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What Is The Purpose Of The Big Chill?
It was a question asked by our friends in Tokyo, The Sound Of Speed, in preparation of a planned Big Chill event in Japan that they hope to organise in 2003. We thought that the best way to answer the question was to get it from the horse's mouth, to coin a cliche, so we asked The Big Chilldren themselves.
(edited thread taken from The Big Chill forum Autumn 2002)
M: Unselfish enjoyment.
Duck: Thoughtful enjoyment!?
Netje: to chill .. in a big way
Mondo: to allow for zeitgeist creativity and social interaction of all kinds (music, visuals, art, spirit etc) to flourish in nurturing environments of understanding, trust and love, for the benefit of chillers and their chilled children globally!!
El Spiros: The Big Chill provides an oasis of calm in what would otherwise be an overly hectic lifestyle. The festivals and events provide a welcome break from everyday normality where friendships, laughter and surreality can rise to the fore and be celebrated. They are however only a small part of it, The Big Chill goes beyond the festivals and events and occupies a piece of headspace into which it is possible to retreat when things get too much back in the real world. Held together by inspiring music, creative art and fluffy people The Big Chill is the seed for lifestyle change.
Simon Green: to provide a safe and trusting space for people to share culture, communication and experiences.
Sunflower Kate: the big chill for me is a place / environment / event that provides me with inspiration through relaxation. It makes me feel comfortable in my own skin and in my own head and it provides me with a place to play in... safely! And to promote artists that sometimes wouldnt be recognised by the big fat industry.
Noiseboy Feetman: The purpose of the Big Chill for me is about listening to new music that is not commercially listened to or overplayed, the nice idyllic locations, and the laid back atmosphere which encourages people to more friendly and respectful than at any other festival i've been to.
Also run by people who like decent music for people who like to listen to decent music, not purely for commercial gain which too many festivals are for nowadays.
Checkpoint Charlie: To enjoy, stimulate and inspire.
Anxious: To provide an environment in which like minded souls can come together and chill in harmony whilst also providing an outlet for quality audio and visual experience knowing that theyre not lining the pockets of some corporate giant.
jon_g: a place of audio and visual creativity with a bent towards beauty and innovation.
Alzinho: The basic purpose for any organisation that puts on festivals/events and releases records is to provide entertainment. What differentiates those organizations is not just the content but the ethos provided by its instigators and propogators.
The content of BCs events and releases could be said to differentiate it from the 'others', but that would be missing the point, don't you think? It's the vibe/atmosphere created by Pete, Katrina and their staff in the first place, and embraced by us the Big Cilldren, that makes the whole experience so unique.
And what is that experience? Well, you could probably gather as many different interpretations as people you asked, but if I had to sum it up in a couple of sentences.... 'Having a good time with people who fly in the face of the default behaviour in 21st Century northern European culture. That default behaviour is to be cynical, negative and not mindful of people outside their close circle of family and friends. Big Chilldren are nice to each other (and hopefully continue to be like that outside of the BC environment). How good is that?!'
So the purpose of The Big Chill? To provide the entertainment and stimulus for people to be nice to each other and to spread the word that that's the way forward.
Mr Tom : For me it's changed over the years. It used to be about hearing new music I wouldn't hear anywhere else, but now it's far, far more! I think someone on this 'ere forum said 'they felt they'd found what they were looking for' and I'd say that applies for me. The best part was, I didn't even know I was looking for it!
Funky Jim : I have become close to a significant number of people through the Big Chill over the last couple of years or so...the defining characteristic of the majority of these people is the unconditional love, friendship and enjoyment that they exude. It is not by accident that like minded souls tend to flock together....the Big Chill has been the catalyst for this....and this has only been possible because, in my mind, the defining purpose/ethos of the Chill is the same as those individuals that are part of it.
oddbeat : For me the Big Chill is about chilling the mind yet warming the soul.
