The SOBER IS FINE event series represents AMALU's approach to electronic music experiences‚ creating spaces where clarity enhances rather than diminishes connection, movement, and musical appreciation. Far from being simply alcohol-free parties, these events embody a comprehensive philosophy about how dance culture can evolve beyond substance-driven paradigms.
"SOBER IS FINE began as a personal experiment," explains Senka Umek, AMALU's founder. "I found myself questioning why electronic music experiences were so intrinsically linked to substance use. Was the music not powerful enough on its own?"
This philosophy manifests in every aspect of the SOBER IS FINE events, from curation to environment to community guidelines. The events don't simply remove alcohol and other substances - they actively enhance elements that create natural euphoria: exceptional sound quality, thoughtful lighting design, intentional spatial arrangement and a carefully cultivated community atmosphere.
The name itself‚ SOBER IS FINE‚ embodies the understated confidence that defines these gatherings. "We didn't want to make grandiose claims about sobriety being superior or transformative," Senka notes. "The statement is intentionally modest‚ not that sober is amazing or revolutionary, but simply that it's fine. This creates permission for people to make choices based on their authentic preferences rather than social expectations."
The musical curation of SOBER IS FINE events reflects an understanding of how electronic music can create transformative experiences without chemical enhancement. Rather than simply booking popular DJs, AMALU implements a thoughtful curation philosophy that considers how music functions in a clarity-focused environment.
"We select artists who understand how to build a journey through sound," explains Senka.
Many SOBER IS FINE events incorporate live electronic elements or acoustic instruments alongside traditional DJ sets. This hybrid approach adds layers of complexity and human connection to the musical experience. For our events, we feature both established artists who align with this philosophy and emerging talents who bring fresh perspectives to conscious dance culture.
Our first event featured UTOPIA, delivering a hybrid live set with vocals, alongside CLEMEEN (Klemen Selakovič). The second, our Coffee Party, presented the SISA afro-house project supported by live drums. At our third event, the talented Brina Knauss performed a solo set.
One of the most distinctive aspects of SOBER IS FINE events is the "classy motionwear" unspoken dress code‚ a concept that directly connects AMALU's dual focus on movement apparel and conscious events. Far from being simply a marketing alignment, this dress code emerged from thoughtful consideration of how clothing affects movement, social dynamics, and personal expression in dance environments.
SOBER IS FINE events intentionally diverge from conventional nightlife timing, typically taking place during daytime or early evening hours rather than late night. This scheduling approach isn't simply a practical consideration but a stance that challenges established paradigms about when and how electronic music experiences should occur.
"The convention of electronic music events happening primarily at night emerged partly from practical considerations‚ clubs utilizing otherwise unused hours‚ and partly from the culture of altered states, where darkness and disorientation were features rather than bugs," explains Senka. "When we center clarity and conscious experience, these conventions deserve reconsideration."
Scheduling events when bodies are naturally alert rather than fighting circadian rhythms, SOBER IS FINE creates experiences that work with rather than against natural rythms. This alignment enhances both physical energy for dancing and mental presence for appreciating musical nuance.
While conventional nightlife often functions as an escape from daily reality, the timing of SOBER IS FINE events supports integration with rather than separation from everyday life. Attendees can fully immerse in the experience without creating a sharp disconnect from their broader lives.
This experience deserves to exist in the full light of day‚ it's not something to hide or segregate from 'real life' but something that can enhance and integrate with our broader existence.