Unconventional, autonomously operated political gatherings distancing themselves from established nightclubs
In the vibrant heart of Paris, a hidden world pulsates with energy and defiance, far from the glitz and glamour of mainstream nightlife. This is the political underground electronic music scene, a clandestine network of self-managed events that transform derelict urban spaces into a playground in motion.
The scene, as portrayed in a recent article, is a tight-knit community of young techno fans and creatives, who gather in secret locations - warehouses, underground parking lots, and factories - to celebrate music, art, and political expression outside the mainstream club culture.
Toto and Origami, two key figures in this scene, initially found their footing in the punk concert circuit. They now run self-organized parties that, despite being considered illegal gatherings, attract a diverse crowd. Toto views these events as "extremely political" compared to clubs, while Origami, a film student, claims to adhere to the political values of these gatherings.
Ades, a 30-year-old individual, ventures into an unknown alley in Paris, guided by a secret address. Early arrivals at the event are dressed in wide pants and black sweatshirts, setting the tone for the night. As Ades descends a floor using a provided ladder, a banner of radical leftism, the red and black flag of Anti-Fascist Action, looms above Origami's head.
The events are planned over weeks by small collectives, with locations revealed only on the day via secure apps like Signal to avoid police intervention. The gatherings resist growing repression by authorities, emphasizing privacy and collective resistance.
At these parties, music is diverse and experimental, ranging from techno to rap to poetry performances and artistic speeches. One musician described using homemade masks and incorporating natural sound recordings, highlighting an artistic and political dimension beyond just dancing.
Interviewees sell urbex (urban exploration) merchandise, reflecting an engagement with abandoned urban environments not just as party spaces but as cultural and symbolic sites. The scene interweaves techno culture with a form of political underground resistance and a DIY ethos.
Toto and Origami run the event's merchandise stand, selling items such as stickers, urbex photos, event posters, and resin objects containing insects. This merchandising aspect is a significant part of the subculture, reflecting the scene's creative and political expression.
In this world, secrecy and community-led organization are key. Photography is prohibited, and historically, word-of-mouth and hotlines were used to keep these gatherings secret. The scene is dynamic, evolving, and inventive, with an emphasis on community, creativity, and defiance of mainstream commercial nightlife.
The political underground electronic scene in Paris is a testament to the power of community, creativity, and resistance. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can find a way to express itself, to dance, and to create.
- The political underground electronic music scene in Paris, away from mainstream nightlife, is a community of young techno fans and creatives who gather in secret locations for music, art, and political expression.
- Toto and Origami, key figures in the scene, initially found their footing in the punk concert circuit and now run self-organized parties, attracting a diverse crowd despite being labeled as illegal gatherings.
- At these secret events, music is diverse and experimental, encompassing techno, rap, poetry, and art speeches, with one musician incorporating homemade masks and natural sound recordings.
- Urbex merchandise is sold at these gatherings, reflecting an engagement with abandoned urban environments as cultural and symbolic sites, interweaving techno culture with political underground resistance and a DIY ethos.
- Photography is prohibited, and secrecy and community-led organization are key aspects of this dynamic, evolving scene that emphasizes community, creativity, and defiance of mainstream commercial nightlife, serving as a reminder of the human spirit's resilience and expression.