Nest-o-celery : The people who i met, of which i only remember very few by name, were without exception, the friendliest, most open, and most fun ever and it is this unquantifiable quality which made the event and my susequent forays on the forum so exciting, fun, educational and unmissable!
will : The Big Chill's purpose is to create temporary eutopia where people a break free from the shackles of normal existance and feel truely happy, safe and free from the cynisism that destroys so much back in the real world. Once inside this wonderful bubble people open up there minds to new sights and sounds that the BC provides. While the music is what draws most people in it is the creation of this carefree but caring atmosphere that is the Big Chill's purpose. In essence it is all about positivity.
CL1 : Diversity
poll munkee : Eutopia! a cultural reference point for tolerant people... a celebration of sharing....tunes, sets and artists that tune into the natural rhythmn of the day instead of the metronomic clock dictators... I love the way the chill starts the day very softly and slowly evolves through the afternoon and ends up late night big party style under the moon. The way the event occurs and the individual just slides in and out of the ambience as the mood takes and the lack of manic rushing from stage to stage to catch the 'big acts' There is an element of surrendering the decision making process and trusting the judgemnet of your own ears to experience the new without the need of industry pundits or peer pressure to validate the purity of pleasure.
Bill : its about creating a space where people can come to open their minds in joyful play to the accompaniment of some of the best musicians, DJs and visual artists.
Noah Sumpshunz : For me, it's a community in which all new ideas and music are given an equal hearing and a considered response.
Papa : for me it's about quality, non-mainstream, cutting edge, musical and visual entertainment in beautiful settings. it's about open minded people who are able to enjoy themselves without getting in the way of other's pleasure. But most of all, it's about grownups cutting loose and acting like kids again. which is lovely.
M : I'm anxious about the use of the term the 'real world' - surely the Big Chill shows a fins example of how to enjoy the 'real world' rather than offering simple escapism?
fancygirrl : spreading a good vibe like a virus :)
Anorexia Salamander :Probably easiest to list the things its not about. Everthing else is in.
Bubble God : To me the Big Chill is a place and a vibe that takes you away from the stress and hectic lifestyles of modern living back into the parts of your brain that you forgot about since you was a child. It helps you to feel free and to cast off the inhibitions that seem to be enforced on us all by society.....gawd sorry for getting a bit heavy but after Eastnor I have not been the same!!! I fell in love at Big Chill and It's changed my life for the better
Fred Quimby : I suppose the overriding purpose for me is to make me happy. This is achieved on many levels. It has enabled me to find new directions, see other points of view through the forum; it has broadened my musical sphere and given me inspiration.
The events are hard to encompass in words (I will try) they give me an opportunity to side step the normal, often annoying, humdrum of life. To give me enjoyment to an amazing, and very well crafted backdrop (music, people, surroundings, leave no trace). When I feel down or things aren't going well I can look back on the BC events and I will feel calmer and I will smile (they do last, not like some events)
So yeah the Big Chill makes me happy, and that can't be bad
Jez : Something for your eyes, ears, feet, body and mind. The opportunity to spend time with intelligent, talented, creative, funny and considerate people who are all different without having any single kind of agenda, political, musical or other rammed down your throat.
Global GrassHopper : A space to meet with like minds from all cultures. The opportunity to communicate and appreciate musicians and artists. And finally a good chance to boogie my arse off!
orb : i'd start by describing (along the lines of what Anorexia Sal was saying) what it isn't: If u think about 'festivals' or 'parties' in britain you tend to think of either a) big events - homelands gatecrasher, v2002, whatever - where there is loads of corporate advertising, loads of people going mainly to get mashed, lots of 'big' artists, and tens of thousands of people all rammed into a small area, vying for the same toilets, bars, tents etc, so that the place becomes as impersonal and 'rude' as a central london tube station at rush hour..or you think of b) the free party scene..people puttin on techno (or whatever) parties in fields or warehouses, often clandestinely to avoid reproach from police or local communities, where 'organisation' and musical quality come second to the vibe, culture and maybe sense of 'community'.
