James

“There is a part of me that is not so good in letting go. Worrying about how I come across or what people think of me. Being at a techno party is like a release in some sort of way. I can express myself in a way that is not possible in my daily life. I can be really comfortable with myself, not worrying who is watching me when I am dancing. I don’t have to worry about looking silly or whether I look cool. Everyone is doing what they want to do. Whatever that looks like, it’s ok. For me it’s a freeing kind of experience.
When I first came to Berlin my friend described the city as a hedonistic utopia. This was the first time I learned about hedonism. What resonates with me, is indulging in the things that brings you pleasure and joy. Without fear. Being hedonistic is also that you do it just because you love to do it, without justification.
The culture within the city and industry has so much to offer too. There are so many incredible people that all have something unique. It’s like a path to something. Something you’ve never seen before. There are many opportunities to lose control or let go entirely. Being unafraid. Maybe I didn’t have that many opportunities in my life. Having this is cathartic.”

🗣 @james_the_pain
📸 @hedonsonance / Annelies Kietselaer