In recent years, electronic music has soared in popularity, becoming one of the most influential and commercially successful genres globally. According to the International Music Summit (IMS) Business Report 2023, the electronic music industry is now valued at around $7.9 billion, driven by festivals, streaming services, and global DJ tours. Major events like Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and EDC generate revenues in the hundreds of millions, with Tomorrowland alone contributing over €100 million to the Belgian economy.

However, beneath the surface of this massive commercial success lies a troubling trend: the industry’s rapid growth has come at the expense of artistic originality, community-driven values, and economic equity for independent artists. With a model focused on individual profit and global standardization, the essence of what made electronic music a communal and innovative art form is being lost.

At Consciousness, we believe it’s time to refocus on what truly matters—creating a sustainable and culturally rich music ecosystem that puts community and creativity first. While the industry's top performers benefit from this commercial boom, independent artists are often left behind, struggling to gain recognition and financial stability.

For example, Aslice, a platform that allowed DJs to share royalties with the producers whose tracks they play, aimed to create a fairer distribution of income. However, despite its promising model, Aslice recently had to pause operations due to insufficient funding. This illustrates a larger issue: initiatives that prioritize equity and collective progress often struggle to survive in an industry focused on individual profit and commercial dominance.

We at Consciousness advocate for a new, collective economic model. A system where artists, DJs, and fans share resources, foster collaboration, and support diverse creative expressions. Such models promote financial sustainability for all participants, not just those at the top, and help preserve the unique, local sounds that risk being overshadowed by global trends.

Research from the MIT Center for Collective Intelligence shows that communities built on collaboration are more innovative and resilient. Applying this to the electronic music scene, we see the potential for a stronger, more inclusive industry if we work together. Platforms like Aslice show us what’s possible—fair compensation for artists, shared resources, and a collaborative spirit—but they need the community’s support to thrive.

At Consciousness, our mission is to promote a future where electronic music is not just a commercial product, but a space for cultural exchange, creative freedom, and collective growth. We call on artists, promoters, workers, fans and DJs alike to join us in building a more sustainable, vibrant music community. Together, we can reshape the industry to benefit everyone—not just a select few.

Let’s create an industry that values collaboration, authenticity, and sustainability.