HeadlinerHIGHLIGHT: Garrett King

It’s always worth repeating: Insomniac fans, the real Headliners of the show, are the reason we stay up late doing what we do—and why get up early. Doctors, soldiers, teachers, yoga instructors, chefs, baristas—you name it—our Headliners might grind and roll their way through life along different paths on their way to the dancefloor, but they’re like family once they’ve arrived. In celebration of their uniqueness and the music and lifestyle that connects us all, we give you HeadlinerHIGHLIGHTS, an ongoing series profiling the diverse individuals that make up the Insomniac community.

Name: Garrett King
Profession: I am a Le Cordon Bleu graduate (class of 2007) from Orlando, Florida. This was my second school, as I was studying to become a teacher (2002–05) at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, and switched my degree.
Currently living Fort Lauderdale, FL.
First Insomniac show attended: EDC Las Vegas 2013.
Currently listening to: Group Therapy with Above & Beyond and David Gravell.

Spirit animal: Panda (my rave name is Plurr Panda). I have always connected with pandas since I was little and have panda stuffed animals and decorations in my room. Every festival I attend, I will have one outfit as a panda theme.

Let’s start off with a little about you and dance music.
My roommate, Andrew Davis, introduced me to EDM in 2013. One day he played “Concrete Angel” by Gareth Emery (Gareth is still my favorite DJ to this day) with vocals from Christina Novelli, and I was blown away.

He and I would go down to Miami to see Gareth, as he frequently visited. One time when he was playing, I spotted Christina Novelli in the DJ booth just chilling in the back—she was literally 10 feet in front of me! I also got to meet Dash Berlin and trade kandi with him when he performed at the Hard Rock Casino here in Hollywood, Florida. That truly made my night. I’ve become such a big kandi kid (thanks to my roommate, too); every event I go out to, I’m always covered in it. I’ll even wear a few pieces when I go to the club. I spend months making kandi for my friends and making outfits to give away as PLUR packages.

My favorite thing about dance music is how it brings people together—the connections you make. I will never give up EDM, for this reason! The friendships I have made are for life—and there are not too many things in this world you can say that about. I like how EDM can take you on a journey. I don’t get the same feeling listening to other music. You can just close your eyes and let it take you away. It puts a smile on your face and helps you appreciate life. Many people struggle with depression and anxiety—I know I have—and I’m extremely thankful for EDM.

I get judged frequently for liking EDM (but I don’t care!); some people don’t understand what really goes on, or think it’s just about one thing. It’s not. The experiences I’ve had since discovering dance music have opened my eyes to a lot in this world. This scene has truly changed my life, ever since that one day walking home and listening to “Concrete Angel.”

How would you describe an Insomniac event to someone who has never been?
My first EDC was a bit overwhelming, because I didn’t know what to expect. With all the stages, artwork and rides, there is so much to experience. The people you meet are gonna be very friendly and have zero judgment. At these events, you are free to express yourself as you see fit! Don’t be shy, and don’t hold back! This is the time to be who you are, and everyone will love you for it!

Do you go out and party with coworkers?
Not yet, but I’ve been raving now for four years. I always expressed my interests and music taste; I have never been shy when people ask me what type of music I like. When I answer, I get a blank reaction, as EDM isn’t too widely known down here in South Florida. But now that it’s on the radio, everyone is getting a taste of EDM. At my current job, there are other ravers, thankfully. I haven’t yet gotten a chance to go out with them, but I am looking forward to when we can arrange it. I have shared my music taste with my friends, and they have liked it so far.

What’s a typical day like for you at work?
I usually get up at 7am, get ready, and head to work. I set up my station and start prepping up items that I’ll need. I’ll help other people on their prep, if needed. When it gets busy, people are yelling and getting stressed out. I always try to remain calm and answer questions, such as allergies. I finish by 4–5pm, head home, and enjoy my evening.

What do you like to do outside of dance music?
I live less then 10 minutes from a South Florida beach. So, on my days off, that’s where you can find me! I’ll go with friends. Since becoming a chef, I go out a lot for lunch and dinner, always checking out local business. I’ve meet other ravers here—took a while, but we will hang out, play music, make kandi, and share many good laughs. Miami is 30 minutes from me, so I’ll go down there. I try to be surrounded by people that love and appreciate me. My days off, I try to catch up with my friends, as we all get busy in life.

If you could have one magical/superpower, what would you want?
I’ve always been drawn to witches and vampires. If I could become immortal and attend every festival, my life would be complete!

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