Take all the worst aspects out of types a and b, and you're getting somewhere near to the big chill.
ie take away the hecticness and lack of organisation from free parties, take away the corporatism, lack of respect for the paying punter, and rampant commercialism from the 'big' festivals..
and then add in a sublime and eclectic music policy, beautiful settings, excellent organisation, etc etc...and everything else everyone has said!..
mr soft : an open mind, an open hand, open heart and an open ear (or possibly two)
Sh*t Bob : For me the Big Chill is somewhere that is a catalyst for creativity and helped so many people I know find the drive to do things they would never have normally done. It is a place where you can meet people and learn from them and gain a wider perspective on life. It is also a place that promotes peoples talents and personalities therefore opening peoples minds to new experiences, whether they be through music, dancin, talking or laughing, the Big Chill is something for your mind your body and your Soul.
Debs : For me, the Big Chill has changed certain parts of my life. It's given me a whole new concept: of friends, music, lifestyle, people, priorities. It's nice to find you're in an environment full of like-minded individuals.
Fred Quimby : Oh did I mention, the chance to wear body glitter paint, wings, use a bubble gun, dance like a lune, wear flashing objects and consume frightening amount of pies?.. No?, perhaps I won't then
Observasicon : Its the Summer of 2067...
Richard Hysteresis : 'Imagine a sacred temple with many, many torii that you go through to obtain greater and greater perception and awareness and oneness with all creation. Each of the big chill DJs will guide you through more and more torii and as the event proceeds you will experience greater levels of enlightenment. Please do not be sad when it is time to leave the event - the enlightenment you gain will give you a greater awareness and appreciation of the people and world around you. In many temples, the walk through more and more torii exposes you to much natural beauty - as you are purified, you see beautiful mists and landscapes. As the music of the big chill guides you towards enlightenment, the road towards purification has much beauty too - not only will you leave with greater enlightenment but you will experience much beautiful music along the way.'
horselesspaul : It's not just the music, the ?chill? factor seems to encourage a rather beautiful sense of community exemplified by the Festivals' relaxed and unthreatening atmosphere.
Enchanted Gordon : why must everything have a purpose? The best thing about the BC is maybe that it HAS no purpose, it just is.
Mr.Tom : I thought I'd be incredibly sad after leaving my first EG (98) but upon my return felt different. Sure, I'd loved it to have gone on forever, but I came away with something new and very special.
nest-o-celery : Gave me huge amount of creative energy!
Netje Cadetje : to be able to send your phonenumber to a complete stranger without batting an eyelid... So, I vote for trust. There's not a lot of it going around these days - but at the Big Chill, there is.
Mikey You Tramp : Body Integration Gathering Chill Happiness Inteligence Love Life. And PIE
Miss Hectic : I think Netje makes a great point the Big Chill allows you to trust the people that are part of it.....a rare commodity these days.
Bubble God : A place where you can talk to complete strangers and feel like you've known them for years
Kimberly Clark : The big chill is lovely people, lovely music, lovely surroundings. A feeling of coming home somehow, of feeling mended, and a fantastic invention.
bruce b : Put simply, it's a big part of my life.
Billy Idle : it's about getting to back to that feeling you had when you first discovered music / dancing etc - naive fun
Arthur Tacklebrush : To make us all smile. A lot.
Jonla : to provide chilled events and chilled tunes for all us likeminded individuals.....to broaden peoples musical horizons and change peoples lives......to provide an alternative from the dross of mainstream festival culture.......to promote and champion the finest musical talent in the uk.......to keep smiling and to keep doing it for us all......
