Freetekno

Freeteknitians at Teknival 2004, Ontario, Canada

A group of friends enjoying Northtek 2005, Ontario, Canada

For the article on the music genre, see Free tekno.

Freetekno is the name of 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 to empty office blocks in the City of London.

Music

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, Electro, world beat, house, and many types of experimental fusion music are also popular at freetekno events.

Organization

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.

A soundsystem at Czechtek 2004

Teknival

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.

History

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, Germany, Austria, Poland, Canada and Cascadia - the US Pacific Northwest.

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 Teknival. This refusal of entry was based upon looks, clothing and what car was being driven, potentially amounting to a breach of some European laws.

Spirit

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.

See also

• List of free party sound systems
• Free party
• Free tekno
• Teknival
• Sound system (DJ)

External links

WorldWide

• Freetekno.org
• Network 23

Europe

• Czech Freetek
• KSS
• Squat Juice
• Party Vibe
• Underave

Canada

• Freetekno Toronto
• Northtek - Teknival Ontario
• Free23 Wiki (Toronto)
• Neurotik Sound System (Montreal Freetek Collective)

USA

• Mutantfest USA Teknival
• Semi-Permanent Autonomous Zone, San Fran
• Pirate Audio
• PAN-ZEN Konspiracy Nettwyrk, PDX