This fall, MSU’s Up & Up chapter placed in the top 10 in ticket sales out of more than 100 schools. This was a big accomplishment for MSU as they competed against several West Coast schools with historically large EDM scenes and that regularly dominate the rankings. 

“We haven’t placed in the top 10 in two years, which is amazing,” said advertising management junior Ryah Dewey, a co-president of the club. “I think what really set us apart was that we did really well on our social media this year.” 

Leading up to the pre-sale competition, the club posted content aimed at all MSU students rather than just EDM fans. Gaining more than 600 Instagram followers in a couple weeks, that growth showed when pre-sale opened: the first 100 tickets, which are free, sold out in about 10 minutes. 

The club also built partnerships with other campus groups, such as the Spartan Ski Club, giving discount codes to their members and hosting joint events. 

And although MSU didn’t win the headliner, Dewey said the finish still matters. 

“Even though we didn’t win, it’s just really good to be in the top 10,” she said. “It shows people ‘Oh, MSU is really big in this.’” 

But the club offers more than just EDM music. Its 13-member team handles marketing, social media, event planning and venue bookings, which Dewey describes as the perfect launchpad for students who want to work in the music industry. 

“We really jumpstart people’s DJ careers or if they want to work in event management,” Dewey said. “We also have a great alumni network, with a lot of Up & Up alumni now working in the industry.” 

The skills also carry over for members with other plans. Journalism junior Kayla Gardner works on the club’s PR and social media. At events, she usually takes photos and talks to students. Wanting to be a sideline reporter, she said the experience has helped her with her speaking skills. 

“I’ll have to go up to strangers and tell them all about Up & Up,” Gardner said. “It has definitely made it easier to talk to people that I don’t know.” 

Finance junior Evan Mills, who is the co-president of the club, said that Up & Up has also helped him with his confidence. Having always been interested in DJing, Up & Up has given him a place to hone his skills whether that is performing at events or working with touring artists. 

“It has helped me with just growing confidence as a DJ and an artist,” Mills said. “It’s also helpful to just make sure you can get out in front of people. Like, I don’t get stage fright at this point.” 

With the fall competition over, the club plans to stay active through the winter with pop-up events, tabling and possibly Boiler Room-style parties. A spring pre-sale competition will follow, giving MSU another chance to bring a major headlining artist to campus. 

“Although we do compete, we’re still just a fun EDM group that wants to have fun,” Dewey said. “We just want to share this community.”