Music Sound

Type of illegal party
Free party / Squat Party	Teknival
Freetekno	Sound system
Music Played at the Parties Also see Rave music
breakcore - free tekno - gabba - jungle - psychedelic trance - speedcore - terrorcore - acid techno and techno

Freeteknitians at Teknival 2004, Ontario, Canada

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.

Contents 1 Music 2 Organization 2.1 How To Host a Freetekno Party 3 Teknival 4 History 4.1 Police Clashes 5 Spirit 6 See also 7 External links 7.1 WorldWide 7.2 Europe 7.3 Canada 7.4 USA

Music

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.

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

How To Host a Freetekno Party

Freeteknitians share a Do It Yourself attitude. Let this setion 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 dangerour 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.

Teknival

Massive parties called teknivals are held across Europe and in Ontario 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, 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.

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

External links

WorldWide

• Freetekno.org
• Network 23

Europe

• Czech Freetek
• ShockRaver
• KSS

Canada

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

USA

• USA Tek-node
• Mutantfest USA Teknival
• Semi-Permanent Autonomous Zone, San Fran