1/3 of EDM fans attended a live event before we started listening to the genre for pleasure. What we saw at our first show was so amazing we had to take video and show our friends; an average of 5 videos per person per show an Eventbrite ticketing study found. More so than any other genre of music today EDM fans consider the capturing of an experience equally as important as experiencing an experience. With memories growing in importance to modern music culture the products we choose to record those once-in-a-lifetime moments are becoming very important too.
The recent ban of selfie sticks in some U.K. venues has lead to talk of the use of potentially obstructive materials’ place in the club/venue/festival world. We have all been beside that one guy at a crowded show that’s holding his camera up in the air, perfectly still, focused, and recording for 15 minutes. You’re trying to boogie right beside him but because you’re a kind person you can’t fully get down for fear of messing up this guy’s video. This is undeniably annoying and rude; but is it the selfie stick that needs banned? Or should common sense and manners be enforced instead? We took the XSories Me-Shot and Big-U selfie sticks to a crowded show to feel out what the problem really is here, and also if you should spend your hard earned cash on one for festival season 2015.
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XSories Me-Shot Standard
MSRP $39.99
PROS
Multifarious. Doubles as a desktop phone stand.
Pholder 2.0’s silicon grip is gentle yet secure on your smartphone. Also, it can unscrew to reveal a universal 1/4″ screw. Meaning the Me-Shot can hold your smartphone and also your compact camera or GoPro. Read Your EDM’s Product Review of The GoPro Hero4 for festival season 2015 here.
Telescopic pole extends easily to 3 ft. (93cm).
Easily collapsible and could fit into a deep pocket or purse.
Slim-line build is not very obstructive to those behind you.
Light weight and non-cumbersome to carry.
Aesthetically pleasing.
CONS
Not ideal for heavy cameras. Slim-line build makes for an unsteady hold if Me-Shot is fully extended and you have attached anything heavier than a smartphone. If you are going to frequently record with a camera or GoPro you will need the more expensive Big-U model for optimal and comfortable arm positioning.
Universal 1/4″ screw makes attaching any type of camera easy, except with a GoPro or similar product. You have to buy a separate mount adapter. These can be found as cheap as $2 online. The fault isn’t entirely with XSories on this one, you have to blame your GoPro/camera for purposefully not coming with this adapter.
XSories Big-U Shot Monochrome
MSRP $49.99
PROS
Attaches to purse, belt loop, or backpack easily when not in use.
Sturdy. Well-made.
Easily collapsible.
Aesthetically pleasing.
Extends to an easy-to-hold 3 ft.
Slim-line build is not very obstructive to those behind you.
Light weight.
CONS
Price. Expensive.
Universal 1/4″ screw makes attaching any type of camera easy, except with a GoPro or similar product. You have to buy a separate mount adapter. These can be found as cheap as $2 online. The fault isn’t entirely with XSories on this one, you have to blame your GoPro/camera for purposefully not coming with this adapter.
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Overall, I like XSories selfie sticks. They do their job, they look good, and they are made of quality materials. If the price of them doesn’t break your bank, you will be happy you chose XSories to record your music festival experience. In addition, I can’t find a real reason why these should be banned at shows and events around the world. They are small, compact, light weight and they basically provide free marketing to the promoter throwing the party because you know these pictures/videos are going to be shared on social media.
Love it or hate it people are going to record music festival moments. No amount of “Pay attention. Live in the moment. Stop living through your cell phone.” is going to stop our generation from recording the amazing drop we know RL Grime is about to bestow upon us. What’s really important to take away from this selfie stick fiasco is this: capture your important moment, share it with your friends, but turn the brightness of your screen down, don’t use your flash, and don’t hold your camera up for 5 minutes while in the middle of the dance floor. People are trying to dance, like you should be doing.
