Freetekno
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Freeteknitians at Teknival 2004, Ontario, Canada |
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A group of friends enjoying Northtek 2005, Ontario, Canada |
Freetekno is the name for both a type of music (also known as hardtek) and a
cultural movement that is present in both
Europe and
North America.
Freetekno sound systems or tribes form in loose collectives, frequently with
anarchist philosophies. These sound systems join together to hold parties wherever a viable space can be found - typical locations include
warehouses (also known as
squat parties), fields, abandoned buildings or
forests. Because freetekno parties are usually held illegally this sometimes leads to clashes with the
police, as was the case at both the
2004 and
2005 Czechtek festivals and many other, smaller parties around the world at different times.
London in the
United Kingdom plays host to "
free parties" (term used by the squat party scene) thrown by an array of sound systems every week. A regular theme is (and always has been)
techno, although drum & bass, breakbeat and hardcore can be common. Parties will occur all over London from derelict/deserted buildings in the borough of
Hackney Wick to empty office blocks in the
City of London.
Free tekno or hardtek is also a style of music which takes elements from both
techno and
hardcore and tends to be very fast and loaded with energy.
Speedbass, speedcore and other forms of underground music can be heard at freetekno parties. Freetekno events do not always play spine-crunching, brain melting, ear-drum shattering
hardcore, though;
Psychedelic trance,
drum and bass,
Breakbeats,
world beat,
house, and many types of experimental
fusion music are also popular at freetekno events.
There is no central organizing body for freetekno sound systems or parties. It is not a specific group of people, but rather a way of living and partying that ties together diverse individuals. Sound systems start up between friends.
Trust and
respect are key elements of the scene.
Free tekno parties are likely to attract many sorts of people: ravers, punks, squatters, students. In summer, parties are planned which go on for up to one week. All artists are invited to contribute and sometimes up to eighty sound systems attend. These parties are termed
teknivals.
The atmosphere is friendly and the party goers police themselves. Racism, sexism and aggression are not tolerated. The freetekno party is a good example of a
Temporary Autonomous Zone.
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A soundsystem at Czechtek 2004 |
How To Host a Freetekno Party
Freeteknitians share a Do It Yourself attitude. Let this section be a guide on how you can throw your own Freetekno party.There are several things that you will need if you are planning a freetekno party. Have these items arranged and confirmed (to the hour) well in advance, as it is a big stress to try and arrange them the day of the event.
Location : Scout out your location well in advance. If it's an urban party, check the place out first, maybe during the day time. Consider how easily and covertly you can get possibly hundreds of ravers inside the place. Check it out for dangerous drops, equipment, electrical and fire hazards. If you can deal with them, do so, otherwise use caution tape to secure them. If your location is in a forest or park, scout it out to make sure it's not all muddy.; Map Point : Arrange a map point for people to meet at on the way to the party. Consider accessibility, perhaps place your map point along a transit route. Provide a link to
Mapquest or
Google Maps. Don't release your location or map point until 24 hours before the event. This discourages pushers and police from showing up and ruining your fun.
Power Source : The most popular power sources are gas-fired generators, like the kind a person may buy for use at a cottage. Gas generators typically provide the most power, and are thus preferred by most soundsystems. They are not the only alternative, though, many soundsystems run off of discarded car batteries. The downside to this is the weight and bulk of your power source. There are even some soundsystems out there that are run by bicycle power; Speakers : Obviously if you want to make noise, you'll need speakers. Powered speakers are ideal as they don't require an amp, but old amps are easy to come by anyways. If you don't have speakers you can rent them from music stores in your area. Be on the lookout for discarded speakers, as well. They may still be salvageable.
DJ equipment : If you want DJs to play, you'll need at least two turntables, a mixer (use a durable one) and all the necessary cables;Transportation : You'll need to haul all this stuff around, somehow. Arrange a ride well in advance. Be certain that your ride is available to haul the equipment to the party and back the next morning. Know your driver. Make sure the driver isn't intoxicated.
Decoration : Good decorations make the difference between a good party and a great party. Don't let this slip past you. Make your decorations weeks in advance.Massive parties called
teknivals are held across
Europe and in
Ontario/
Quebec every year, many of which attract thousands of people and can last a week or longer. Some feel that teknivals echo prehistoric rituals, and provide an experience greater than the sum of its parts.
The freetekno movement appeared in first half of the
1990s and is currently very strong in
France,
Czech Republic,
Slovak Republic,
Italy,
Netherlands,
Great Britain,
Spain,
Italy,
Germany,
Austria,
Poland and
Canada.
Police Clashes
More recently, the 12th annual teknival in the Czech Republic, known as
Czechtek, was broken up by Czech police ([
1]), leaving 50 citizens and police injured. The organisers of the festival are going to appeal to the Czech courts and protests were held in the aftermath in
Prague. It was reported by various press that Czech Police were refusing entry at their borders to people suspected of going to the Tekinival. This refusal of entry was based upon looks, clothing and what car was being driven. Clearly breaching an array of European Law in the process.
Freetekno parties are known for their strong community and positive attitude. The people who throw these parties are usually putting themselves at great financial and legal risk, and are expecting nothing but a good time in return.
The majority of freetekno attendees understand this, and attempt to make the party as safe, comfortable and enjoyable as they can. There are exceptions to this, however, but the general attitude of freeteknitians is to allow people to be themselves.
Freeteknitians come from a wide variety of backgrounds. They have diverse political and religious beliefs and economic resources. Some generalities can be observed: Freeteknitians are often
anarchists.
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Free party*
Free tekno*
Teknival*
Sound system (DJ)WorldWide
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Freetekno.org*
Network 23Europe
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Czech Freetek*
ShockRaver*
KSS*
Squat JuiceCanada
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Freetekno Toronto*
Northtek - Teknival Ontario*
Free23 Wiki (Toronto)*
Neurotik Sound System (Montreal Freetek Collective)USA
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USA Tek-node*
Mutantfest USA Teknival*
Semi-Permanent Autonomous Zone, San Fran
