shared phenomenological embodied understanding that defines cultural identity within the vibrant Psytrance culture. An exploration of activities in Psytrance raves, including yoga sessions, martial arts workshops, guided meditations, and various forms of dance, underscores their role in enhancing the holistic experience of participants. Concepts like sport ecology and body ecology highlight how these activities contribute to physical well-being and awareness within natural settings, reinforcing the immersive nature of Psytrance events. Psytrance culture in Lebanon is depicted not only as an activity but also as a mechanism for community-building that shapes social dynamics and identities. These raves serve as gatekeepers of cultural codes, establishing social boundaries and inclusion/exclusion dynamics without resorting to violence. Within the underground scene, concepts of authenticity and the dichotomy between underground and mainstream play pivotal roles in fostering community cohesion. This culture exhibits neo-tribal characteristics, drawing on prehistoric social forms to forge intimate bonds and alternative familial structures based on extended kinship networks, promoting a greater sense of belonging and camaraderie among its members based on more humane and natural relationalities. Despite advocating liberal values, significant inequalities and power dynamics persist, with men typically occupying dominant organizational roles while women are often relegated to supportive tasks or objectified within the scene's dynamics. Furthermore, the music is embedded within a socialization framework based on moral education and an ethics of responsibility within the Psytrance community, guiding members through virtues of tolerance, acceptance, and unity. This para-culture offers a sanctuary from societal norms, promoting authenticity, selflessness, and personal growth through shared musical journeys and controlled chaos. Experienced ravers serve as role models, nurturing moral virtues through their actions and interactions; yet the decline in mature guidance coupled with an influx of younger participants has altered the scene's dynamics. The scene, as well, shaped identities and everyday practices through negotiated role-identities and emotional rewards that reinforce group membership. The thesis also examines the micropolitics within the community—a network of power nodes and fluid relationships where ideological exchanges, material resources, and social capital shape dynamics of support, competition, and inclusion/exclusion among members. Lastly, in response to societal and legal stigmas surrounding Psytrance in Lebanon, community members have developed a strategy known as 'neo-nomadic politics.' This approach involves strategically navigating legal frameworks and societal norms. Participants adopt fluid tactics to evade scrutiny, embodying a resilient adaptation to the complex, unregulated yet regulated landscape of Lebanon. By doing so, this study seeks to create space for the “untold, unheard, unseen, and heretofore unimagined possibilities” inherent in Psytrance culture, offering insight into its impact on socio-political dynamics within the larger context of traditional and state social configurations (Clair, 1998, p.186). My research transcends mere methodological documentation of my anthropological trip; it serves as a conduit for exploring the nexus of local history, politics, culture, and the essence of being within the Arab World. By preserving these narratives, it contributes to the longevity of collective memory, ensuring that significant moments in history are not only remembered but actively studied and understood.