As a longtime member of the AnjunaFamily, I often reflect on all the beautiful experiences, friends, opportunities, and inner growth that has resulted from a simple “music label”. With more than ten years following the label, I can say with full confidence that I wouldn’t be who I am without Anjuna. I know my story is similar to many others who have found emotional refuge in music. Above & Beyond made its way under my skin and set up shop in my DNA.
Only 18 years old, a coworker introduced me to Above & Beyond for the very first time. It’s like he could see I was lost and needed something to hold onto. I was a freshman in college and floundering socially. The tracks from Above & Beyond carried me through heartbreak, loneliness, celebrations, and maturing. Even on my lowest days, I could find a song that helped me feel a little less alone and helped me process the tornado going on inside of me.
The first show I attended alone was a Moon Boots show. I conquered so much anxiety and fear of attending a concert by myself all because the draw of Anjuna far outweighed the fears inside of me. The first festival I attended on my own was specifically to see Above & Beyond. It’s pretty wild how the love of this music and the special energy of the community has helped me push beyond all the restrictions in my mind.
I am now a 29-year-old woman, married to my better half, raising the coolest kid, and planning an incredible vacation to attend ABGT500. To say I am living my dream life is the understatement of a century. Anjuna has brought me power, self-confidence, community, emotional understanding, and so much more I can’t even begin to quantify. Walking into an Anjuna show, I’m surrounded by family. I’m surrounded by others who carry that same imprint in their DNA that I do. It’s the one place I don’t feel alone and I don’t hide the things that make me unique.
