What’s Your Rave Name: Energizer Bunny

More than a mere nickname, a rave name is a rite of passage for ravers. It is an embodiment of the unique personality and quirkiness of its bearer, as this personalized term of endearment represents the very essence of who each party person is under their kandi, totem and festival getups. The tradition is a bonding moment between the namer and namee, and it is yet another reason why our culture is marked by a quality of togetherness. In celebration of this custom, we’re asking a few of our Headliners to share their backstory on how they were first bestowed their party pseudonyms.

Name: Benny
Rave name: Energizer Bunny

Tell us the backstory on how this name was given to you.
I was at kineticFIELD in 2011 for my very first event ever. I was dancing and going crazy to Afrojack. A really tall, skinny guy tapped me on my shoulder and said, “Hey man, you’re enjoying this so much. You’re smiling, and you don’t seem to stop, and you’re hyping everyone around you. You’re on one.”

I said, “Oh, no. I don’t do that. This is my first event, and no disrespect, but I will never do anything like that.”

He respected that. His name was Chief. He told me he admired the fact that I’m taking raving as a sober journey and that I was letting music fill my soul and enjoy the wonders that music provides as a natural high.

His girlfriend came up and said, “I’ve been watching, and you have such a great vibe.” I told her thank you and how much I loved being there.

They both said, “You have the energy like a bunny” and asked me if I would like to have a rave name.

I said, “Yes!”

They said, “Your name will be Energizer Bunny because, Benny, you have the energy like a bunny, and you don’t stop.” I hugged them both and was speechless. I felt like I was given something that no one will ever take away.

What was your initial reaction when your rave name was given to you?
I felt like I had been accepted into a place where people are kind. I felt welcomed and respected and loved. It was a feeling that has no words.

In what ways does your rave name embody your personality, lifestyle, and behavioral traits?
I have a bunny, and it’s amazing how crazy and energetic they get. My rave name has given me confidence that I had lost. My lifestyle was the same, but I had such peace in my soul that nothing could break me, ‘cause I knew I had an escape. My behavior anywhere was hyping everyone and having them feel the rush that I felt.

Just like the Energizer battery gives a boost of energy to battery-operated things, I was the battery to people who looked bored or tired or sad or disappointed. Besides boosting my confidence, my personality has always been caring, loveable and friendly. My rave name really shows who I am.

How have you incorporated the Energizer Bunny theme into your outfits, kandi pieces, etc.?
No, I don’t make kandi with my rave name. But I pass out kandi with something inspirational like “Love,” “You’re beautiful,” “Peace Love Unity Respect,” aka PLUR, “I love you,” and even stuff like “Welcome home.”

In what setting(s) do you typically present yourself with your rave name instead of your given name?
Actually, I have used it in real life. I would be at the gas station, and I would have my EDC hat, and someone would come up and say, hey, I’m so and so, and I would respond with my rave name. They tell me it’s great to see that rave names are still in use, and I totally agree. I use it very often in festivals.

Why is the rave name tradition important to you?
A rave name gives a special touch to a person; it makes them feel special. It gives them acceptance to the scene. A person feels welcomed, as I have experienced. I had the honor to name my friend Grace as Athena—no, not because she’s a fighter. She is calm, crafty with her outfits, very beautiful, courageous, and inspiring.

Her personality gave me the inspiration to name her that. She was excited, because she felt she wasn’t worthy to have a rave name because she hadn’t been raving that long. It doesn’t matter how long you rave; a rave name is a beautiful thing to be known by. You can explain your story, and people will be inspired to be named.

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