Sacramento, California – The State of California has officially recognized Electronic Dance Music (EDM) as a significant cultural and economic force, proclaiming June 2025 as “Electronic Dance Music Month.” This landmark legislative action, formalized through Assembly Concurrent Resolution 92 (ACR 92), also formally acknowledges the core values of the EDM community: “peace, love, unity, and respect,” widely known by the acronym “PLUR.”
The resolution, introduced in the State Assembly by Assemblymember Mark González, a Democrat representing Los Angeles, describes EDM as a “vibrant and inclusive musical form.” Assemblymember González highlighted the substantial influence of the genre in bringing forward this resolution, stating that it celebrates the “massive economic and cultural impacts EDM has had” across California and beyond.
Legislative Journey of ACR 92
The passage of ACR 92 through the California legislature underscores a growing recognition of EDM’s mainstream acceptance and cultural footprint. The resolution navigated the legislative process successfully, demonstrating broad, bipartisan support.
Its journey began in the Assembly, where it was first reviewed by the Assembly’s rules committee. The committee passed ACR 92 with a unanimous vote of 9 in favor and 0 against, signaling initial strong support for the measure.
Following the committee’s endorsement, the resolution proceeded to a floor vote in the State Senate. There, it received overwhelming approval, passing with a vote of 35 in favor and 0 against. This decisive outcome in both legislative chambers solidifies the state’s official recognition of the genre and its associated culture.
Understanding EDM and “PLUR”
Electronic Dance Music encompasses a broad spectrum of percussive, electronic-based music genres produced largely for discos, raves, and festivals. Originating in the 1980s, it has evolved into a global phenomenon characterized by its use of synthesizers, drum machines, sequencers, and often featuring prominent basslines and four-on-the-floor rhythms. California, with its numerous music festivals, clubs, and artist communities, has long been a major hub for the creation, performance, and consumption of EDM.
The resolution’s specific inclusion and recognition of “PLUR” is particularly significant for the community. “PLUR” stands for Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect, a set of guiding principles that emerged within the rave and electronic music scenes, particularly in the early 1990s. These values advocate for positive interaction, mutual support, and collective experience among attendees at electronic music events. The official state acknowledgment of these values lends legitimacy to a cultural ethos often misunderstood or misrepresented by external observers.
Economic and Cultural Significance
Assemblymember González’s emphasis on the “massive economic and cultural impacts” of EDM resonates deeply within California. The state hosts some of the world’s largest and most influential electronic music festivals, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees annually, generating significant tourism revenue, and supporting a wide ecosystem of artists, production crews, technologists, and venue operators.
Culturally, EDM has transcended its origins to influence pop music, fashion, technology, and social dynamics. It provides a platform for diverse communities to connect through shared musical experiences. The legislative recognition highlights this broader impact, moving beyond the purely entertainment aspect to acknowledge the genre’s role in fostering community and contributing to the state’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Implications of State Recognition
The official designation of June 2025 as Electronic Dance Music Month by the California legislature is more than a symbolic gesture. It represents a formal embrace of a genre and culture that has often operated on the fringes of mainstream societal acknowledgment. This recognition can potentially open doors for greater institutional support, cultural programming, and educational initiatives related to electronic music.
Furthermore, the explicit recognition of “PLUR” provides a positive affirmation of the community’s stated values, potentially helping to shift public perception and highlight the positive aspects of electronic music culture.
The unanimous passage of ACR 92 through key legislative stages, culminating in a 35-0 Senate vote, signals strong legislative consensus on the importance and positive contributions of the EDM scene in California. As June 2025 approaches, the state prepares to officially celebrate the music, culture, and values that have become an integral part of its identity.
This legislative step by California sets a precedent that could potentially influence how other regions and governments perceive and interact with the electronic music community.