Peepshow Paddy : I'm pretty sure the Big Chill must have gone way beyond it's original purpose since it's inception in terms of the way it brings people together, and the way so many people have an almost religious affiliation to it. That's no bad thing. Obviously all the quality music is a factor but there's something else to it. If you want to find a like mind, you don't have to go far once you know about the Chill. The fact that the people you meet so easily through it instantly become your friends, and good friends too. Trust that is so important is instant too, you can rely on people you've never met to offer you support, help and guidance. Arriving at the festival's themselves, there's the instant feeling of relaxation as soon as you turn the car engine off and see all the smiling faces. The fact that you don't have to worry about your stuff being nicked. I don't know if that's the purpose of the Big Chill, but I guess that's what it's like. It's addictive too, once you've had your first Big Chill experience, it seems impossible to think that there won't be many more. It's a belter! Nice one Big Chill!
Mach V : Its... creative playtime; as perfect as a culture can get; a great place to raise your kids... it's a massive cold, erm, err, one of the most trusting and supportive spaces I have ever known, it's fun, it's a inspirational catalyst.
Nick B : I especially liked what Observasicon said :
> Its the Summer of 2067... That sums it up very well methinks.
I came to my first event at Naxos this year ... almost instantly I felt like I'd come home. The music and the stars and the moon and the smiles ... it was a safe environment from which to journey out nearer the edge, and there was beauty all around. For me it was a recharge ... a bit like wandering in a dream around the green fields parts of Glasto, but - Glasto has lost its way .. and the Chill seems to have found it again. An affirmation. 2067 ... yeah ... moving on ... an update - god knows, we need that. ″There will be no strangers there - only friends you haven't met yet″
amukidi : To remain indescribable to those that have not been there?
Mr.Tom: I remember being sort of glad I forgot to take my camera to my first EG as it wouldn't have done it justice!
i was a teenage disk-dalek : The purpose of the BC is ...to put a stride in your glide ...to put a dip in your hip ...
to bring you on home to the Mothership !
nest-o-celery :
>To remain indescribable to those that have not been there?
Indeed Amukidi and also pretty indescribable to those that HAVE been there!?!?!
'We've' had a load of interesting and good attempts above but there seems to be a dare i say it 'magic'! ingredient that can't be bottled or described!
That's why we love it!
Possibly!!!?!?!?!
amukidi : My point exactly - I'm lost for words..............
Ja Nai : A temporary, yet real and palpable glimpse of the kind of idyllic life we'd all love to have but can't because of the constraints and demands of 'normal' contemporary society imposed on us. A cathartic escape into our own fantasy. By 'temporary', I'm referring to the weekend festies, y'understand!
tops : putting the ease back into easy listening?
han : .....to bring like minded people together with music and celebration! :-)
Katherine AKA CaveGirl 1 : The Big Chill......A blissful safe haven for imaginative, aware, creative people to release mind body and soul.
Feeling at one with the many, inspired by diversity to create synergies,explore possibilities and restore the inner child!
Words, music and dance combine for a truly delightful chill out experience.
Mrs Gordon : Chilldhood.
ERNIE NEIL : Kindred sprits. You can listen to the music by yourself at home but when you are at a festival you are with other people who are into the music and it's a religious thing,because thats all religion is really is kindered sprits,so you could say a music festival is the new cathedral mass.
It's like i said before it's about celebrating the happening music of the year and interacting with the producers and them meeting their fans.
bgbz : a catalyst
Bubble God : I met a girl at Eastnor and we are now getting married on the 6th of December so the purpose of Big Chill...bringing like minded people together and spreading the good vibe!!
Lovechile : Well all I can say is that going to the big chill since they started in the Union Chapel, I have made many friends, had amazing audiovisual treats aplenty, and taken up making music myself over the last few years (and with people I've met at EG unsurprisingly!). Friends that have got together through BC have set up Soxan and Sofa Sessions - its great seeing them kicking a bigger and bigger parties as time goes by.
Thanks to one and all .
Written: 11th Nov, 02
Read: 16509 times
