Bassnectar Fans Share Mixed Experiences Wearing Artist’s Merch to Events After Cancelation

Two years after the DJ quit music due to sexual assault allegations, fans are wearing Bassnectar merch and sharing their experiences about it. 

The EDM scene has seen an influx of artists being outed for sexual assault, abuse, and all sorts of illegal and immoral behaviors in recent years. In most cases, the community collectively decides to “cancel” these artists by boycotting their shows, tossing their merch, and spreading the allegations across social media like a wildfire. 

In 2020, the EDM community came together to cancel once-beloved DJ and producer Bassnectar on multiple sexual abuse allegations involving minors. However, Bassnectar hardly had the chance to get canceled since he chose to step away himself after the allegations came out. 

“I am stepping back from my career and I am stepping down from my position of power and privilege in this community because I want to take responsibility and accountability,” Bassnectar posted to Twitter. “I feel intense compassion for anyone I may have hurt. I truly hope you allow me a chance to work together toward healing.”

Bassnectar might’ve disappeared, but the memories, merch, and for some, tattoos, did not. Chances are, you’ll still see people wearing merch from Bassnectar, Space Jesus, and Datsik eras at a show or festival. There’s a long-standing debate about whether doing so is reckless or harmless. 

In a recent Reddit post, a fan noted they spotted a Bassnectar jersey at a Mersiv show in New York, celebrating the moment. Although the sentiment was supposed to be positive, the comment section was full of mixed reactions and experiences. 

One person said, “I’m afraid to wear my nectar jersey to shows. I just want to enjoy my shows. I don’t want anybody yelling in my ear.” While another added, “A guy standing next to me at Mersiv Denver was wearing one. I asked him if he had gotten any bulls**t for wearing it at shows and he said “nothing but love.”

According to some, the backlash for wearing Bassnectar merch only occurs online. One fan commented, “I have never stopped wearing nectar gear and have only ever gotten positive vibes. The hate is only online.” Another said, “I personally love seeing bassdrops when I’m out and about. It still stirs up that feeling of love and community that was so heavy in his prime. Those family vibes are still alive and well [red heart emoji] I’ve only ever gotten love when wearing any of my nectar gear. If someone is going to say something negative, they probably aren’t going to say it to your face.”

However, someone did note wearing a canceled’ DJ’s merch isn’t always love. They said, “Glad that this is everyone’s experience, cause def not mine… anytime I wear stuff at fests I get negative comments. Good ones too, but last time I wore a hoodie at a festival I got three in the span of an hour.”

Ashley

I’ve been a part of the dance music scene for nearly a decade and with Exron for more than half of that time. My first event was Diplo’s Mad Decent but these days you’ll find me at Club Space or the Brooklyn Mirage. Some of my top artists are G Jones, Tipper, Of The Trees, and CharlestheFirst. My favorite genres are techno, experimental bass, and ambient but I’ll get down to anything with a beat!

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